COVID-19 Alert: We are currently at GREEN traffic light level - there is no restriction for coming to hospital to receive healthcare. Visitors are currently welcome at Metro South Health facilities, and are asked to help keep patients safe by maintaining physical distancing where possible and practising hand hygiene. See visitor restrictions and the latest Queensland Government information. [18 January 2023].
Mental Health First Aid
Mental health problems can affect anyone in the community and inaccurate and stigmatising attitudes towards people with mental illness are common. Many people lack the knowledge, skills, and confidence to support a friend, family member or co-worker experiencing a mental health problem, including how to approach someone and start a safe conversation.
Metro South Addiction and Mental Health Services (MSAMHS) offer Mental Health First Aid courses to help people develop skills in this area. Our training;and the curriculum of all advertised courses are developed by MHFA Australia and delivered by MHFA accredited and experienced trainers, employed within Metro South Addiction and Mental Health Services.
Courses we provide
Mental Health First Aid
The 12-hour Standard Mental Health First Aid course teaches people (18 years and over) how to offer initial support to adults who are developing a mental health problem, experiencing a worsening of an existing mental health problem or in a mental health crisis, until appropriate professional help is received or the crisis resolves. The course curriculum is evidence-based, as informed by the MHFA Guidelines.
Course content
Course participants learn about the signs and symptoms of the common and disabling mental health problems, how to provide initial help, where and how to get professional help, what sort of help has been shown by research to be effective, and how to provide first aid in a crisis situation.
Developing mental health problems covered are:
- Depression
- Anxiety problems
- Psychosis
- Substance use problems.
Mental health crisis situations covered are:
- Suicidal thoughts and behaviours
- Non-suicidal self-injury (sometimes called deliberate self-harm)
- Panic attacks
- Traumatic events
- Severe effects of drug or alcohol use
- Severe psychotic states
- Aggressive behaviours.
Course format
This is a 12 hour course, which can be delivered as either:
- A two day training package (6 hours per day), OR
- As four separate training modules (3 hours each)
Course participants receive a copy of the Standard MHFA Manual to keep and a Certificate of Completion.
Who can do MHFA?
Any interested adult can attend. Please note this course is not a therapy or support group, rather it is an education course to learn how to give first aid to others.
Become an Accredited Mental Health First Aider
Participants who complete this training are eligible to complete an online Accreditation Assessment in order to receive a Mental Health First Aider Certificate of Accreditation valid for 3 years. Learn more.
Claim CPD Points
Most professionals can claim attendance at a MHFA course for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) with their industry body.
The Standard Mental Health First Aid Course has been endorsed for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points for a number of professions.
Course details
Please contact Education_msamhs@health.qld.gov.au for more information
Last updated 4 November 2021
Last reviewed 2 August 2018