Program Overview

Mental Health First Aid Course

The Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) course is an internationally recognized program that teaches individuals how to provide first aid to people with mental health problems or those in crisis. The course focuses on early intervention and prevention, aiming to prevent the escalation of mental health issues and contribute to mental well-being and reduced absenteeism.

Course Content

The MHFA course consists of 12 hours of instruction, divided into two separate sessions of 6 hours each. The course covers the most common mental health problems, including:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Psychosis
• Substance use It also addresses crisis situations, such as:
• Suicide and suicidal thoughts
• Panic attacks
• Traumatic events
• Severe psychotic states
• Severe effects of alcohol or drug use
• Aggressive behavior

The course is interactive, incorporating various practices that allow participants to contribute and engage with the material.

Why MHFA?

Mental health problems are common, and everyone is likely to encounter them in their personal or professional lives. The MHFA course helps to lower the threshold for seeking help and provides individuals with the knowledge and skills to recognize mental health problems in themselves and others. Extensive scientific research has demonstrated the positive impact of MHFA on recognizing mental health problems and reducing stigma.

Certificate

Participants who complete the course, including 100% attendance at the two classroom meetings, a successful test, and an evaluation, will receive a certificate. This certificate is valid for three years, and its validity can be extended by completing a refresher course after three years.

Target Audience

The MHFA course is intended for every adult, as mental health issues can affect anyone. The course is particularly relevant for individuals in roles that involve interacting with people who may be experiencing mental health problems, such as:

• Housing corporation employees
• Hairdressers
• Sports coaches
• Teachers
• Managers
• Absence supervisors
• Shop staff
• Bus drivers
• Train conductors
• Home care workers
• Firefighters
• Voluntary emergency services
• Supervisors of leisure activities

Course Details

• Course code: MHFA-2111
• Programme is for: PhD's and employees
• ECTS: 0.5 ECTS
• Date:
  • 13 and 20 April 2026 (English)
  • 01 and 08 October 2026 (Dutch)
• Time: 10:00-17:00
• Location: Vrijhof
• Course fee: Free of charge
• Maximum participants: 15
• Course materials: Provided during the training
• Trainers: To be determined

Requirements

Please note that after subscribing to this course, participants will receive a link to finalize their subscription approximately two weeks before the course starts. Failure to use this link will result in an invalid subscription.