Mental Health First Aid Courses

Mental Health First Aid Training

What is Mental Health First Aid and how do we teach it?

Akin to our expectation of physical first aid, Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is the help given to someone where there is concern that they may be developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis.

The two-day accredited MHFA course teaches participants about common mental health issues and has been found to increase their knowledge, awareness and skills. Upon completion of the course, some organisations have introduced Mental Health First Aid Officers, in the same way they have First Aid Officers.

Tailored workplace scenarios, exercises and video training materials are used to assist learning so that participants complete the program with greater confidence and ability to help. Simple communication and engagement strategies, based on international evidence, are taught that allow the Mental Health First Aider to provide support and information, encourage the person to seek appropriate professional help, and promote the use of other supports.

Whilst the program is offered over two days, this can be structured in a number of ways. All participants receive a copy of the MHFA Manual and a Certificate of Completion. Participants can also complete an online competency assessment following the course and will receive a 3-year accreditation.

There is also a 4-hour refresher course which allows people who have previously completed the two-day accredited Mental Health First Aid course to refresh their knowledge and skills. For people who are Accredited MHFAiders, this refresher course offers an opportunity to extend their accreditation for a further 3 years.

What is a Mentally Healthy Workplace?

A mentally healthy workplace minimises harm and promotes protective factors for all employees, providing them with an open and supportive environment that promotes positive cultures conducive to mental wellbeing, as well as physical health and wellbeing.

How does mental health affect businesses?

Mental health conditions are estimated to cost Australian businesses $11 billion annually. A recent study conducted by PWC estimates that every dollar spent on creating a Mentally Healthy Workplace will create a return on investment of $2.30. Not to mention the positive impact these initiatives will have on individuals, employee engagement and workplace culture.

Mental Health First Aid Course Details

Mental Health First Aid Course (Online)

We are excited to say that a fully remote version of our Mental Health First Aid training is now available.

Mental Health First Aid Course (In-person)

In this two-day course, participants learn the signs and symptoms of mental health problems, where and how to get help and what sort of help has been shown by research to be effective. The program is offered over two days and covers four modules. All participants receive a copy of the MHFA Manual and a Certificate of Completion.

Module 1:

  • Mental Illness: the prevalence and impact
  • Mental Illness intervention techniques
  • Depression- the signs, symptoms and the risk factors
  • How to intervene when you see signs of depression?

Module 3:

  • Crisis first aid for panic attacks
  • Crisis first aid after traumatic events
  • First aid for anxiety problems
  • Psychosis: the signs, symptoms and the risk factors
  • How to intervene when you see signs of psychosis?

Module 2:

  • Crisis first aid for suicidal thoughts and behaviours
  • Crisis first aid for non-suicidal self-injury
  • First aid for depression
  • Anxiety: the signs, symptoms and the risk factors
  • How to intervene when you see signs of anxiety?

Module 4:

  • Crisis first aid for severe psychotic states
  • First aid for psychosis
  • Substance misuse: the signs, symptoms and the risk factors
  • How to intervene when you see signs of substance abuse?
  • Crisis first aid for severe effects of substance use
  • Crisis first aid for aggressive behaviour
  • First aid for substance use problems

The question is, when will you start the mental health conversation in your workplace?”

Melbourne

Mental Health First Aid – 2-day course
Cost: $595 per person excl. GST
Date: TBA

Sydney

Mental Health First Aid – 2-day course
Cost: $595 per person excl. GST
Date: TBC

Perth

Mental Health First Aid – 2-day course
Cost: $595 per person excl. GST
Date: TBA

Mental Health Courses Locations

Bodycare runs a variety of Mental Health courses throughout the year in Melbourne and Sydney. Find out more about course locations by clicking on the links below.

Alternatively, if you are interested in running a Mental Health First Aid course for your employees, Bodycare can tailor a program to suit your organisation’s needs. To register your interest, click the button below.

Contact us now to learn more about our Mental Health and Wellbeing Services