Mental Health Commission of Canada Partner

Mental Health First Aid

Certified by the Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC)
Supportive Techniques for Crisis & Decline
Opening Minds Approved Coursework

See course dates

Loading class dates…

The course

About this course

Mental Health First Aid is for people who want practical skills to recognize when someone may be experiencing declining mental health, a mental health concern, or a substance-use crisis, and respond supportively.

Course Options

Select a session option below to see specific details, topics, and pricing:

Mental Health First Aid Certification

Best for: Workplaces, leaders, HR teams, safety teams, and individuals who want the full certification pathway.

Length: 12 hours totalCredential: Full MHFA Certification (3 Years)

Price per person$375 + HST($427.50 with 14% HST)

Core Topics Covered:

Comprehensive training based on Opening Minds/MHCC curriculum, including:

Noticing changes in mental well-being

De-stigmatization and empathetic communication

Crisis response (panic, trauma, self-harm, overdose)

Supportive listening and de-escalation

Navigating clinical & community supports

Caregiver self-care strategies

Opening Minds national registry pathway

Group Training Requirements

Group Sizes

Minimum 8 participants. Maximum 25 participants for in-person private group training to maintain a high-quality educational environment.

Delivery & Travel

Travel fees may apply for in-person delivery outside our local training areas.

Mental Health First Aid is the better fit when the goal is to help people recognize and respond when someone may already be struggling. Looking for proactive team wellness, psychological safety, boundaries, or manager training instead? Check out The Working Mind.

Course Specifications

Duration: 6 hours (Essentials) OR 12 hours (Certification)

Validity: 3 years (Certification) OR Lifetime (Essentials)

Approving Body: Opening Minds (MHCC)

Training Centre: 28 Aberdeen Street, Suite 3, Kentville, NS

Google Maps Apple Maps

Course Approving Body

This course is accredited nationally by Opening Minds, a social enterprise of the Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC). Successful participants are added to the national registry of certified responders.

Your questions

Mental Health First Aid FAQ

Common questions about mental health certifications and Commission guidelines.

Does this replace clinical therapy or counseling?

No. Just as standard physical First Aid is not medical or surgical treatment, Mental Health First Aid is not therapy or counseling. It is designed to provide immediate support to someone in distress and safely guide them to professional help.

Who issues the certificate?

Successful participants receive their national certification directly from the Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC), added to the national database of certified responders.