In 2000
Initiated in
Australia
Mental Health First Aid Program
The Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) program was originally developed in Australia in 2000 by Betty Kitchener and Professor Anthony Jorm, a mental health researcher. Based on the research conducted with mental health professionals, advocates, and educators they designed the MHFA program focused on the core principles of providing early intervention, increasing mental health literacy, reducing stigma, and promoting early help-seeking behaviors.
The program aimed at training public members, including family members, friends, and colleagues, to recognize the signs and symptoms of common mental health problems, offer appropriate support, and guide individuals to professional help when needed.
Today, the MHFA program is widely recognized as a valuable tool for increasing mental health literacy, promoting early intervention, and reducing stigma surrounding mental health issues. It continues to evolve and be implemented in diverse communities around the world, to build a society that is more supportive and understanding of mental health challenges.
Mental Health First Aid International
Mental Health First Aid International is the only authorising body for licensing MHFA programs to organisations in various countries. MHFA International is an organization that works to promote and support the implementation of Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) programs globally. It serves as a coordinating body for MHFA programs in different countries, fostering collaboration, sharing best practices, and providing resources and guidance for program implementation.
One of the key roles of MHFA International is to ensure fidelity to the core principles and content of the MHFA program while allowing for cultural and contextual adaptations. The organization collaborates with national program coordinators to ensure that MHFA training aligns with local mental health systems, resources, and cultural sensitivities.
25
countries Adopted
and delivered in
60,000+
Accredited MHFA
Instructors
600,000+
people trained
worldwide
Mental Health First Aid India
In 2017, MHFA India became a Licensed Provider of Mental Health First Aid training authorized by MHFA International, Australia.
MHFA India aims to contribute towards a society where mental health conversation, supportive actions, and help-seeking are normalised and encouraged. Based in Chennai, MHFA India works with organisations, institutions, and Mental Health First Aid instructors across India. MHFA India is the national body responsible for the implementation and coordination of the Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) program in India. It is a part of the global MHFA network and operates under the guidance and support of MHFA International.
MHFA India works to promote mental health literacy, reduce stigma, and enhance the skills of individuals to provide initial support to those experiencing mental health issues. The organization collaborates with various stakeholders, including mental health professionals, government agencies, educational institutions, non-profit organizations, and community groups, to implement MHFA training across the country.
Mental Health First Aid India is the only body to provide and manage Standard Mental Health First Aid Instructor courses in India
Areas of focus
Mental Health Education
Through education and quality awareness, we can reduce stigma, and bring positive attitudes toward mental health among the public.
Mental Health Research & Advocacy
Measure the impact of MHFA and advocate for better mental health development through research and scientific data.
Support & Expertise
When you train with MHFA, we are there with you all the way to guide you towards building a mental health supportive system.
Who can benefit from MHFA training
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Anyone
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Corporate and Educational Institutions
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Trainers
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Find all MHFA India Courses here
MHFA Journey
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2000
MHFA training was developed and delivered in Australia
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MHFA India licensed by MHFA International
Mental Health First Aid India obtained the MHFA International license in 2017, to carry out the standard MHFA program, across the country.
2017
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2018
MHFA India delivers its first SMHFA Training
Our first Standard Mental Health First Aid training program was delivered in 2018. This program equips people with practical skills to help someone they care about.
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Introduced new courses during the pandemic
Online courses to support workplaces, higher education institutes, and the public were developed to deal with the emotional and mental health effects of the pandemic
2020
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2021
MHFA India delivers its first SMHFA Training
Our first Standard Mental Health First Aid training program was delivered in 2018. This program equips people with practical skills to help someone they care about.
-
Introduced new courses during the pandemic
Online courses to support workplaces, higher education institutes, and the public were developed to deal with the emotional and mental health effects of the pandemic
2022
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2023
MHFA India delivers its first SMHFA Training
Our first Standard Mental Health First Aid training program was delivered in 2018. This program equips people with practical skills to help someone they care about.
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