Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training provides the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to support a person who may be experiencing a decline in their mental well-being, a mental health or substance use crisis, until professional help is available.
The practical skills of MHFA help you develop the confidence and peace of mind to know you can support those around you, and your ability to self-care and prioritize your well-being while doing so.
Implemented in 35 nations worldwide and with over 8 million people trained, MHFA is a global movement.
MHFA Essentials
MHFA Essentials is a suite of courses, focused on core knowledge and practical skills. The courses do not lead to Certification. Within the Essentials suite is a streamlined one-day course as well as adaptations to support unique populations and specific roles, including:
Designed to be accessible and applicable across many settings, Essentials offers a strong foundation in MHFA principles without formal assessment or certification—making it an ideal option for individuals, teams, or communities seeking meaningful, time-efficient training.
A lack of understanding about mental health or substance use problems leads to fear and negative attitudes toward individuals living with these issues. The stigma around mental health and substance use prevents people from seeking help and providing appropriate support to people around them.
Course Details
Mental Health First Aid Virtual is a 7.5 hour course including 6 hours of training + breaks:
Course Format
The course is fully facilitated by a certified instructor via a Zoom classroom.
Duration
A single 7.5 hour day's training including 6 hours of training + breaks.
Group Size
A virtual Mental Health First Aid class must include a inimum of eight participants. The maximum number of participants for virtual classes is 15.
Pricing
Pricing varies with location and number of participants. Please request a quote.
Instructor
Mental Health First Aid classes are conducted by a certified Mental Health First Aid Instructor.
Prerequisite
Mental Health First Aid course participants must be at least 18 years old.
Course Content
Topics include:
Crisis first aid and interventions for:
- suicidal behaviour
- panic attacks
- overdose
- acute stress reaction and,
- psychotic episodes
Participants will learn to:
- assess the risk of suicide and/or harm
- listen non-judgmentally
- give reassurance
- encourage professional and other support
- self-Care.
Mental Health First Aid does not teach participants to become therapists or counsellors. Rather, it provides the skills, knowledge, and attitudes that allow someone to offer effective first aid intervention.
Participant Materials
- MHFA Participant Reference Guide
- Participation certificate.
Why provide Mental Health First Aid training to your employees?
- Improve employee morale and retention
- Lower rates of absenteeism
- Reduce medical and disability costs
- Help reduce the stigma around mental health issues
- Show your employees that you care about them
To save money and have a happier, more productive workforce, get your employees trained in Mental Health First Aid.
Mental Health First Aid Virtual Training for Private Groups
Private group training is easy to organize. Book your class dates with us, provide a group of people and we'll take care of everything else.
Click here to request information and a quote or to schedule a class for your team.
Mental Health First Aid Standard (Virtual) Course Outline (downloadable PDF)
Frequently asked questions about Mental Health First Aid - Virtual
For general questions about certifications, payments, etc. See our comprehensive FAQ page.
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.
For additional information, please see our About Mental Health First Aid page.
Here are five good reasons:
- Improve employee morale and retention
- Reduce absenteeism
- Reduce medical and disability costs
- Reduce stigma around mental health issues
- Show your employees that you care about them
If you want to save money and have a happier, more productive workforce, get your employees trained in Mental Health First Aid. We can teach a private class for your team.
Mental Health First Aid is intended for all Canadians. Since 2007, MHFA has been offered in every sector and region of the country, encompassing friends and families of individuals with a mental illness or addiction, workplaces, primary care, secondary and post-secondary educational institutions, government, construction, youth and community development programs, first responders, and many others.
Yes. Mental Health First Aid Standard is offered in a virtual as well as face to face format. Please contact us to learn more about virtual Mental Health First Aid Standard training or for a group training quote.
Click here for information about Virtual Mental Health First Aid Standard
Opening Minds, a division of the Mental Health Commission of Canada, is the leading provider of evidence-based mental health training programs and stigma reduction initiatives across Canada.
Frequently asked questions about Mental Health First Aid - Virtual
For general questions about certifications, payments, etc. See our comprehensive FAQ page.
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.
For additional information, please see our About Mental Health First Aid page.
- Improve employee morale and retention
- Reduce absenteeism
- Reduce medical and disability costs
- Reduce stigma around mental health issues
- Show your employees that you care about them
- Improve employee morale and retention
- Reduce absenteeism
- Reduce medical and disability costs
- Reduce stigma around mental health issues
- Show your employees that you care about them