Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Certification
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Friday, January 30, 2026
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) provides the knowledge, skills, and attitudes for participants to recognize changes in mental health, respond supportively, and apply practical actions for declining mental health and crisis situations until professional help is available. The practical skills of MHFA help you build the confidence and peace of mind knowing you can support those around you, and your ability to self-care and prioritize your well-being while supporting others.
Delivered in 35 nations worldwide and with over 8 million people trained, MHFA is a global movement.
MHFA Certification is a two day workshop, offered virtually over four mornings:
- Mon, Feb 9 – 8:00 to 12:00
- Tue, Feb 10 – 8:00 to 12:00
- Tue, Feb 24 – 8:00 to 12:00
- Wed, Feb 25 – 8:00 to 12:00
MHFA Certification
This program is a nationally recognized MHFA Certification that is valid for 3 years.
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.
Learn how to use ALGES:
MHFA actions ALGES provide a framework for supporting someone in distress: first approach them, assess for any crisis, and offer immediate help if needed. Then, listen without judgment, give reassurance and information, and encourage both professional help and other supports like family, friends, or self-care strategies. Finally, the first aider must also practice self-care to manage the emotional impact of providing help.·
- Approach the person, assess, and assist with any crisis
- Listen and communicate non-judgmentally
- Give reassurance and information
- Encourage the person to reach out to supports
- Self-care for the first aider
“Before taking MHFA, I always worried I wouldn’t know the right thing to say if someone was struggling. Learning the ALGES action plan gave me a clear framework and the confidence to step in and support people when they need it most. It’s such a practical, essential tool – I carry it with me in every conversation now.”
– MHFA Participant
Course Details
The 2-day 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.
Course Overview:·
- Welcome and Introductions: Participants set group expectations and create a safe, respectful space for learning together.
- Goals of Mental Health First Aid: This section outlines the course objectives and clarifies the role and responsibilities of a Mental Health First Aider.
- What is Mental Health: Explore definitions of mental health and illness, the impact of stigma, and learn to recognize mental health on a continuum. Reflection on personal attitudes contributing to stigma.
- Elements of ALGES: Learners are introduced to the ALGES framework, a step-by-step guide for offering support during mental health challenges, focusing on empathy, communication, and appropriate resources.
- Mental Health First Aid for Declining Mental Health: Using real-life scenarios, participants practice applying ALGES to support people experiencing early signs of mental health decline.
- Self-Care for Mental Health First Aiders: This module emphasizes the importance of caring for your own mental health and building sustainable, personalized self-care routines.
- MHFA for Crisis Situations: Participants learn to recognize and respond to mental health crises, including suicide risk and psychosis, using the ALGES approach.
- Wrap-up and Closing: The course ends with a reflection on key takeaways, commitment to self-care, and steps for continued learning and support.
MHFA Certification & the Workplace
MHFA Certification is a standardized program designed to equip individuals with practical skills to support and address mental wellbeing. These skills are applicable both personally and professionally, empowering participants to confidently engage in important conversations about mental health.
Whether the goal is peer-to-peer support or leadership-level engagement, MHFA provides tools to recognize signs of mental health challenges and respond effectively. It has been widely recognized as an important resource for fostering and supporting mental health and wellness in all types of workplaces.
Additional Resources
Facilitator
As an Occupational Therapist working primarily in long term disability case management, Leah has the privilege of providing supportive, strength based rehab services to individuals returning to work following illness or injury. It is through working with so many amazing, resilient clients that her passion for mental health immerged, particularly with respect to mental health issues in the workplace. Mental Health First Aid has provided Leah with the opportunity to not only open up the conversation around mental health in her own workplace but also provide concrete, helpful strategies to those she has trained.
Fees
- QNET Members: $539.00 + GST | QNET member list
- Non-Members: $599.00 + GST | Join QNET
Please review event Terms & Conditions
Cancellations (by the attendee) must be received in writing no later than 14 days prior to the course start.
Partners
Funding provided by The Manitoba government.
Course Credits
- An optional two day course (14 credit hours) in the 70 credit hour QNET Certificate in Management Development (CMD).
- Eligible for credit in the CAM:OE (Certificate in Applied Management: Organizational Effectiveness) in partnership with the University of Manitoba, Continuing Education
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