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Standard MHFA for Tertiary Students

The Standard Mental Health First Aid for Tertiary Students course teaches students how to provide initial support to another adult who may be experiencing a mental health problem or mental health crisis, until professional help is received or the crisis resolves. 

Students learn about the signs and symptoms of common mental health problems in students and other adults, how to recognise and respond to an emerging or worsening mental health problem, and the treatments and supports available. 

Using a practical, evidence-based action plan, students learn how to approach someone they are concerned about and initiate a conversation about those concerns. Students also learn how to offer initial support and information and how to encourage the person to seek professional help or other supports.

Students who complete the course become Mental Health First Aiders (MHFAiders), equipped with the knowledge, confidence, and skills to provide someone with mental health information and support when it matters most.

This course is recognised by Suicide Prevention Australia as a safe, high-quality, and effective suicide prevention program. Learn more.

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Why Choose Mental Health First Aid Training?

Well-being (1,2)

MHFA training has been identified as a key action that supports a mentally healthy workplace and positively impacts on the mental health of employees in the workplace.

International Recognition


The Mental Health First Aid Program has been recognised with a number of Australian and international awards, including the TheMHS Medal. It has been recognised in the UK as an example of radical efficiency and has been listed in the USA by Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) on their National Registry of Evidence-based Programs and Practices (NREPP).

​Lived Experience

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Australia is committed to telling the stories of people with lived experiences of mental health problems.


MHFA courses are based on the expert consensus, of people with lived experience of mental health problems and mental health professionals.

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View Andrew's MHFA profile on this link.

What is covered in an MHFA course?


Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) courses are based on evidence of what is best practice mental health first aid to support someone who has a mental health problem or is experiencing a mental health crisis. This evidence has been developed in partnership with the University of Melbourne, through developing Delphi method guidelines that cover a number of mental health problems, crises and in different contexts. All MHFA courses are then evaluated, using rigorous scientific methods, to ensure they are having a positive impact.

 

These evaluations consistently show that MHFA training is associated with improved knowledge of mental illnesses and their treatments, knowledge of appropriate first aid strategies, and confidence in providing first aid to individuals with mental illness, benefits which are maintained over time. Some studies have also shown improved mental health in those who attend the training, decreases in stigmatising attitudes and increases in the amount and type of support provided to others.

Evidence-based Courses

Mental Health First Aider Accreditation

This course covers common and disabling mental health problems and crisis situations. Participants learn how to apply mental health first aid to adults across a range of situations, including: 

  • Depression 

  • Anxiety 

  • Psychosis 

  • Substance use problems 

  • Suicidal thoughts and behaviours 

  • Panic attacks 

  • Non suicidal self-injury 

  • Traumatic events 

  • Eating disorders

People who attend Mental Health First Aid training can complete an online assessment to be accredited as a Mental Health First Aider.

 

The accreditation is valid for three years.

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MHFA Officers

Just like appointing physical first aid officers, many organisations choose to appoint accredited Mental Health First Aiders to the role of Mental Health First Aid officer within the workplace.

 

Mental Health First Aid Officers are appointed and supported to:

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• Provide mental health first aid within their worksite

• Escalate any matters in a prompt and appropriate fashion according to relevant organisational policy and procedures.

Pricing


Cost: $225 per person and includes eLearning

Contact us for pricing to come to your workplace and provide Mental Health First Aid training

References

1. pwc. Creating a mentally healthy workplace: Return on investment analysis. Sydney; 2014
2. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. The burden of disease and injury in Australia, 2015. Canberra; 2019


                                                 
                                                 

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