MHFA Standard
Mental Health training for everyone
Learn to recognize and respond to mental health challenges with care and confidence.
MHFA Standard is the foundational program designed for everyone. As a globally recognized training, 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.
Who is to for? For everyone and everyone. Ideal for the general public, workplaces, and community groups.
MHFA Standard is the support provided to a person who may be experiencing a decline in their mental well-being or a mental health or substance use crisis.
As a Mental Health First Aider, you will develop:
Peace of Mind
You’ll be better able to help if someone around you, like a friend or coworker, is having a hard time. You’ll feel prepared and confident to step in and offer initial support.
Practical Skills
You’ll be equipped with simple, actionable steps to provide support until the person can access professional help if needed.
Easier Dialogue
It helps you handle brave conversations without feeling awkward or worried you’ll say the wrong thing.
Stronger Connections
By recognizing when someone may need support, you’ll become a more compassionate friend, partner, or family member.
Course structured for impact
This 9-hour course opens with a self-directed module (Module 1) that focuses on the information and strategies that participants will discuss and practise throughout the virtual classroom modules (Modules 2 and 3). Course participants are required to complete Module 1 before participating in Module 2 and 3. Upon registration, participants will receive the “MHFA Participant Reference Guide” that outlines MHFA actions for developing mental health and substance use problems, and mental health and substance use crises.
Module 1
Self-Directed (2 Hours):
Introduction to the course • Introduction to MHFA actions Module
Module 2
Live Classroom (3.5 hours):
Practise applying MHFA actions to situations of declining mental well-being • Guidelines for communicating non-judgmentally and with respect Module
Module 3
Live Classroom (3.5 hours):
MHFA actions for mental health or substance use crisis situations • Self-care for the first aider
Learn how to use ALGES
ALGES is a simple, and essential Action Plan that helps a Mental Health First Aider provide support until professional help is available.
- Approach the person, assess, and assist with any cris
- Listen and communicate non-judgmentally
- Give reassurance and information
- Encourage the person to reach out to supports
- Self-care for the first aider
Flexible learning options to meet your needs
- Virtual Classes: Facilitated on-line session for 8 to 15 participants
- In-Person Classes: Facilitated session for 8 to 25 participants
Mental Health First Aid Training Options
When training reflects real experiences from a community, the impact becomes even more meaningful. In addition to MHFA Standard, we offer a suite of tailored MHFA courses.
Become a Certified MHFA Facilitator
The Facilitator Certification Training is designed for people who want to offer the MHFA course in the communities, workplaces or organizations. As a Certified MHFA facilitator you will join the Opening Minds Facilitator Community that is over 1000 people strong across Canada.
Mental Health First Aid Case Studies
Learn more about how MHFA is helping to transform mental wellness in organizations across Canada.
