Accredited Mental Health First Aider (MHFAider)
Mental Health First Aiders (MHFAiders) are people who have completed a Mental Health First Aid accreditation course. They are equipped with the practical skills and confidence to recognise, understand and respond to someone experiencing a mental health problem or mental health crisis.
As an Accredited MHFAider, I am 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
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MHFAiders Training
Training covers common and disabling mental health problems and crisis situations. It teaches the practical skills, knowledge, and confidence to make a difference.
I have learned 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
Why pursue MHFAiders Accreditation?
MHFAiders play a vital role in reducing stigma and promoting pathways to support for those experiencing mental health problems in our workplaces, communities, schools, and tertiary institutions. MHFAiders have the practical skills and knowledge to:
- Maintain the values and qualities of the role
Understand the importance of confidentiality and non-judgemental listening.
- Provide initial support to people
Use an evidence-based action plan to provide mental health first aid.
- Promote pathways to support
Help guide others to appropriate professional help or other supports.
- Contribute to stigma reduction
Reduce stigma to encourage pathways to professional support.
- Maintain boundaries in their MHFAider role
MHFAiders are not therapists or counsellors, nor can they diagnose mental illnesses.
- Practice self-care
Understand the importance of self-care when supporting others.
This includes aligning privacy practices with legal and regulatory requirements, embedding privacy-by-design principles into systems and processes, and fostering a culture of accountability and trust. By bridging the gap between compliance obligations and operational delivery, I am equipped to identify and mitigate privacy risks, support informed decision-making, and ensure that personal information is handled responsibly in a way that supports organisational objectives and stakeholder expectations.
About Mental Health First Aid International
Mental Health First Aid International is a global, purpose-driven provider of mental health first aid education that equips individuals with the knowledge and skills to provide support when it matters most.
All Mental Health First Aid courses are based on guidelines that are informed by people with lived experience, their caregivers, and mental health professionals. Evaluations consistently show that Mental Health First Aid training improves participants’ knowledge of mental illnesses and their treatments, and confidence in providing mental health first aid to individuals.
All sessions are led by an MHFA trained and Licensed Instructor, conducted face-to-face over 2 days.
www.mhfa.com.au
Thanks for taking the time to explore my MHFAider Accreditation.
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