With a focus on understanding both their own experiences and that of their peers, the Teen Mental Health First Aid program is a practical, skills-based mental health training designed for high school and secondary school students. It empowers young people to support each other, improve the wellbeing of their school community, and fosters a supportive environment that reduces feelings of isolation. The program improves mental health literacy, helping students recognise and respond to common issues such as anxiety, depression, and other mental health disorders. The course addresses a range of mental health challenges, including anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, eating disorders, and substance use problems.
Active mental health support is especially important for adolescents. As they learn to build social & emotional wellbeing habits, they’re often forced to navigate confusing, challenging and sometimes harmful situations. Early intervention is crucial for identifying mental health concerns before they escalate into more serious crises. It’s a critical period of growth and vulnerability, and all too often leads to poor mental health outcomes.
Australia-wide, 1 in 5 people report experiencing a serious mental health issue each year, but 75% of all mental health issues are experienced before the age of 25. Clearly, more needs to be done. Programs like Teen Mental Health First Aid teach students to recognise signs of mental health issues in their peers and respond appropriately to their concerns, ensuring timely support and guidance.
While we absolutely promote equipping responsible, trustworthy adults with reliable, up-to-date information, skills and action plans, a large amount of their support network comes through their peers. Mental health training helps reduce stigma and fosters a supportive school environment, making it easier for students to seek help. It’s also important that school staff are trained to support students effectively, ensuring a comprehensive safety net. Research shows that young people often confide in friends rather than adults during struggles, highlighting the need for peer support training.
MHFA is informed by the lived experience of people - something our facilitators are familiar with. We bring much of ourselves to each course, and use our experiences as counsellors, coaches, leaders, and people to help you connect and learn.
Life is messy - whether it’s time, location, learning type, or anything else - we cater with full customisation. We prioritise accessibility, catering for in-person, remote, or unique content - we’ll make sure you get the MHFA that’s right for you.
Mental health can be a tough topic for many people. With deep respect for both the subject material and you, we make it easier to approach with a comfortable, safe atmosphere - and we even share a laugh from time to time.
In whichever way you engage with and support the people in your care - we share your perspective. From building safe spaces, to educating teens about mental wellbeing, and confident, open conversations, we help you in the way that works best.
Any Mental Health First Aid certification is a well-understood benefit to any community, but the time or place isn’t always right. We make it easy by working with you to help deliver your preferred course in a way that won’t challenge your schedule.
Mental Health First Aid is for everyone - we aim to make it equally accessible regardless of your experience in life. We offer sensory aids, fidget tools, and customised courses to give you the best experience. Don’t hesitate to tell us what you need.
Our Teen Mental Health First Aid courses are practical, skills-based programs delivered to the entire cohort by accredited instructors accredited by Mental Health First Aid International. Presented to a class of students over three face-to-face sessions, with two different courses for teens in years 7-9 & 10-12, the program focuses on improving mental health literacy. We prepare a bespoke course from the evidence-based research of MHFA to equip your students with the information, skills, and action plans to navigate their own mental health challenges, support their peers, and seek out help from a trusted adult at the right time.
We work closely with you to ensure our sessions are comfortable and welcoming to help your students feel safe and engage with the material, so our program has the best possible impact. Training for teens is our specialty.
We have a long background in mental health education, support & awareness – coaching, counselling, preparing seminars and group training programs. We have the experience to prepare the globally-recognised MHFA program as a first aid course delivered by accredited instructors, ensuring your students receive the highest standard of training.
Our Teen Mental Health First Aid program is run as a first aid course in three face-to-face classroom sessions, each led by trained instructors. The content and approach can be adjusted to your preferences. Reach out to our team or book a call to explore how your students can engage with our course.
Throughout the course, we cover the most up-to-date information on adolescent development, including anxiety, depression, and other mental health disorders. You’ll learn to recognise and support peers experiencing these issues, where and how to seek professional help for a developing mental illness, the most effective methods and the research behind them, and how to provide mental health first aid in crisis situations. The course is designed to improve mental health literacy, promote early intervention, and reduce stigma around mental health challenges among teens.
We run our Teen MHFA courses in person in three 70 minute sessions.
In Australia, and also the wider world, mental health outcomes continually fail to meet the standards of a healthy, functioning society. It’s an issue that deserves our attention – to overcome stigmas and create an environment where people are supported through tough times. We believe it can be achieved with a dedicated response from everyday people. Our programs empower teens to support each other, share lived experiences, and foster resilience in their communities.
The Mental Health Coach is our way to improve the support available to vulnerable people all throughout society in a tangible, lasting way. With knowledge from evidence-based training and the confidence to share experiences with peers, we work with you to make a difference.
Nick started The Mental Health Coach with this in mind. From his background as coach, counsellor, facilitator and leader of multidisciplinary teams, he came to understand the wide variety of ways different people engage with learning.
Through programs like the globally-recognised Mental Health First Aid training, TMHC reaches people throughout society. We help people build safer, stronger, more supportive places to work, live and grow. By sharing the knowledge and skills that help make an impact when it matters most, we can all work together to move the needle in the right direction.
We provide Mental Health First Aid training for anyone who needs it. See our options below to find the right course for your situation.
For small groups or individuals, we regularly run MHFA courses online, in-person, and in a variety of formats. Explore our upcoming programs and lock in your spot.
We offer group training, prepared to suit your workplace, team, organisation or group in online or face-to-face format. Explore the ways we can help you.
If you don’t see the answer you’re looking for, reach out to our team to get the right information.
Absolutely. We run a range of events and seminars that can give young people some of the critical mental wellbeing skills to find the support they need. In addition to our Youth Mental Health First Aid training, we offer youth MHFA training specifically designed for secondary school students, as well as other mental health training options focused on skill development, peer support, stigma reduction, and community building. Our programs include SafeTALK Suicide Alertness training for ages 15+, curated presentation speaking events to inform and engage on a topic you wish to broach, and one-on-one counselling and coaching services to support adolescents.
We also run Rainbow Youth Mental Health First Aid courses for young LGBTQIA+ people aged 18 to 25 and the people they rely on for support. Read about our work with Rainbow Youth’s here.
Certainly. If you’re interested in including Teen Mental Health First Aid in your curriculum, or if it is a particularly sensitive time in your school – let us know what you need. Book a call with us and we’ll work with you to deliver the right course for your students.
Check our Upcoming Training page – we frequently run public & online courses for individuals to join. If you can’t find the right option for you, reach out and let us know – we’ll try to arrange a session that suits your needs. The Teen program is designed for groups of teenagers – primarily in a classroom setting. Adults looking to support teenagers, would benefit from our Youth Mental Health First Aid course.
Our online, Standard Mental Health First Aid, Mental Health Essentials, Youth, and Rainbow Youth courses are aimed at adults aged 18+, while Teen MHFA is customised by age for students between years 7 and 12. We welcome everyone from any background, and host a range of sessions to cater to a wide array of learning styles, comfort levels and availability.
If you’re looking to attend a course by yourself, you’ll find specific information on each course on our Upcoming Training page.
Do you have a group or team seeking training? Talk to us – we frequently customise our courses to suit your availability, goals, and requirements.
