Become an Instructor
Our Intensive Instructor Training Courses are for adults with the relevant skills and experience to become a Licensed MHFA Instructor.
Make a Difference
Improve outcomes for people experiencing mental health problems.
Increase Community Care
Equip people with the skills needed to intervene early and offer support when it matters most.
Enhance Your Knowledge
Strengthen your knowledge, communication skills and crisis intervention techniques.
Join a Global Movement
Contribute to improving mental health, reducing stigma and creating a more passionate and informed society.
The backbone of Mental Health First Aid Australia’s national course dissemination is a national network of Licensed Instructors, passionate about improving the mental health of their communities.
Licensed MHFA Instructors play an important role in improving capacity for community-led care through the delivery of Mental Health First Aid training in workplaces, schools, tertiary institutions, and communities nationwide.
By becoming an Instructor, you empower individuals to educate others about mental health, reduce stigma and increase support for those experiencing mental health problems.
Instructor Pathways
Licensed MHFA Instructors are not employees of Mental Health First Aid Australia. They either work as independent licensees, delivering MHFA courses in workplace, school, tertiary and community-based settings or are internal to an organisation delivering MHFA training to their colleagues or other individuals supported by the organisation.
Independent Licensees
Flexibility
Set your own schedule and choose when and where to run courses
Autonomy
Freedom to set course fees and market your business
Impact & Reach
Offer training to different communities and organisations
Internal to an Organisation
Increase employee well-being
Train staff to recognise, respond, understand and support a friend, family member or co-worker
Targeted impact
Address specific concerns or challenges experienced in your sector or organisation
Create mentally healthy workplaces
Proactively address mental health challenges, reduce stigma and promote a mentally healthy work environment
Training Delivery Options
There are two options when it comes to becoming a Licensed MHFA Instructor:
Attend a Public Instructor
Training Course
Individuals or groups smaller than 10 can enrol to attend a public Instructor Training Course.
Learn More
First, explore our Instructor Training Courses.
Once you’ve found the course that’s right for you, search our public Instructor Training Course calendar to find a public course near you.
Organise a Private Instructor
Training Course
Groups larger than 10 can organise a private Instructor Training Course at a mutually agreed venue.
Learn More
First, explore our Instructor Training Courses.
Once you’ve found the course that’s right for your group, simply submit a Private Instructor Training Course enquiry.
Course Options
Browse course options to become an Instructor:
Standard MHFA Instructor Training
Deliver courses to adults to support other adults.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander MHFA Instructor Training
Deliver courses to adults to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders adults.
Youth MHFA Instructor Training
Deliver courses to adults who support and assist young people (aged 12-18).
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Youth MHFA Instructor Training
Deliver courses to adults to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people (aged 12-18).
Older Person MHFA Instructor Training
Deliver courses to adults to support older adults (aged 65+).
Teen MHFA Instructor Training
Deliver courses to teens to provide peer-to-peer support to a friend or classmate.
Eligibility
Licensed Instructors are not required to be mental health professionals, nor to have qualifications in mental health.
Applicants must be able to demonstrate that they meet the following selection criteria:
- Be a current Accredited MHFAider
- Have a good knowledge of mental health problems, their treatments and support services
- Personal or professional experience supporting people with mental illnesses
- Excellent group facilitation, communication and interpersonal skills
- Hold a valid Working with Children Check from their state/territory of residence
Duration & Format
- Training is delivered face-to-face by an MHFA or Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander MHFA Master Instructor.
- All Instructor Training Courses (excluding Teen): 5 days
- Teen Instructor Training Courses: 4 days
Application Process
- Applicants for both public and private courses must complete an online application at least 4 weeks prior to the commencement of the training and demonstrate how they meet the selection criteria, including specific examples where required.
- Applications will be reviewed against our stated eligibility criteria.
- Once provisionally approved, applicants will need to submit a Working with Children Check and complete payment.
Licensing
- Adults who successfully complete the course become Licensed Mental Health First Aid Instructors that can deliver Mental Health First Aid training in workplace and community settings.
