Developed in Australia in 2001 and brought to Canada in 2006, Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Essentials is a nationally recognized course that is offered in every province and territory through the Mental Health Commission of Canada. Courses are delivered by certified MHFA instructors who have been trained exclusively by the Commission.
View the MHFA Essentials Course Outline.
View Choosing the course that best suits your needs – Essentials or Certification.
What is MHFA?
Mental Health First Aid training provides the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to support a person who may be experiencing a decline in their mental health or a mental health or substance use crisis or emergency until professional help is available.
The practical skills of MHFA help participants develop: (1) the confidence and peace of mind knowing they can support those around them; and, (2) their ability to self-care and prioritize their own wellbeing while supporting others.
Through the course, participants will develop:
- Peace of Mind: Participants will be better able to help if someone around them, like a friend or coworker, is having a hard time. Participants will feel prepared and confident to step in and offer initial support.
- Practical Skills: Participants will be equipped with simple, actionable steps to provide support until the person can access professional help if needed.
- Easier Dialogue: It helps participants handle brave conversations without feeling awkward or worried they’ll say the wrong thing.
- Stronger Connections: By recognizing when someone may need support, participants will become a more compassionate friend, partner, or family member.
Watch this video to learn more about what to expect from a mental health first aider and why people decide to become one.
Who Can Take MHFA Essentials Virtual?
MHFA is ideal for the general public, workplaces, and community groups.
MHFA Essentials is the foundational program designed for everyone. It empowers everyday people to recognize when someone may be experiencing mental health challenges and equips them with practical skills to provide initial support. This course builds confidence to respond calmly and offer meaningful help during tough moments—all without needing to be a mental health expert.
Designed to be accessible and applicable across many settings, Essentials offers a strong foundation in MHFA principles without formal assessment —making it an ideal option for individuals, teams, or communities seeking meaningful, time-efficient training.
How is MHFA Essentials Virtual Structured?
The course is delivered in a blended learning format, including:
- Module One (4-8hrs): Course participants opens with self-directed learning. This means reading of the Reference Guide (160pgs or approximately 4-8hrs).
- Module Two (3.5hrs including breaks): After completion of the self-directed learning, participants will participate in a facilitator led virtual classroom session. In this module participants practice applying MHFA actions to situations of declining mental well-being.
- Module Three (3.5hrs including breaks): After completion of module one and two, participants will participate in a second facilitator led virtual classroom session. In this module participants practice applying MHFA actions to mental health or substance use crisis situations.
Participants who complete all required elements will receive a certificate of completion for the course.
Course Overview
- Welcome and Introductions: Participants set group expectations and create a safe, respectful space for learning together.
- Goals of Mental Health First Aid: Participants learn about the course objectives and the role and responsibilities of the Mental Health First Aider.
- What is Mental Health: Participants explore definitions of mental health, the impact of stigma, and learn to recognize mental health on a continuum.
- Elements of ALGES: Participants are introduced to the ALGES framework, a guide for offering support, focusing on empathy, communication, and appropriate resources.
- Mental Health for Declining Mental Health: Using scenarios, participants practice applying ALGES to support people experiencing early signs of mental health decline.
- Self-Care for Mental Health First Aiders: Participants learn about the importance of caring for your own mental health and building sustainable, personalized self-care routines.
- MHFA for Crisis Situations: Participants learn to recognize and respond to mental health crises, including suicide risk.
Learn how to use ALGES
MHFA actions ALGES provides a framework for supporting someone in distress: first approach them, assess for any crisis, and offer immediate help if needed.
Then, listen without judgment, give reassurance and information, and encourage both professional help and other supports like family, friends, or self-care strategies. The first aider must also practice self-care to manage the emotional impact of providing help.
- Approach the person, assess, and assist with any crisis
- Listen and communicate non-judgmentally
- Give reassurance and information
- Encourage the person to reach out to supports
- Self-care for the first aider
Cost: $300.00 plus 5% GST per participant (or $315.00).
Registration: Click here to register.
For further information, please contact us.
