Mental Health First Aid Short Course
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Sunday 31 July 10am – 4pm
Hawthorn campus
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Duration
5 to 7 hours pre reading material plus 2 x 2.5hrs live online Instructor lead sessions, 6-8.30pm. Both must be completed within three months. March intake 8 & 15 March; July intake 11 & 19 July; September intake – 6 & 13 September; November intake – 8 & 15 November
Study mode
- Online
Course information in detail
- Course detail, course structure and units of study.
Course description
Course structure
To be certified by MHFAA, both Course Components 1 and 2 must be completed in order, within a 3-month period.
Prerequisite:
Course Component 1 – Self-paced eLearning component (5-7 hours)
Gain an overview of mental health problems and mental health crises.
Developing mental health problems covered include:
- Depression
- Anxiety problems
- Psychosis
- Substance use problems
Mental health crises covered:
- Suicidal thoughts and behaviours
- Non-suicidal self-injury
- Panic attacks
- Traumatic events
- Severe psychotic states
- Severe effects from alcohol or other drug use
- Aggressive behaviour
Course Component 2 – Instructor lead live online sessions (2 x 2.5 hours).
Consolidate the application of knowledge gained in Course Component 1 with the development of practical skills in an interactive group environment online.
- Revise the eLearning content and the MHFAA Action Plan
- Clarify any points of uncertainty remaining after completion of the prerequisite e-learning
- Apply the MHFAA Action Plan
- Develop your skills and participate in relevant scenarios and simulations
- Discuss and reflect 'where to from now' in using mental health first aid skills
- Develop a self-care plan to maintain good mental health.
Units of study
Careers and graduate outcomes
- Career opportunities and course aims and objectives.
Career opportunities
- Add Mental Health First Aid to your resume for employment requirements
- Extra study for current Certificate IV Mental Health students, or any Swinburne student.
Aims and objectives
Upon completion of the program you will:
- Have a greater knowledge of mental illnesses
- Understand the principles of crisis intervention
- Know where to go for help
- Have appropriate first aid strategies
- Understand Duty of Care
- Gain confidence in providing first aid to individuals with mental illness
- Gain knowledge to reduce the stigma associated with mental illness
- Gain skills in principles of self-care.

Pathways and scholarships
- Pathways.
Course fees and requirements
- Entry requirements and non-year 12 entry.
Entry requirements
How to apply
Find out more
Training Organisation Identifier (TOID): 3059