Psychological first aid

Developed by Optimal Health, Psychological First Aid is the help provided to a person developing a mental health problem or are in a mental health crisis – the first aid is given until appropriate professional help is received or until the crisis is resolved.

What are the benefits of Psychological First Aid?

The Psychological First Aid course is useful because:

• Strong emotional responses to life’s problems are common
• Many people are not well informed about suicidal feelings and thoughts
• Clinical help is not always on hand
• People often don’t know how to respond
• Increasing options and demonstrating hope can save lives

Psychological First Aid has been endorsed by a number of global and national organisations including:

• The Australian Psychological Society
• The World Health Organisation
• National Institute for Mental Health
• National Centre for PTSD

What is covered in Psychological First Aid?

Psychological First Aid provides an approach to identifying and responding to emerging needs, either before or during crisis.

The training objectives ensures participants can:

• Understand the key processes of Psychological First Aid
• Be trauma competent
• Increase awareness of the signs and symptoms of stress
• Identify strategies to limit distress
• Apply Psychological First Aid with those in crisis
• Identify strategies to support resilience among responders

It includes Trauma Informed Care Practice, techniques for managing stress and anxiety and works on immediate needs and short-term goals to maintain safety.

How do I access Psychological First Aid?

This course is available face to face or virtually across NSW. Course duration is generally 9am-4pm (seven hours), for up to 16 people and requires active participation.

The Psychological First Aid course is $300 +GST for individuals, or $4,000 +GST for groups.

A certificate of attendance will be provided upon completion.