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.

MHFA training teaches people how to:

• Recognize the signs and symptoms of mental health problems.
• Provide initial help.
• Guide a person towards appropriate professional help.

Mental Health First Aid Basic (MHFA Basic) is a 12 hour course, split over two consecutive days, focusing on adults interacting with adults in all environments.

The course discusses the following mental disorders:

• Substance related disorders
• Mood related disorders
• Anxiety and trauma related disorders
• Psychotic disorders

Crisis first aid skills for the following situations are learned:

• Substance overdose
• Suicidal behavior
• Panic attack
• Acute stress reaction
• Psychotic episode

Who should take a Mental Health First Aid Basic course?

Everyone! Anyone can benefit from Mental Health First Aid Basic training. Families affected by mental health problems, teachers, health service providers, emergency workers, frontline workers who deal with the public, volunteers, human resources professionals, employers, managers, employees and community groups are just a some of the groups who have benefited from MHFA Basic training.

Find out more about MHFA Basic training and the Mental Health Commission of Canada by visiting their website here.

Course Duration

12 hour course, split over two consecutive days

*Class size minimum is 10 participants.