Mental Health Literacy & Informed Care Training (MHL)

Mental Health Literacy and Informed Care Training helps staff better understand common mental health concerns, recognise early warning signs, and respond appropriately to individuals experiencing distress, crisis, or ongoing mental health challenges.

This training is suitable for disability, aged care, education, healthcare, community services, local government, and frontline staff who may support individuals experiencing mental ill health, trauma, psychosocial disability, alcohol and other drug concerns, or behavioural escalation.

Participants learn practical strategies to respond to panic attacks, anxiety, depression, self-harm disclosures, suicidal ideation, emotional dysregulation, and trauma-related behaviours in a safe, calm, and supportive way.

The training also explores the relationship between disability, trauma, and mental health, helping staff build confidence while improving outcomes for the people they support.

This course may contribute towards professional development requirements for members of the Australian Counselling Association, depending on course duration, assessment requirements, and individual professional obligations. Online training programs between 1 and 6 hours that include an assessment may be eligible for up to 5 OPD points. See link for details https://www.theaca.net.au/find-events.php

Module 1. Introduction to Mental Health

• Definitions and key concepts
• Mental health versus mental illness
• Common myths and misconceptions

Module 2. Understanding Mental Health & Disability

• The relationship between mental health concerns and disability
• Psychosocial disability
• Trauma, substance use, and behavioural escalation

Module 3. Recognising Mental Health Concerns

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Panic attacks
• Psychosis
• Self-harm and suicidal ideation
• Other common mental health concerns

Module 4. The Impact of Mental Health

• Effects on behaviour, communication, relationships, and daily functioning
• Warning signs and early indicators
• The impact on families, carers, and support staff

Module 5. Assessment & Risk Awareness

• Identifying when a person may need additional support
• Understanding risk factors and protective factors
• Reporting and escalation pathways

Module 6. Practical Support Strategies

• Supporting someone experiencing distress or crisis
• Communication strategies
• Responding to panic attacks
• Responding to self-harm disclosures or suicidal ideation
• Supporting individuals with ongoing trauma and mental health concerns

Module 7. Staff Wellbeing & Professional Responsibilities

• Reflective practice
• Managing stress and burnout
• Professional boundaries
• Self-care strategies for staff and carers

Participants will learn:

• How to recognise common mental health concerns such as depression, anxiety, panic attacks, trauma responses, psychosis, self-harm, and suicidal ideation, along with the warning signs that someone may be struggling
• The relationship between disability, trauma, psychosocial disability, alcohol and other drug use, and mental health, including how these factors can influence behaviour, communication, emotional regulation, and daily functioning
• Practical strategies for supporting individuals experiencing distress, crisis, or ongoing mental health concerns in a calm, safe, and person-centred way
• How to respond appropriately to panic attacks, emotional distress, disclosures of self-harm, suicidal ideation, or significant changes in behaviour while maintaining professional boundaries and duty of care
• Communication and de-escalation techniques that help reduce anxiety, build trust, and support positive outcomes during mental health-related situations
• The importance of reporting pathways, documentation, escalation procedures, confidentiality, and professional responsibilities when supporting someone with mental health concerns
• Strategies to improve staff wellbeing, manage stress, reduce burnout, recognise the impact of vicarious trauma, and maintain resilience when working in emotionally demanding environments

• Duration: 2 Hour Webinar, Half Day, Full Day, or 2 Day Intensive Available
• Delivery: Face-to-Face, Live Webinar, or Pre-Recorded Webinar
• Location: Available Across Australia and New Zealand
• Capacity: Up to 20 Participants per Facilitator
• Suitable For: Disability, healthcare, aged care, schools, community services, out-of-home care, local government, and frontline staff
• Customisation: Training can be tailored to your sector, staff responsibilities, workplace risks, and organisational needs