Mental Health First Aid Training
2026 MHFA course dates:
11th and 18th February – Bookings closed.
18th and 25th March – refresher – Bookings closed.
17th and 24th June – open for bookings
23rd and 30th September – refresher – open for bookings
18th and 25th November
New in 2026 – MHFA Refresher training!!
Did you complete your Standard MHFA training after 2023? If so, you need to complete a refresher training to remain accredited. The AVA are pleased to launch this veterinary-specific refresher training. You do not need to have done your standard training through the AVA to be eligible for this course.
To find out more information about individual MHFA courses and to register follow this link: Education & Events | Australian Veterinary Association
About
Working in the veterinary industry can be rewarding but it can also be challenging and stressful at times. This accredited course will increase your knowledge and confidence in helping loved ones, clients and colleagues with mental health challenges.
What is Mental Health First Aid?
Mental health first aid is the help provided to a person who is developing a mental health problem or who is experiencing a mental health crisis. Like physical first aid, mental health first aid is given until the person receives professional help or until the crisis resolves.
Course format:
In 2026 the AVA will continue to provide MHFA training in the blended online format.
Part A - e-learning module
This will take approximately 6-8 hours to complete, and you can start straight away using the MHFA online training manual available once your registration is confirmed.
Part B - Virtual workshop training
This component of the training has been tailor made for the veterinary profession by Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Australia and is facilitated by Andrew Thompson from Provet/Crampton Consulting. The training is strictly limited to 12 participants and will be delivered in two online sessions of 2.5 hours each session.
What’s covered in the course?
- Explore mental health problems such as depression, anxiety problems, psychosis and substance misuse problems.
- Participants will then learn the practical, evidence-based communication techniques to reach out to those in need.
- Take-home resources including a hard copy manual.
Registration to this course is non-refundable and non-transferable so please ensure you are able to complete the e-learning component by the due date and are also available to attend BOTH workshops.
Refresher training
Delivered as 2 x 2.5hr online webinars. No e-learning required. Participants will receive a copy of the latest MHFA manual.
Course participants learn about the latest research in the mental health field, work through complex mental health first aid interactions, and practice their mental health first aid skills across a range of mental health problems and mental health crisis situations.
Participants can complete a short assessment at the end of a course to extend their Mental Health First Aid Accreditation for a further 3 years.
To be eligible you must complete your refresher training BEFORE your current accreditation expires. If you miss this window you will need to complete the standard course. Only one refresher course is allowed per 6-year period.
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