If you need Mental Health Awareness & Support Training Course in Melbourne CBD on Collins St in 2026, CPR First Aid publishes the details for their online courses on this page so you can book without chasing quotes.
Melbourne CBD Collins St MHA Overview
CPR First Aid offers (Standard/Adult) Mental Health Awareness & Support Training Course (MHA) online courses. Mental Health Awareness & Support Training Course (MHA) is training that teaches you how to recognise signs of a mental health problem or crisis and respond using a practical action plan until appropriate professional help is available. The Adult course trains people aged 18 and over to support other adults.
From 2020 to 2022, 21.5% of Australians aged 16-85 had a 12-month mental disorder. This means roughly one in five adults you work with may experience anxiety, depression, or another condition in any given year. Equipping staff with Mental Health Awareness & Support Training Course skills can make a real difference when someone is struggling.
Course delivery: A 100% online self-paced course. Depending on the level of course selected, the online course could last anywhere between 2 to 10 hours.
What you’ll receive: A certificate of completion upon successful participation is received on the same day.
Quick Facts
- Course name: Mental Health Awareness & Support Training Course
- Program authority: Mental Health Awareness & Support Training Course Australia
- Duration: Anywhere from 2 to 10 hours depending on the level of course
- Venue: Online
- Price: GST-inclusive per-person rate shown in table
- Certificate: Certificate of completion
For readers who want foundational context before booking, we recommend reading our Mental Health Awareness & Support Training Course overview page.
2026 Schedule, Pricing and Booking
More than one million Australians have completed MHA training, according to University of Melbourne research. The program improves recognition of mental health problems, reduces stigma, and builds confidence to offer initial support and connect people to professional help.
| Course Title | Session Type | Duration | Price per Person (GST inc.) | Certificate Outcome | Book |
| Adult Mental Health Awareness & Support Training Course – Foundations (Level 1) | Online | 2 – 4 hours | $69 | Mental Health Awareness & Support Training Course – Foundations (Level 1) same day certificate | Enrol now |
| Adult Mental Health Awareness & Support Training Course – Practitioner (Level 2) | Online | 4 – 6 hours | $120 | Adult Mental Health Awareness & Support Training Course – Foundations (Level 1) same day certificate
Adult Mental Health Awareness & Support Training Course – Practitioner (Level 2) same day certificate |
Enrol now |
| Adult Mental Health Awareness & Support Training Course – Specialist (Level 3) | Online | 8 – 10 hours | $240 | Adult Mental Health Awareness & Support Training Course – Foundations (Level 1) same day certificate
Adult Mental Health Awareness & Support Training Course – Practitioner (Level 2) same day certificate Adult Mental Health Awareness & Support Training Course – Specialist (Level 3) same day certificate |
Enrol now |
For workplaces building broader wellbeing initiatives alongside training, consider reading our guide on taking a mental health day as part of your organisational support strategy.
What You’ll Learn in MHA
By the end of the course, you can approach a colleague showing signs of distress, listen without judgement, provide practical support, and help them connect to professional services. You’ll also understand when to escalate to emergency services and how to maintain your own wellbeing while supporting others.
MHA teaches the ALGEE action plan so staff can approach a colleague, listen non-judgementally, provide initial support, and encourage professional help and other supports. ALGEE is the MHA action plan: Approach, assess and assist with any crisis; Listen non-judgementally; Give support and information; Encourage appropriate professional help; Encourage other supports. This five-step framework gives you a repeatable, practical way to respond safely and confidently in workplace situations.
Example of ALGEE in action: A team member mentions they’ve been feeling low and struggling to sleep. You approach them privately, listen without offering quick fixes, acknowledge what they’ve shared, and suggest they speak to a GP or call an employee assistance program. You check in the following week. That’s Mental Health Awareness & Support Training Course in practice.
Crises Covered
The course prepares participants to respond to mental health crises, including suicidal thoughts and panic attacks, and to encourage professional help and other supports. You’ll learn what to say, what not to say, and when to call emergency services (000) if someone is in immediate danger.
Mental health conditions and substance use disorders account for 15% of Australia’s total burden of disease. Training your workforce to recognise and respond early can reduce long-term harm and support people in getting help sooner.
