FAQ's

Courses

How does the MHFA program work?

MHFA training works as part of a joint mental healthcare system aiming to improve the level of mental health literacy among the people.  Our courses are based on research and developed by mental health experts with inputs from people with lived experiences of mental health problems. The MHFA manual has been through an Adaptation and Acculturation Process to the Indian context. You can find a list of studies on evaluation of the MHFA training here https://mhfa.com.au/research/mhfa-course-evaluations

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Why just MHFA India? Can I take the course in other countries as well?

MHFA India is the only licensed organisation from MHFA International for the delivery of SMHFA courses in India. The module is adapted to the Indian mental health situation to make it practical and useful. If you live in India, and you wish to become a Mental Health First Aider and practice the ALGEE Action Plan in your community, it will be more effective to take the course in India only. MHFA is a global movement that is now present in 25 countries. Each country licenses its own MHFA program separately – you can see a list of all international MHFA program at mhfainternational.org

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Are there differences between Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) and Psychological First Aid (PFA)?

The main differences between Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) and Psychological First Aid (PFA) are as follows:

• MHFA has a broader focus. We have defined it as follows: "Mental health first aid is the help provided to a person who is developing a mental health problem, experiencing a worsening of an existing mental health problem, or in a mental health crisis. The first aid is given until appropriate professional help is received or the crisis resolves.". Thus, it includes the full range of mental disorders and associated crises. Psychological First Aid is solely focused on response to a disaster situation.
• MHFA does give some training on how to respond to a person who has experienced a traumatic event. However, this training is much less detailed than in PFA.
• MHFA training is designed for non-health professionals also. The MH First Aider’s role stops once appropriate professional help is reached. Psychological First Aid is usually given by a mental health professional.

Why do MHFA courses have information about diagnosis of mental illness? I believe that labelling people makes them feel abnormal and is not helpful in the recovery process.

• One of the most important aims of MHFA courses is to dispel the myths and stigma associated with mental illness and our courses are designed with this in mind.
• Diagnosing mental illnesses is not part of the curriculum and the course does not qualify anyone to make a diagnosis. The course will briefly cover how mental illnesses are diagnosed but the focus is on recognising that someone is unwell and assisting them to get the help they need.
• MHFA participants learn to recognise symptoms and refer a person to appropriate help, which we believe is very important. Many symptoms of mental illness are misunderstood by the community and result in people being further isolated. For example, irritability, social withdrawal and difficulty with day to day social interactions can result in the person being ostracised. In adolescents, many symptoms of mental health problems can be met with a disciplinary response rather than a caring one, particularly at school.
• We spend a lot more time focussing on being non-judgmental, listening, providing support (both emotional and practical) and encouraging the person to seek the support of those around them, while doing things that help them feel better. Participants also learn how to respond in a crisis. This is essential because it is usually friends, family or co-workers who will be in a better position to help in times of crisis. For example, with some skills and training, a close friend or family member can recognise signs that a person may be feeling suicidal and assist them accordingly.
• Research has shown that attending the course improves participants' attitudes, helps them recognise when someone may need help, and appropriate help is provided. The success of the program is reflected in the national and international adoption and recognition.
• We appreciate that some people may have had unpleasant or distressing experiences in the mental health system. We believe professional help should be sought and evidence-based treatments are effective for most people. We also encourage participants to advocate for the people they are assisting in the hope that this will make the process easier for them.

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Does the MHFA courses teach about suicide prevention?

Suicide prevention is one of the topics covered in the 12-hour Standard MHFA course. However, due to the number of topics covered, only around 1 hour is spent on suicide specific material. A separate half a day course is designated for Suicide Prevention.

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Am I eligible for the 12 hours training?

Everyone from the public 18 years and above interested to get education on Mental Health First Aid program can register for the 12 hours course. We do not conduct any interview for participation in the training.

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How can I see the calendar of training?

