Mental Health First Aid Course

Learn how to assist individuals experiencing mental health issues

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) develops strategies to provide initial support to adults who are developing a mental illness or experiencing a mental health crisis. Much like physical first aid, mental health first aid is given until the person receives professional help.

This two-day mental health course is delivered under the authority of Mental Health First Aid Australia, by MHFA accredited instructors. The qualification will support individuals in professions at risk of developing mental illness, enabling workplaces to develop practical, evidence-based action plans until appropriate professional help is received.

Why study with Breakthru?

As experts in the community services industry, we’ll teach you how to safely deliver mental health first aid in a range of different settings, including both disability, aged and healthcare settings.

Our MHFA accredited instructors have decades of experience supporting individuals with mental health challenges, and can teach you how to apply the MHFA framework to your workplace or individual circumstance.

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Course overview

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Course Duration

2 Days

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Delivery Method

Classroom or Online (Blended)

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Total Number of Units

1

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Price

$329 per person

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Certificates

Upon completion students will receive a Certificate of Accreditation from Mental Health First Aid Australia, valid for three years.

The Benefits

This unit will empower students with the skills and knowledge they need to recognise, understand, and respond to an adult experiencing a mental health problem. Based on guidelines developed by an expert consensus of people with lived in experience of mental illness and professionals, this qualification aims to educate students as we work towards better suicide prevention and mental health as a community. This unit will help students gain skills in:

Recognise warning signs

Learn to quickly identify early warning signs of mental health issues, enabling timely intervention and support. Act promptly to provide assistance before the situation worsens.

Understand evidence based treatments

Master the latest evidence-based treatments for mental health conditions, ensuring you can recommend the most effective care options. Take informed actions to support individuals with proven treatment strategies.

Support people experiencing mental health challenges

Equip yourself with the skills to actively support individuals facing mental health challenges, fostering a compassionate environment. Engage effectively to make a significant impact on their recovery journey.

Effectively respond to a mental health crisis

Develop the competence to respond swiftly and appropriately to mental health crises, providing immediate and effective assistance. Manage emergencies with confidence, ensuring safety and support for those in need.

The Mental Health First Aid course was an outstanding experience for our Family Mental Health team. This high-quality training equipped us to confidently identify and support clients experiencing a range of mental health issues, including during and after a crisis, all while ensuring our own safety. I would highly recommend this course to anyone in the mental health industry looking to empower their team members and enhance their ability to support clients.

Olivia Matreja

FMHSS Team Leader

Mental Health by Industry

Construction Industry

With over 1.18 million people employed in the construction industry in Australia, the workforce is one of the highest valued sectors in the nation, worth more than $202 billion. The industry faces a number of challenges, specifically across the mental health field with its long hours, gender gap, and inflexibility causing alarming new realities.

Did you know:

People working in construction are twice as likely to commit suicide?
The cost of mental ill health is $643 million and the cost of higher incidence in male construction workers is $533 million?
Women make up only 12% of the industry due to inability to attract and retain female talent?

References

Published by Statista Research Department and 3, J. (2023) Australia: Employment in construction industry 2025, Statista.

Plus, P. (2021) Construction industry’s cultural issues cost $8 billion annually, Culture in Construction.

Healthcare Industry

As the Australian healthcare industry continues to grow, with over 110,500 new professionals over the past 5 years, issues of long hours, shortages, and verbal abuse in the workplace continue to plague the sector. The ongoing Covid-19 pandemic has also taken its toll, with healthcare professionals across the world caring for patients on the front line, resulting in unprecedented pressure on facilities and resources.

Did you know:

That between 35% and 54% of nurses and doctor have symptoms of burnout?
Male doctors are 40% more likely to die from suicide then other men?
Approximately 24% of clinicians suffer from anxiety disorder?

References

Harvey, S.B. et al. (2021) Mental illness and suicide among physicians, The Lancet. Elsevier.

Akhtar, A. (no date) Some of the jobs most at risk for suicide and depression are the most important to society. here’s a rundown of mental-health risks for doctors, childcare workers, first responders, and more., Business Insider. Business Insider.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Mental Health First Aid?

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is a training program that teaches individuals how to recognize the signs and symptoms of mental health issues, provide initial help, and guide a person towards appropriate professional support. This training is crucial for addressing mental health crises and providing timely support to those in need.

Are there any prerequisites for enrolling in a Mental Health First Aid course?

No specific prerequisites are required to enrol in our Mental Health First Aid course. Students will require access to a computer and an internet connection to access pre-reading and reflection exercises. All other necessary materials will be provided at our in-person workshops.

Who should consider taking a Mental Health First Aid course?

Anyone interested in enhancing their understanding of mental health and supporting others can benefit from this training. It is particularly valuable for individuals working in healthcare, education, social services, human resources, and community support roles.

Why is Mental Health First Aid important?

Mental health issues are widespread, with significant impacts on individuals and communities. According to the World Health Organization, one in four people will be affected by mental or neurological disorders at some point in their lives. MHFA training equips people with the skills to provide immediate support, potentially saving lives and promoting recovery.

How soon can I start a Mental Health First Aid course?

As this course is delivered primarily in a face-to-face environment, the start date may vary based on trainer and venue availability. Our trainers can come to you and deliver training at your workplace or in an agreed community venue. Please get in touch for more information.

Do I need to complete any practical work as part of the Mental Health First Aid course?

Since the MHFA course is non-accredited, there is no mandatory work placement required. However, participants are encouraged to apply their new skills in real-world settings to reinforce their learning and make a positive impact in their communities.

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