Important Boundaries
MHA is not counselling or diagnosis. You’re not providing therapy. You’re offering initial support, practical information, and connection to professional resources. The course emphasises these boundaries so you can help effectively without taking on more than is appropriate or safe.
| Workplace Scenario | How ALGEE Applies (Example Wording) |
| A colleague shows signs of panic (rapid breathing, distress, can’t focus) | Approach: Move to a quiet space. Listen: “I can see you’re feeling overwhelmed. I’m here if you want to talk.” Give support: Encourage slow breathing. Encourage help: Suggest they speak to a manager or EAP. Encourage other supports: Remind them of trusted friends or family. |
| Someone discloses they’ve been feeling depressed for weeks | Approach: Thank them for sharing. Listen: Don’t minimise or offer solutions immediately. Give support: Let them know help is available. Encourage help: “Have you thought about speaking to a GP?” Encourage other supports: Mention EAP, Beyond Blue, or trusted people in their life. |
| A team member says they’ve been thinking about ending their life | Approach: Take it seriously. Stay calm. Listen: Ask directly, “Are you thinking about suicide?” Give support: Stay with them; don’t leave them alone. Encourage help: Call Lifeline (13 11 14) or accompany them to a GP or emergency department. Safety note: If imminent danger, call 000 immediately. |
For those interested in deeper clinical literacy beyond the MHA curriculum, we offer an optional resource on MSE basics. This is informational only and not required for your MHA course.
Certificate and Compliance Evidence
For workplace compliance, keep a copy of each participant’s MHA certificate of completion and note the certificate validity/refresh cycle used by Mental Health Awareness & Support Training Course Australia. This section provides a plain-English compliance evidence checklist that HR and WHS teams can screenshot and use.
Certificate and Compliance Evidence (What You’ll Receive)
Certificate of completion is documented evidence a participant attended and successfully completed the MHA course, suitable for internal HR/WHS training registers. This is issued by CPR First Aid as a Licensed Instructor of Mental Health Awareness & Support Training Course Australia.
MHFAider accreditation (optional): Participants can choose to complete Mental Health Awareness & Support Training Course Australia’s accreditation assessment after the course to become an Accredited Mental Health First Aider (MHFAider). This involves an additional online assessment and provides ongoing recognition through MHA Australia’s system. It is not mandatory for workplace compliance, but some organisations prefer staff to hold MHFAider status.
Validity and refresh timing: MHA Australia recommends refresher training every three years to keep skills current. Check MHA Australia’s website for the latest guidance on certificate validity and refresher course requirements.
HR Record-Keeping Checklist
Untreated mental health conditions cost the Australian economy roughly $12 billion a year, which is why organisations invest in training and documentation. Use this checklist to ensure your training records are audit-ready:
- Participant full name (as it appears on ID)
- Course date(s) attended (both days)
- Total training hours completed
- Venue
- Instructor name and licence number (provided on certificate)
- Certificate issue date and unique certificate ID (if present)
- PDF copy stored in secure location (HR system or cloud storage)
- Entry logged in training register with refresh date
| Item | Why HR Needs It |
| Participant name and ID | Confirms who completed the training (audit trail) |
| Course date(s) and venue | Shows when and where training occurred |
| Instructor name/licence | Verifies training was delivered by authorised provider |
| Certificate issue date | Establishes start of validity period |
| Certificate PDF | Provides physical evidence for audits and compliance checks |
| Register entry | Central record of all workplace training activities |
| Refresh date | Triggers reminder for future refresher course |
| MHFAider status (if applicable) | Optional additional credential some organisations prefer |
For broader compliance framing, see our guide on the first aid code of practice to understand how mental health training fits within workplace health and safety obligations.
Who Should Book This Course
This course is ideal for HR managers, WHS coordinators, team leaders, people and culture teams, office managers, reception and client service staff, security and concierge teams, hospitality workers, facilities managers, and shift workers who need flexible training schedules.
Workplace Use Cases
- Onboarding cohorts for new managers or people leaders
- Leadership development programs
- Wellbeing champion networks
- Psychosocial risk management initiatives (general planning only; not legal advice)
- Team capability building across customer-facing roles
- Cross-functional training for HR, facilities, and operations
17% of Australians experienced an anxiety disorder in a 12-month period, which means in a team of 20 people, roughly three or four may be managing anxiety at any given time. Training your workforce to recognise signs and respond appropriately creates a safer, more supportive workplace.
