Mental Health First Aid Training

One initiative for providing mental health education is the Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) program. This program was developed by Betty Kitchener and Professor Tony Jorm at the Centre for Mental Health Research at the Australian National University in 2001. In April 2005, the MHFA Program team moved to the Orygen Youth Health Research Centre.

This 12-hour course teaches people in the community about the symptoms, possible risk factors and treatments of common mental health problems It also teaches how to provide appropriate initial help, to support someone experiencing a mental health problem, and to take appropriate action in a crisis situation. The course covers helping people with depression, anxiety disorders, psychosis and substance use disorders. The MHFA training Team at OYHRC conducts the 5-day MHFA Instructor Training course to accredit suitable people to deliver the 12-hr Adult MHFA course. More information at this URL: http://www.mhfa.com.au/training.shtml 

During 2002 and 2003 the MHFA course was evaluated in two randomized controlled trials, one in a workplace, the other in a large rural area in NSW. The course resulted in an improvement in confidence in helping others, improved knowledge of mental disorders, reduced negative attitudes and improved mental health in participants. A survey has also been undertaken of the participants’ stories and experiences in applying skills learned from a MHFA course, showing positive effects.

In 2004, the course was modified for Vietnamese communities in Australia. The MHFA course has also been made culturally appropriate for people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander background.

In 2007, the Youth MHFA training course was launched. This course is for adults working with adolescents, such as parents, teachers, sports coaches, youth workers. Additional topics of eating disorders and non-suicidal; self-injury are included in the 14-hr Youth MHFA course. This program has been evaluated and found to increase mental health knowledge, decrease stigma and improve confidence in helping young people with mental health problems.

An e-learning version of the standard MHFA course has also been developed for people unable to attend a face-to-face course.

In 2010 a second edition of the MHFA courses will begin.These will be based on the international consensus guidelines on how to assist someone in a mental health crisis or developing a mental illness: http://www.mhfa.com.au/Guidelines.shtml

The MHFA program has now been adopted in the following 13 countries: Canada, England, Finland, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Singapore, South Africa, Thailand, USA and Wales.

More information on training courses, awards and grants received and research projects can be obtained from the MHFA website: www.mhfa.com.au