Mental Health First Aid Course(MHFA) is available in Prince George and throughout British Columbia, with both in-person and virtual training options. MHFA training provides participants with practical knowledge and skills to recognize changes in mental health, respond supportively, and take appropriate action when someone may be experiencing a mental health challenge or crisis. It helps participants build confidence, reduce stigma, and enhance their own mental health.
Mental Health First Aid Training for Workplaces and Communities
Mental Health First Aid courses gives participants practical skills to recognize and respond when someone is experiencing declining mental health or a mental health crisis. Participants learn how to approach someone, have a supportive conversation, provide appropriate assistance, and connect the person with professional or community supports when needed.
MHFA training course is suitable for workplaces, organizations, community groups, leaders, frontline employees, and individuals who want greater confidence supporting someone experiencing a mental health challenge.
Choose the Mental Health First Aid Course That Fits Your Needs
Mental Health First Aid is available in two course options: MHFA Certification and MHFA Essentials. Both options are available in person and virtually throughout British Columbia.
An innovative and leading-edge program in the sector, Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) now offers official certification.
This in-depth course, upon completion and assessment, provides participants:
- A nationally recognized MHFA Certification that is valid for 3 years.
- Increase mental health awareness
- Understand stigma, diagnostic labelling, and barriers to helping
- Learn effective communication techniques
The 2-day format of the MHFA Certification allows for robust, scenario-based training on the identification and support of declining mental health and crises, and provides a deeper understanding of mental health disorders and influences.
A suite of courses, focused on core knowledge and practical skills. The courses do not lead to Certification.
Within the Essentials suite is a streamlined one-day course as well as adaptations to support unique populations and specific roles, including for Veteran Communities
Essentials offers a strong foundation in MHFA principles without formal assessment or certification—making it an ideal option for individuals, teams, or communities seeking meaningful, time-efficient training.
Choosing the course that best suits your needs
| Certification | Essentials | |
|---|---|---|
| Increase Mental Health Awareness | ||
| Define Mental Health and recognize indicators of mental health across the continuum. | ✓ | ✓ |
| Distinguish between mental: health, illness, health conditions. | ✓ | |
| Understand factors influencing mental health and mental health disorders in Canada. | ✓ | |
| Explain the Two Continua Model of mental health. | ✓ | |
| Improve Confidence to Help | ||
| Apply the ALGES framework in scenarios of declining mental health and crisis. | ✓ | ✓ |
| Develop effective interaction skills, including effective listening, non-judgmental communication skills, and application of reassurance and sharing of information. | ✓ | ✓ |
| Explain recovery-oriented approaches to providing support. | ✓ | ✓ |
| Identify barriers to MHFA, and questions to initiate supportive conversations. | ✓ | |
| Develop a list of resources and supports. | ✓ | |
| Decrease Mental Health Stigma | ||
| Recognize stigmatizing language and practice respectful alternatives. | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reflect on personal attitudes and biases that contribute to stigma. | ✓ | ✓ |
| Understand risks and limitations associated with diagnostic labeling. | ✓ | ✓ |
| Explain stigma, including self, public, and structural, and strategies to reduce. | ✓ | |
| Enhance Mental Health | ||
| Identify personal self-care strategies using the Three Pillars of Self-Care | ✓ | ✓ |
| Recognize when self-care is needed and how to integrate it into daily life, and commit to actions to maintain personal well-being | ✓ | ✓ |
Who Should Attend?
Mental Health First Aid training is designed for anyone who wants practical skills and greater confidence recognizing and responding to mental health challenges.
- Workplace employees and teams
- Managers, supervisors, and leaders
- Healthcare and community-service workers
- Municipal and government employees
- Educators and school staff
- First responders and public-safety personnel
- Social service and nonprofit organizations
- Veteran communities
- Frontline and customer-service employees
- Community organizations and individuals
Course Length & Delivery
MHFA Certification: 2-day training program with assessment and certification.
MHFA Essentials: Streamlined 1-day training program without formal certification.
Delivery: Available in person in Prince George and throughout British Columbia, with virtual training also available.
Group Training: Mental Health First Aid can be delivered for workplaces, organizations, community groups, and teams.
Raven Workplace Mental Health Training and Consulting 