Team Coverage Rule of Thumb
Aim for one trained Mental Health First Aider per team or shift, with at least 10% of people leaders completing the course. This is a planning suggestion, not a regulation. Your organisation’s needs may differ based on size, industry, and risk profile. Consult your WHS advisor for tailored guidance.
Psychological safety is when people feel safe to speak up, ask for help, and raise concerns without fear of embarrassment or punishment. Mental Health Awareness & Support Training Course training supports psychological safety by normalising conversations about mental health and equipping staff with practical responses.
For managers looking to expand their understanding of mental health topics, our resource on social media and mental health provides insights into modern wellbeing challenges facing younger employees.
MHA vs Accredited First Aid for Mental Health Options
Standard Adult MHA and accredited mental health training are not the same product. MHA focuses on practical literacy and the ALGEE action plan, while accredited courses focus on competency-based assessment and nationally recognised VET outcomes. Most Melbourne CBD workplaces choose MHA because it provides fast, bookable training with a shared framework your entire organisation can use.
Standard Adult MHA
The Adult course emphasises the ALGEE action plan, workplace applicability, and broad recognition. Participants receive a certificate of completion. Those who complete the optional MHA Australia accreditation pathway can become an Accredited Mental Health First Aider (MHFAider). Training is delivered by Licensed Instructors under the Mental Health Awareness & Support Training Course Australia program.
Accredited Mental Health Crisis Response Courses
Nationally accredited courses (such as those under training package 11379NAT) provide competency-based assessment and a Statement of Attainment. These courses require a Unique Student Identifier (USI) and involve formal assessment against national standards. They suit organisations that need VET-accredited training for specific compliance or funding requirements.
Accredited (nationally recognised) training is formal VET training delivered under national standards (often requiring assessment and a USI) that may result in a Statement of Attainment or qualification. Confirm USI, assessment, and compliance requirements with the provider before enrolling.
Cultural Safety and Inclusivity
Support should be respectful, culturally safe, and guided by the person’s preferences. The most effective Mental Health Awareness & Support Training Course response is practical and person-centred: ask, listen, respect cultural preferences, and connect the person with the right professional support.
Cultural safety means people feel respected and safe when receiving support, without racism, stereotyping, or judgement, and with their identity and preferences taken seriously. MHA training emphasises these principles throughout the course.
Inclusive Conversations
Avoid assumptions about someone’s background, language, or support networks. Ask permission before offering help. Use person-first language where appropriate (e.g., “a person living with depression” rather than “a depressed person”), but respect if someone prefers identity-first language. Let the person guide the conversation.
Workplace Practice
HR can pair MHA training with clear EAP visibility, documented escalation pathways, and manager coaching. Make sure your referral processes include culturally specific supports and community services where relevant. Encourage staff to ask, “What kind of support would be most helpful for you?” rather than assuming one pathway suits everyone.
Referral Awareness
When someone requests support, encourage them to access services that align with their preferences. This might include culturally specific counselling, peer support programs, or community organisations. Avoid pushing a single referral option. Provide choices and let the person decide.
Do and Don’t Checklist
- Do: Ask open-ended questions like, “What support would work best for you?”
- Don’t: Make assumptions based on someone’s background or appearance.
- Do: Respect confidentiality and privacy at all times.
- Don’t: Share someone’s personal information without their explicit permission.
- Do: Acknowledge your own biases and commit to learning.
- Don’t: Dismiss or minimise someone’s experience because it differs from your own.
For readers seeking information about Australian support organisations, Stride Mental Health is one example of a national service provider with resources and programs across multiple states.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you run evening or weekend Mental Health Awareness & Support Training Course in Melbourne CBD for shift workers?
Yes. CPR First Aid offers MHA fully online sessions that can be accomplished during evenings and weekends.
What certificate do I get after completing Standard Adult MHA?
