Mental Health First Aid Course in Adelaide and South Australia
St John Ambulance SA delivers the Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) course at venues across Adelaide and South Australia. The two-day, in-person course teaches adults how to recognise, respond to, and support someone experiencing a mental health problem or crisis, using a structured, evidence-based Action Plan. Sessions run from 9:00am to 4:00pm each day and cost $295 per person.
Quick Answer
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is a two-day course that teaches adults how to provide initial support to someone developing or experiencing a mental health problem or crisis. Delivered by St John Ambulance SA across Adelaide, the course costs $295 and leads to a Certificate of Attendance. Participants are also eligible to complete an online assessment to become a certified MHFAider.
What is Mental Health First Aid?
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is an internationally recognised training program that gives everyday people the skills to support someone who may be developing a mental health problem or who is experiencing a mental health crisis. It was developed using guidelines created through expert consensus, drawing on the knowledge of both mental health professionals and people with lived experience of mental health conditions.
Just as physical first aid provides initial care before medical help arrives, mental health first aid provides initial support before professional mental health treatment can be accessed. The MHFA Action Plan gives participants a clear, practical framework for how to help in a real situation.
What does the Mental Health First Aid course cover?
The MHFA course teaches participants how to provide initial support across a range of common mental health problems and crisis situations, including:
Across each topic, participants learn how to:
- Recognise the signs and symptoms of mental health problems
- Approach the person with empathy and without judgement
- Initiate a supportive conversation about their concerns
- Offer initial support and relevant information
- Encourage the person to seek professional help or other appropriate support
The course is grounded in guidelines developed through expert consensus, incorporating the perspectives of mental health professionals alongside people with lived experience of mental health conditions.
Who should do a Mental Health First Aid course?
The MHFA course is open to any adult aged 18 years and over. No prior mental health training or healthcare background is required. It is particularly relevant for people who regularly work with, care for, or manage others.
Organisations that train staff in MHFA demonstrate a clear commitment to psychological safety and wellbeing in the workplace, supporting individual team members and broader organisational resilience.
Ready to book your MHFA course?
Sessions are running across multiple Adelaide venues. Individual and group bookings available.
How long is the Mental Health First Aid course?
The MHFA course runs over two consecutive days, from 9:00am to 4:00pm each day, totalling 14 hours of face-to-face training. The course is delivered in person at venues across Adelaide and South Australia.
Private group bookings can be arranged at a location and time that suits your organisation. Contact St John SA to discuss your requirements.
How much does the Mental Health First Aid course cost?
The MHFA course with St John Ambulance SA is priced at $295 per person. CITB (Construction Industry Training Board) member pricing is available for eligible participants. Contact St John SA before booking to confirm your eligibility.
For private workplace bookings, group pricing options are available. Use the private course enquiry form to get in touch.
What certificate do you receive from the Mental Health First Aid course?
Upon successful completion, participants receive a Certificate of Attendance. Graduates are then eligible to complete an online assessment to become a certified Mental Health First Aider (MHFAider).
MHFAiders are recognised as having the knowledge, confidence, and skills to provide someone with mental health information and support when it matters most.
The MHFA course is non-accredited under the Australian VET framework. It is not a Nationally Recognised Unit of Competency. However, the MHFAider certification is widely recognised across workplaces and community sectors as a meaningful credential in mental health support.
Where is the Mental Health First Aid course delivered in Adelaide?
St John Ambulance SA delivers the MHFA course at multiple venues across metropolitan Adelaide, with sessions scheduled throughout the year. Current delivery locations include:
| Location | Area |
|---|---|
| Elizabeth | Northern suburbs |
| Prospect | Inner north |
| Adelaide CBD | City centre |
| Unley | Inner south |
| Woodville | Western suburbs |
View current session availability and book online at stjohnsa.com.au/courses/mhfa.
Is Mental Health First Aid the same as a standard first aid course?
No. A standard first aid course (such as Provide First Aid, CPR, or Provide Basic Emergency Life Support) focuses on responding to physical health emergencies, including cardiac arrest, bleeding, choking, burns, and fractures.
Mental Health First Aid is a separate course focused specifically on recognising and responding to mental health problems and crises. The two courses are complementary, and St John Ambulance SA delivers both through its commercial training program.
Who delivers the Mental Health First Aid course at St John SA?
MHFA courses at St John Ambulance SA are delivered by qualified and experienced trainers. St John SA is an established Registered Training Organisation (RTO 88041) and delivers a broad range of first aid and health education courses to the South Australian community and the workplace sector.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I do Mental Health First Aid online?
The MHFA course delivered by St John Ambulance SA is an in-person, face-to-face course. Check the current session schedule for available dates across Adelaide locations.
Can my organisation book a private MHFA course?
Yes. St John SA accepts private group bookings. This is a popular option for workplaces wanting to train a team or department together. Use the private course enquiry form to get in touch and discuss scheduling and pricing options.
Does MHFA count toward CPD (continuing professional development)?
Many professional bodies accept MHFA training as part of CPD requirements. Participants should check with their own professional association or employer regarding CPD recognition before booking.
How often do I need to renew my MHFA training?
MHFA International recommends refreshing your mental health first aid skills every three years to stay current with evolving guidelines and best practice.
Is CITB funding available for MHFA?
Yes. CITB member pricing is available for eligible participants. Contact St John SA to confirm your eligibility before booking.
Does completing MHFA make me a qualified mental health professional?
No. MHFA does not qualify you as a mental health professional, counsellor, or therapist. It gives you the skills to provide initial support and to help guide someone toward professional help. It is a first response, not a clinical intervention.
Book Your Mental Health First Aid Course Today
Sessions running across Adelaide at $295 per person. Private workplace bookings available.
