Mental Health First Aid in Schools
- John Mamacan
- Jun 21
- 2 min read
Adolescence is a time of important change and development. It is also a time when mental health problems such as depression and anxiety first emerge.
During the high school years, mental health problems can negatively affect students’ grades, attendance, relationships, physical and psychological development, all of which can have a lifelong impact.
Schools are an amazing source of support for teens and their families but they can also be a source of strain or stress, and it is often in schools where symptoms of mental health problems are first identified.
It is also important to remember that it’s not only students that suffer from strain or stress in the school environment. For many teachers the day-to-day effects of managing student, co-worker and parent relationships, together with work and time pressures, can lead to both
physical and mental problems.
This is where Mental Health First Aid Trainer (MHFAT) can help Mental Health First Aiders with courses of early‑intervention education for young people and adults that increase mental health literacy and teach the practical skills needed to support someone experiencing a mental health problem.
Increasing mental health literacy within whole school communities through targeted training, helps increase teacher, staff and student resilience.
Mental Health First Aid Trainer (MHFAT) training equips people with the knowledge and confidence to approach or respond to staff members, students or peers who may need information or support.
The impact of that first supportive conversation for any individual, and in particular a young person, in a time of need can be profound.
What is Mental Health First Aid?
Mental health first aid is the initial help offered to someone who is experiencing a mental health problem or a mental health crisis until appropriate professional help is received or the crisis resolves.
MHFA Training in Schools
There are courses recommended for the secondary school setting:
Standard MHFA Teaches adults to support staff members and other adults.
Youth MHFA Teaches school staff, teachers, support workers,
parents and other adults to support young people.
Adolescence is a time of important change and development. It is also a time when mental health problems such as depression and anxiety first emerge.
Course Delivery Modes Available
Standard and Youth MHFA training can be delivered 1 of 3 ways to best suit your organisational and employee needs:
Face-to-Face: A 2-day course led by a Licensed MHFA Instructor.
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Blended Face-to-Face: Combines self-paced eLearning followed by a
face‑to‑face training session led by a Licensed MHFA Instructor.
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Blended Online: Combines self-paced eLearning and video conferencing
sessions led by a Licensed MHFA Instructor.
MHFA training helps whole school communities to:
Intervene Early and recognise the warning signs of mental health problems
Learn Skills needed to speak openly and accurately
about mental health
Respond in Crisis situations where a person may be at risk of harm
Reduce Stigma and increase support for people with mental
health problems
For enquiries about the MHFA courses, email training@mhfat.com.au
Learn about MHFA in Action by visiting case studies page:
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