After completing Adult/Standard MHA, you receive a certificate of completion. The certificate of completion is issued by CPR First Aid as a Licensed Instructor and is suitable for internal HR and WHS training registers. MHFAider accreditation is optional and involves an additional online assessment through Mental Health Awareness & Support Training Course Australia. Check with your employer if they require or prefer MHFAider status. For more details on accreditation pathways, visit MHA Australia.
HR teams should store a PDF copy of each certificate, record course dates in your training register, and note the refresh cycle (typically three years). MHA Australia may update guidance on certificate validity, so confirm current recommendations on their website.
How long does the Mental Health Awareness & Support Training Course take?
The Standard Adult MHA online courses can range anywhere between 2 to 10 hours, depending on the level of course selected.
What is the ALGEE action plan in Mental Health Awareness & Support Training Course?
ALGEE is the MHA action plan: Approach, assess and assist with any crisis; Listen non-judgementally; Give support and information; Encourage appropriate professional help; Encourage other supports. It’s designed to give staff a simple, repeatable way to respond safely and confidently. For example, if a colleague discloses they’re struggling, you would approach them privately (A), listen without interrupting or judging (L), provide practical information about available supports (G), suggest they speak to a GP or call an EAP (E), and encourage connection with trusted friends or family (E). If someone is in immediate danger, call 000. ALGEE is not counselling or therapy. It’s first aid.
Does MHA cover suicide, suicidal thoughts and panic attacks?
MHA teaches how to respond to mental health crises, including suicidal thoughts and panic symptoms, using the ALGEE action plan and appropriate escalation to professional support. You’ll learn how to ask directly about suicide, recognise warning signs, and stay with someone until they can access help. MHA is not counselling or diagnosis. It focuses on initial support and connecting someone to help. If someone is in imminent danger, call 000 immediately. The course includes clear guidance on when and how to escalate, including involving emergency services, GPs, or crisis lines like Lifeline (13 11 14).
Is MHA ‘accredited’ or nationally recognised?
Standard Adult MHA is a nationally recognised Mental Health Awareness & Support Training Course program delivered by Licensed Instructors under Mental Health Awareness & Support Training Course Australia, and it is different from nationally accredited VET courses that issue Statements of Attainment. MHA provides a certificate of completion and optional MHFAider accreditation. It is widely used and accepted across Australian workplaces. If your organisation requires a VET-accredited Statement of Attainment for funding or compliance reasons, contact us to discuss accredited alternatives. See the comparison section above for a detailed explanation of the differences between MHA and accredited VET courses.
Conclusion
Mental Health Awareness & Support Training Course gives workplaces a practical, structured way to respond to one of the most common health challenges affecting Australian employees today. With a clear framework like ALGEE, staff gain the confidence to recognise early warning signs, provide supportive initial assistance, and guide colleagues toward appropriate professional help while maintaining safe boundaries. This combination of awareness, communication skills, and escalation knowledge strengthens both individual capability and overall organisational resilience.
For Melbourne CBD organisations, flexible online delivery makes it feasible to build mental health literacy across teams without disrupting operations. Equipping managers, HR personnel, and frontline staff with these skills supports psychological safety, reduces stigma, and encourages earlier help-seeking behaviours. Over time, consistent training coverage contributes to healthier workplaces, improved wellbeing outcomes, and stronger compliance documentation within WHS and HR systems.
Investing in MHA is not simply about completing a course. It represents a proactive commitment to fostering a supportive culture where people feel safe to speak up, seek help, and look out for one another.
References
- Mental health – Australian Bureau of Statistics. Cited for 42.9% lifetime mental disorder prevalence and 21.5% 12-month prevalence among Australians aged 16-85.
- Prevalence and impact of mental illness – Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Cited for 17% experiencing anxiety disorder in a 12-month period.
- Mental illness burden of disease – Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Cited for mental health conditions and substance use disorders accounting for 15% of total burden of disease.
- Mental Health Awareness & Support Training Course training works – University of Melbourne. Cited for over one million Australians trained in MHA and evidence of improved recognition, knowledge, confidence, and reduced stigma.
- 2023 Workplace Mental Health Symposium – Australia and New Zealand Mental Health Association. Cited for $12 billion annual cost of untreated mental health conditions.
- Mental Health Awareness & Support Training Course Australia – MHA program authority. Cited for course pathway information, accreditation details, and program standards.