A calendar of Training dates is published on the ‘Courses’ page of this website. Training is generally conducted in 2 full days. However, on need basis it can be spread over several days. You can register for the training at MHFA India website  http://mhfai-uat.ameexcloud.com by choosing the dates from the calendar.

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How to find the MHFA Instructors?

MHFA Instructors can be trained only by MHFA India. The list of trained and Accredited Instructors can be found in the official website of MHFA India. Look at the calendar to find the training provided by each of the instructors. find an instructor

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Are courses delivered in my state language?

Initially all courses have been delivered in English language only. Hindi is the local language in which MHFA course is now available. With experience, MHFA India will translate the SMHFA course in other local languages to reach to more public across the country. For specific languages, see the calendar of training where language of training is being informed.

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Do I need to share my personal experience during the 12 hours Course?

Not necessary. You are participating to educate yourself in mental health. The instructors will encourage interaction and opinion sharing among group members to enhance the learning process. You are welcome to share your experience in case you feel comfortable to do so. The Instructor and participants, by agreeing to participate in the course, respect the confidentiality and differences of opinion among members.

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How much does it cost?

We value the 12 hours Mental Health First Aid course ₹20,000 + GST.

If you are an organised group with a minimum of 18-20 participants, please contact the MHFA India team for discussing logistics and pricing. Email us at mhfaindia@mhfaindia.com

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Why does it cost?

Mental health is one of the least funded social problem in our country. Most of the funded initiatives rightly target marginalised groups. MHFA India aims to provide mental health education across the population at all the time. MHFA India is registered as a Pvt. Ltd. company to assure sustainability of delivering the courses. Courses are the only source of income which assure the presence of the program in the country as well as support our team to conduct researches and evaluation to keep abreast with the quality of course delivery.

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How do I pay for the Course?

Payment is integrated with course registration in the website. Once you select your dates and course at the Calendar you can make payments as shown in the page. On receipt of full payment, your seat will be considered as confirmed. A tax receipt will be given to you once you are in the course or send via email.

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How do I change or cancel my booking?

There are two options:

1. Change my Date of Course
2. Cancel my Course

You will need to inform minimum 2 weeks in advance for both options in order to give seat to another applicant.

You may reply to the confirmation email with subject stating one of the above options.

•  In case of Cancelation of the course 2 weeks prior to the course date, 80% of your course fee will be reimbursed to you.
•  In case of Cancelation within 2 weeks of the course date, 30% of the course fee will be reimbursed to you.

For example; If the course dates are 15-16 March 2019 and we receive an email from you asking for cancelation on 28th February 2019 then you are eligible to be compensated 80% of the amount. Allow 4-6 weeks to complete the transfer.

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How do I book a course?

You can book your course from the MHFA India web page only. You can choose the date of your training based on the Training Calendar available on the ‘Courses’ page. Once you complete your registration process, you will receive a Confirmation email with required information.

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What if MHFA India course is not in my state?

If your state is not in the training calendar of MHFA India, you can wait until we start a course in your state. Otherwise, you can choose your nearby state, however, you will have to cover the accommodation and travel expenses on your own. You can also check at the List of Instructors to identify if there are Instructors from your state and contact them directly to check on their training plans.

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Do I have to attend the whole course?

Yes, you have to attend both days of the course to become a Certified Mental Health First Aider. All parts of the course are equally important to learn a safe grounding in MHFA skills.

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Does Mental Health First Aider Certificate enable me to teach MHFA?

No it does not! You would need to apply and be approved to do a MHFA Instructor Course in order to teach MHFA in your communities.

As a Mental Health First Aider, you are committed not to use the manual and the information taken in any form during the training or post it, for any teaching or training purposes. It may lead to cause damages to your participants as MHFA program is a standardized one which can be administered only by trained and Accredited MHFA Instructors. MHFA India reserves the right to take legal action towards breach of copyrights and misuse of the materials. See copyrights notes at the beginning of the manual.

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