Mental Health First Aid Training
Our Mental Health First Aid courses provide practical skills to help individuals recognize the signs of mental health challenges and respond with confidence, understanding, and compassion.
Whether you are an individual, workplace, educator, or community member, our training sessions are designed to give you the knowledge and tools to support others when it matters most.
Support those around you with confidence.
Mental Health First Aid training provides the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to support a person experiencing a decline in mental well-being until professional help arrives.
"Developing the peace of mind knowing you can support those around you."
The ALGES Framework
Your step-by-step guide for offering support during mental health challenges, focusing on empathy, communication, and appropriate resources.
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A
Approach, Assess, Assist
Approach the person, assess for any crisis, and offer immediate help if needed.
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L
Listen & Communicate
Listen without judgment and use effective interaction skills.
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G
Give Reassurance
Provide clear information and emotional reassurance.
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E
Encourage Supports
Help the person reach out to professional and social supports.
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S
Self-Care
The first aider must manage their own emotional impact.
ALGES
The Core Framework
Choosing the right course
Compare MHFA Certification vs. MHFA Essentials
| Learning Outcomes | Certification | Essentials |
|---|---|---|
| Increase Mental Health Awareness | ||
| Define Mental Health & recognize indicators | ||
| Distinguish between mental health, illness, conditions | ||
| Understand factors influencing MH in Canada | ||
| Apply the ALGES framework in scenarios | ||
| Develop effective listening & interaction skills | ||
| Explain recovery-oriented approaches | ||
| Recognize stigmatizing language | ||
| Reflect on personal attitudes and biases | ||
| Identify Three Pillars of Self-Care | ||
Course Curriculum
8 Modules of comprehensive, practical instruction
Welcome & Intro
Setting group expectations and creating a safe, respectful learning space.
Goals of MHFA
Clarifying the role and responsibilities of a Mental Health First Aider.
What is Mental Health
Exploring definitions, stigma impact, and the mental health continuum.
Elements of ALGES
A step-by-step guide for offering support with empathy and communication.
Declining Mental Health
Applying ALGES to real-life scenarios for early signs of decline.
Self-Care
Building sustainable, personalized self-care routines for the first aider.
Crisis Situations
Recognizing and responding to suicide risk and psychosis.
Wrap-up & Closing
Reflection on key takeaways and commitment to continued learning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, the Certification course covers more in-depth clinical frameworks and Canadian statistics, while the Essentials course focuses on core practical skills and ALGES application.
Standard and Basic are no longer available after March 31, 2026.
The MHFA Essentials course is 6 hours long. The MHFA Certification course is 12 hours long.
We typically offer one virtual course and one face-to-face course every month. Virtual sessions are held on the second Wednesday of every month from 9am to 4pm Eastern Time. Face-to-face sessions are held on the third Wednesday of every month from 9am to 4pm at the Monte Carlo Inn - 81 Hart Drive, Barrie.
MHFA Essentials is $250 per person and MHFA Certification is $350 per person. Please note that pricing adjustments can be made upon request for certain groups or organizations.
You can view and book upcoming courses directly through our facilitator portal link.
Yes. We provide private group solutions for teams of 8 or more. We can work with your organization to schedule sessions.
Start your journey
Essentials: $250 / person
Certification: $350 / person
Pricing adjustments can be made upon request.
Join an upcoming session or contact us for private group solutions for teams of 8 or more.
Ready to Take a Mental Health First Aid Course?
Gain the confidence and knowledge to recognize mental health challenges and support others in meaningful ways. Our training sessions are designed to provide practical tools you can apply in workplaces, schools, and everyday life.