Key Facts
2 Days Face-to-face
Online
In-Person
Blended
Course Overview
Approximately 20% of Australian adults experience a common mental illness each year. Completing a Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Course will help you to develop the skills to support a friend, family member or co-worker.
In this informative and practical course, you will learn about the signs and symptoms of common and disabling mental health problems in adults, 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 mental health first aid in a crisis situation using a practical, evidence-based action plan.
Mental health first aid skills learnt by participants in this course can be applied in any setting. Course content includes case-studies, videos and resources tailored to the learning needs of community/public course participants.
Content was clear, engaging and easily comprehendible. I think the trainer summed up hours’ worth of my psychology degree in 5hrs and went beyond by giving me the confidence to apply it. I have already recommended this course!
Mental Health First Aid Training Can Make a Difference
Research has shown that MHFA training is associated with:
Knowledge: improved knowledge of mental illnesses, their treatments and appropriate first aid strategies.
Confidence: confidence in providing first aid to a person experiencing a mental health problem.
De-Stigmatising: decreases in stigmatising attitudes.
Increased Support: increases in the amount and type of support provided to others.
Learn how you can assist someone developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis and make a real difference to your community.
What does this course offer?
This course covers common and disabling mental health problems and crisis situations. Participants learn how to apply mental health first aid to adults across a range of situations, including:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Psychosis
- Substance use problems
- Suicidal thoughts and behaviours
- Panic attacks
- Non-suicidal self-injury
- Traumatic events
Upon completion of this course participants will be able to:
- Recognise the signs and symptoms of mental health problems in adults,
- Use an evidence-based action plan to initiate a mental health first aid conversation,
- Know the barriers to help-seeking and how to overcome these,
- Assess for a range of crisis situations and provide initial support,
- Understand the prevalence and impact of mental illnesses, risk factors and treatments and supports available,
- Apply self-care practices as a Mental Health First Aider.
Course Structure
The 12-hour MHFA course can be delivered in 1 of 3 ways, teaching adults (18 years and over) how to provide initial support to adults who are developing a mental illness or experiencing a mental health crisis.
- Face-to-face: 2 x 6-hour sessions over 2 days
- Blended Face-to-Face: Self-paced eLearning (5-7 hours), followed by a 4-hour face-to-face session
- Blended Online: Self-paced eLearning (5-7 hours), followed by 2 x 2.5-hour videoconferencing sessions
Participants can also complete the short assessment at the end of a course to become an Accredited Mental Health First Aider (MHFAider). Accreditation is valid for 3 years and can be renewed with the Refresher course, also available at Cairnmillar.
All sessions are led by an MHFA trained and Licensed Instructor.
Upcoming Course Dates
Delivery: Face-to-face
Dates: Thursday 5th and Friday 6th September 2024
Time: 9.00am – 4.00pm, both days
Location: 391-393 Tooronga Road, Hawthorn East VIC 3123
Additional course dates will be released soon. To be notified for when enrolments are open, please submit your interest here.
Please note, this course is subject to receiving a minimum number of enrolments. We will email all registered attendees as soon as possible if changes are required. In this case, a free course transfer will also be available to an alternative course date, or a full refund of the course minus any platform ticketing fees.
Our Trainers
Dr Renzo Vittorino
Renzo is the Deputy Director of Clinical Services at the Cairnmillar Institute and has extensive leadership and clinical experience spanning over 30 years. Renzo has experience in working with individual and families, community, and organisational development. Renzo has extensive experience in the development and delivery of programs and training in trauma informed practice including the recently implemented Trauma Informed Leadership Program delivered to managers of Area Mental Health Services in Victoria in partnership with Centre for Mental Health Learning and Department of Health.
Further Information
Fees
Our course fees are inclusive of GST. Course fees include a hard copy course manual and a certificate of accreditation if participating in the exam.
Face-to-Face
Standard Enrolment: $295
Concession*: $265.50
External Students or Cairnmillar Alumni: $200
Cairnmillar Student: $85
Blended Face-to-Face or Online Delivery
Standard Enrolment: $275
Concession*: $247.50
External Students or Cairnmillar Alumni: $220
Cairnmillar Student: $200
*Our programs attract a 10% concession for health care card holders, pensioners and people receiving benefits. Those applying for concessions must provide a copy (photo evidence is accepted) of their social security card, or health care card together with their application, via email to [email protected].
FAQ
Cairnmillar can offer this or other tailored courses for your organisation’s needs. If you have a group of 10 or more participants, we can come to you. For further information, email the Professional Development Team at [email protected] or phone 03 9813 3400.
From workshops, guest speakers, conferences and seminars, there's always something to do and experience at CMI.
Our Vocational Education and Training (VET) Centre offers a suite of flexible, applied learning options that can be tailored to meet workplace needs.
Upgrade your career skills and deepen your knowledge of mental health, leadership and business subject areas, with flexible microcredential and single subject enrolment.
We have several pathways for people to become psychologists, counsellors, psychotherapists and mental health workers. Find your pathway and unlock your future.