If you are in distress, you can call or text 988 at any time. If it is an emergency, call 9-1-1 or go to your local emergency department.

Community-Based MHFA courses are culturally grounded and co-developed with the communities they serve.

These programs are designed to reflect the lived realities, values, and ways of knowing of First Nations, Inuit, Northern Peoples, and other populations. They are delivered with local knowledge and community support to ensure safe, relevant, and trusted learning experiences.

Unlike standard adaptations, these courses are not modified versions of existing MHFA programs—they are built differently from the ground up, with unique frameworks, scenarios, and language that honour the context and strengths of each community.

MHFA Community-Based Training

MHFA Community courses are available in adaptations that address the specific needs of unique groups, including MHFA Northern Peoples, MHFA Inuit, MHFA First Nations. Each version maintains the same core framework while tailoring examples, language, and context to ensure the training is meaningful and relatable for the audience it serves.

Other MHFA training options

Workplace Mental Health Verification is a strong business signal. When you’re Workplace Mental Health verified, you show:

MHFA Certification

An innovative and leading-edge program in the sector, Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) now offers official certification.

This in-depth course, upon completion and assessment, provides participants:

  • A nationally recognized MHFA Certification that is valid for 3 years.
  • Increase Mental Health Awareness
  • Understand stigma, diagnostic labelling, and barriers to helping
  • Learn effective communication techniques
MHFA Essentials

A suite of courses, focused on core knowledge and practical skills. The courses do not lead to Certification.

Within the Essentials suite is a streamlined one-day course as well as adaptations to support unique populations and specific roles, including:

  • MHFA Supporting Youth
  • MHFA Supporting Older Adults
  • MHFA Veteran Community

Frequently Asked Questions

Become a Certified MHFA Facilitator

The Facilitator Certification Training is designed for people who want to offer the MHFA course in the communities, workplaces or organizations. As a Certified MHFA facilitator, you will join the Opening Minds Facilitator Community that is over 2000 people strong across Canada.

Mental Health First Aid Case Studies

Learn more about how MHFA is helping to transform mental wellness in organizations across Canada.

Interested in training for yourself? Need training for your Organization?