Mental health first aid is the help provided to a person who is developing a mental health problem, or who is in a mental health crisis, until appropriate professional treatment is received or the crisis resolves. Mental health first aid strategies are taught in training programs provided by the Mental Health First Aid Training and Research Program (MHFA).
The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Mental Health First Aid Course is designed as a 14 hour course. The course is designed to be conducted in 6 modules; however, the delivery format is flexible.
What the course covers
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander social and emotional wellbeing
- Mental health first aid interventions in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Developing mental illnesses:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Gradual onset psychosis
- Substance misuse
Mental health crisis situations:
- Suicidal thoughts and behaviours
- Non-suicidal self-injury (sometimes called self-harm)
- Panic attacks
- Traumatic events
- Acute effects of drug or alcohol use
- Severe psychotic states
- Aggressive behaviours
How to arrange a course
Contact any of the AMHFA instructors listed on the Instructor page. Most instructors are willing to travel but need expenses covered.
- Click here to view the list of instructors
- Click here to view the list of current courses
Who can attend a course?
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.
Cost
Your local instructor can inform you of their individual fees. Click here to view the list of instructors in your area.
More Information
Download our information sheet for more details!