The Mental Health First Aid course in Australia equips individuals with the skills to recognise and respond to early signs of mental health issues and crises. Just as physical first aid prepares people to respond to injuries, MHFA training empowers participants to support someone experiencing mental distress until professional help is available.

Developed in Australia in 2000 by Betty Kitchener AM and Professor Tony Jorm, the program has become a globally recognised, evidence-based training course delivered in over 25 countries. In Australia, it remains the gold standard for promoting mental health literacy and fostering supportive workplace conversations.

Overview of the Mental Health First Aid Course in Australia

The Mental Health First Aid course in Australia teaches participants how to:

• Identify and understand signs of mental health problems
• Respond effectively to someone in distress or crisis
• Support individuals until professional help is received

The training is structured around the ALGEE Action Plan, a step-by-step guide for assisting someone developing a mental health problem or experiencing a crisis.

ALGEE stands for:

• Approach, assess and assist with any crisis
• Listen and communicate non-judgmentally
• Give support and information
• Encourage appropriate professional help
• Encourage other supports

Learn more on the official MHFA website: MHFA Australia

Typical MHFA Course Content

Depending on the version (Standard, Workplace, Youth, or Teen), the course generally covers:

• Common mental health conditions: depression, anxiety, panic attacks, psychosis, substance use, and trauma
• Recognising early warning signs and behavioural changes
• Providing initial support and reassurance to someone experiencing distress
• Managing crisis situations such as suicidal thoughts, self-harm, panic attacks, and aggression
• Encouraging professional help from GPs, psychologists, or counsellors
• Maintaining your own mental wellbeing while supporting others

Courses are delivered over two full days face-to-face or four shorter online sessions.

Benefits of Completing the Mental Health First Aid Course in Australia

For Individuals:

• Build confidence in having difficult mental health conversations
• Reduce stigma and misunderstanding about mental illness
• Recognise early signs and intervene before issues escalate
• Gain practical tools to respond in a crisis

For Workplaces:

• Support compliance with the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) and state regulations for psychosocial hazards
• Foster a culture of care, inclusion, and open communication
• Help managers and team leaders respond to staff showing signs of stress, burnout, or mental ill-health
• Contribute to an organisation’s psychological safety and wellbeing strategy

If your workplace is considering the Mental Health First Aid course in Australia, you can contact our team for guidance or bookings through our CHD Partners Contact Us page

Limitations of the Course

While MHFA provides a strong foundation, it is important to note:

• It does not train participants to diagnose or provide therapy
• Effectiveness relies on ongoing practice; skills may fade if not regularly used
• It is not a substitute for professional mental health services or organisational wellbeing programs

Workplaces should maintain clear referral pathways, such as Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) or access to medical professionals.

Who Should Complete the Mental Health First Aid Course in Australia?

The course is suitable for any adult, but especially beneficial for:

• Supervisors and managers to support staff wellbeing
• HR and safety personnel responsible for early intervention and policy development
• Team leaders and mentors who notice behavioural changes in colleagues
• Customer-facing staff in hospitality or retail who may encounter distressed members of the public
• Educators, coaches, and community volunteers working with young or vulnerable individuals

Many organisations are training staff as Mental Health First Aid Officers, similar to physical first aid officers, as part of broader wellbeing strategies.

Final Thoughts

The Mental Health First Aid course in Australia empowers people to act with confidence and compassion when someone is struggling. While it does not replace professional counselling, it equips participants to start supportive conversations that can make a life-changing difference.

Investing in MHFA training demonstrates a genuine commitment to a safe and caring workplace, fulfilling both legal and moral obligations to protect employees’ mental health.

Reference

Mental Health First Aid Australia. (2024). Mental Health First Aid Course Overview. Retrieved from https://mhfa.com.au