Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is an evidence-based program developed by the Mental Health Commission of Canada that empowers people to recognize, understand, and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges. Just like physical first aid equips us to help someone in a medical emergency, MHFA gives us the skills and confidence to offer initial support until professional help is available. Mental health impacts everyone, and learning how to respond effectively can make a life-changing difference. Every workplace, community, and individual should be trained in MHFA—it’s an essential skill for creating safe, compassionate, and resilient environments.
MHFA Essentials – 1 Day Workshop
Overview:
MHFA Essentials is a one-day introductory course that builds foundational awareness of mental health and wellness. Participants learn to recognize the signs of declining mental health, engage in supportive conversations, and connect individuals to appropriate resources. This streamlined version focuses on practical tools and confidence-building for everyday situations.
Who It’s Best For:
This option is ideal for individuals and workplaces seeking a strong introduction to mental health literacy without the full certification process. It’s perfect for leaders, educators, volunteers, and community members who want to better understand how to support themselves and others in the early stages of mental health challenges.
MHFA Certification – 2 Day Workshop
Overview:
MHFA Certification is the full two-day course that offers a comprehensive exploration of mental health and substance use challenges. Participants learn the MHFA Action Plan, gain practical skills to respond to crises such as panic attacks, suicidal thoughts, or substance use, and practice supportive communication strategies through interactive discussions and scenarios.
At the end of the course, participants complete an open-book knowledge assessment to obtain their official Mental Health First Aid Certification through the Mental Health Commission of Canada. Certification is valid for three years and demonstrates a nationally recognized commitment to mental health awareness and support.
Who It’s Best For:
This full certification is best suited for frontline workers in the human services field, including support staff, social workers, case managers, and those in caregiving or community-based roles. It’s also highly beneficial for leaders, HR professionals, and Health & Safety team members who play a key role in supporting employee wellbeing and building psychologically safe workplaces.
This training helps participants gain the knowledge, confidence, and tools to effectively recognize and respond to mental health concerns in a variety of professional and community settings.
Organizations can book private MHFA training sessions directly with Trina for their teams. A minimum of six participants is required to host an in-house session, and training can be delivered either in person or online to best fit your organization’s needs. This is a great option for workplaces that want to build a shared foundation of mental health literacy and support.
For individuals or smaller groups, public training sessions are offered each fall and spring, with upcoming dates listed on the website. To learn more or to book a session for your organization, please contact Trina directly.
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