Mental Health First Aid

Program Overview

The Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training course was developed by the Mental Health Commission of Canada to help people provide initial support to someone who may be developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis. The philosophy behind MHFA is that a mental health crisis, such as suicidal and self-harming actions, may be avoided through early intervention. If a crisis does arise, an MHFA trained person in the workplace can take action that may reduce the harm that could result. Just as physical first aid is administered to an injured person before medical treatment can be obtained, MHFA is given until appropriate treatment is found or until the crisis is resolved.