Mental Health First Aid Basic
A two day class to provide the skills and knowledge to help people better manage potential or developing mental health problems in themselves, a family member, a friend or a colleague.
Mental Health First Aid Fact Sheet
Download Mental Health First Aid Fact Sheet
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is the help provided to a person developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis. Just as physical first aid is administered to an injured person before medical treatment can be obtained, MHFA is given until appropriate treatment is found or until the crisis is resolved.
For additional information about Mental Health First Aid - see our About Mental Health First Aid Page
Duration
2 days 12 Hours (excluding breaks).
Instructor
Certified Mental Health First Aid Instructor
Prerequisite
Minimum age 18 years.
Course Content
The course addresses four of the most common and most stigmatized mental health disorders and includes signs/symptoms, risk factors, and crisis first aid for specific situations:
- Substance-Related Disorders
- Crisis First Aid for Overdose
- Mood-Related Disorders
- Crisis First Aid for Suicidal Behaviour
- Anxiety and Trauma-related Disorders
- Crisis First Aid for Panic Attack
- Crisis First Aid for Acute Stress Reaction
- Psychotic Disorders
- Crisis First Aid for Psychotic Episode
Additional sections are included in specific courses:
- Self-Injury Behaviour (Adults who Interact with Youth, Northern, and Inuit courses)
- Eating Disorders (Adults who Interact with Youth)
- Delirium (Seniors)
- Dementia (Seniors)
MHFA does not teach participants to become therapists or counsellors. Rather, it provides the skills, knowledge, and attitudes that allow someone to offer effective first aid intervention.
Participant Materials
- Mental Health First Aid manual
- Participation certificate.
Frequently asked questions about Mental Health First Aid
For general questions about certifications, payments, etc. See our comprehensive FAQ page.
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is the help provided to a person developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis. Just as physical first aid is administered to an injured person before medical treatment can be obtained, MHFA is given until appropriate treatment is found or until the crisis is resolved.
For additional information, please see our About Mental Health First Aid page.
Here are five good reasons:
- Improve employee morale and retention
- Reduce absenteeism
- Reduce medical and disability costs
- Reduce stigma around mental health issues
- Show your employees that you care about them
Mental Health First Aid was created in Australia in 2001 by Professor Tony Jorm, a respected mental health literacy professor, and Betty Kitchener, a nurse specializing in health education. The program was started at the ORYGEN Research Centre at the University of Melbourne, Australia.
Yes. Mental Health First Aid began in Australia and, to date, it has been adapted and provided in 21 countries. MHFA is in Bermuda, Cambodia, Canada, China, England, Finland, Hong Kong, Ireland, Japan, Nepal, New Zealand, Northern Ireland, Portugal, Saudi Arabia, Scotland, Singapore, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Sweden, United States, and Wales.
MHFA Canada’s vision is of every Canadian in need being within reach of effective mental health first aid. We expect that Mental Health First Aid will become as common as CPR and Physical First Aid training.
Mental Health First Aid is intended for all Canadians. Since 2007, MHFA has been offered in every sector and region of the country, encompassing friends and families of individuals with a mental illness or addiction, workplaces, primary care, secondary and post-secondary educational institutions, government, construction, youth and community development programs, first responders, and many others.
MHFA Canada is available in both of Canada’s official languages—English and French.
Here are five good reasons:
- Improve employee morale and retention
- Reduce absenteeism
- Reduce medical and disability costs
- Reduce stigma around mental health issues
- Show your employees that you care about them
If you want to save money and have a happier, more productive workforce, get your employees trained in Mental Health First Aid. We can teach a private class at your workplace or you can register your employees on one of our public classes in Coquitlam.
After you have completed your Mental Health First Aid course, your instructor will submit the course roster to the Mental Health Commission (MHCC). MHCC will email you an invite link that includes a short survey and a request to provide your mailing address. Once MHCC receives this information, a certificate will be mailed to you. This process takes about 4-6 weeks.
Check your spam folder. MHCC sends 3-4 reminders. If you still can’t find an email from MHCC please let us know and we will ask your instructor to contact MHCC on your behalf.