Mental Health First Aid Course

What you'll learn

Learn how to provide effective mental health first aid with our communication short courses in Sydney!

This accredited Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) course will give you the confidence and skills to support someone experiencing a mental health problem or crisis — whether it's a friend, colleague, or family member.

One in five Australians experiences a mental health problem each year, yet many people feel unsure how to offer support. This course helps you recognise the signs of common mental health conditions and equips you with practical tools to approach someone, start a safe conversation, and guide them towards professional help.

Developed by Mental Health First Aid Australia, this evidence-based training empowers everyday adults to respond effectively and reduce stigma in their communities. You'll learn how to offer first aid support for depression, anxiety, psychosis, PTSD, and substance use, and how to assist in crisis situations using the MHFA action plan.

Upon completion, you can choose to take a short online assessment to become an accredited Mental Health First Aider, recognised nationwide.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this Mental Health First Aid course, you should be able to:

• Recognise signs and symptoms of common mental health conditions in adults
• Offer initial support for depression, anxiety, psychosis, PTSD and substance use disorder
• Provide mental health first aid in crisis situations using the ALGEE action plan
• Guide someone towards appropriate professional help
• Understand what support strategies are evidence-based and effective
• Actively reduce stigma by addressing myths and misunderstandings

Course content

What will be covered in this Mental Health First Aid course?

• Mental health in Australia: stats, stigma and support
• Depression and anxiety
• Substance use disorder and co-occurring conditions
• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• Crisis situations and how to respond using MHFA skill

Intended audience

Who is this Mental Health First Aid course for?

This course is suitable for any adult who wants to confidently support someone experiencing mental health challenges — whether at home, in the workplace, or in the community. No prior training is required.

Many workplaces now value trained Mental Health First Aiders as part of creating a mentally healthy environment.

Note: This course is not suitable for those under 18 and is not a therapy group.

Course venue

Rozelle Campus

2A Gordon Street, Rozelle NSW 2039 (corner of Gordon St & Victoria Rd on the grounds of St. Joseph's Church)

Course materials

Please bring to class

• Pen and paper or tablet for note-taking

Materials provided

• Digital handouts covering course content

Additional information

Please note: 

While this is not a therapeutic course, the facilitator is trained to support participants if any material causes distress