A guide to Mental Health First Aid training in Singapore
Last updated: 11 October 2024
2 in 5 people in Singapore have personally experienced mental health struggles, according to a 2022 survey. This means that almost everyone in Singapore is likely to know someone experiencing a mental health challenge. This person could be a friend, family member, or colleague. It is more vital than ever that we know how to respond if someone we know is struggling.
If you want to learn how to recognise changes in someone’s mental health and help them to seek further support, Mental Health First Aid training can be a good place to start.
The training gives you an introduction to mental health and teaches you practical skills, including how to listen empathetically. Another key skill is how to skilfully encourage the other person to consider seeking further help – for example, from a mental health professional, their employer, or a trusted person in the community.
Courses in Singapore
Here you can find a list of courses in Mental Health First Aid (and Psychological First Aid) in Singapore. Compare the courses and find one that suits your interests, budget and schedule. If you need a push, why not grab a friend or colleague and do the course together?
The list is non-exhaustive, and I am not affiliated with any of the organisations below.
Please note that Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) differs from Psychological First Aid (PFA). Mental Health First Aid training generally has a broader focus on mental health. The training aims to teach you how to recognise symptoms of mental health problems, be a supportive listener, and compassionately encourage another person to consider reaching out for further support.
In contrast, Psychological First Aid is a technique used when assisting someone in the immediate aftermath of a traumatic incident or disaster.
(To understand more about the content and purpose of each course, please contact the relevant course provider directly.)
intellect
In Singapore, Intellect is the only licensed provider of Mental Health First Aid (MHFA™), an evidence-based toolkit fostering mental health support. The program is designed for individuals, employees, managers, and leaders, and offers early intervention education to cultivate mental wellbeing in communities.
Mental Health First Aid™ course (For Individuals)
Structure: 12-hour program (6 hours online, 6 hours in-person). The course is divided into two parts: Part 1 is two weeks of e-learning (6 hours in total), and Part 2 is a live training session (10AM - 5PM, incl. lunch break and shorter breaks).
Suitable for: General public
Fee: 337.50 SGD(incl. GST)
Funding: Not available
Award: Globally-recognised certificate of accreditation (valid for 3 years). Requires passing a final assessment.
Available from: See upcoming dates and register on Eventbrite
Singapore Red Cross
The Red Cross in Singapore offer various courses in Psychosocial Support. For a complete overview, go here. If you are interested in a more in-depth course which also covers suicide prevention skills, do have a look at the new Psychological First Aid + Be a Samaritan Programme (PFA + BAS) course. This course is a collaboration between Red Cross Singapore and the Samaritans of Singapore (SOS).
Psychological First Aid (PFA)
Structure: 6.5 hrs (1 day), online/in-person
Suitable for: General public (private classes also available), 16 years old and above
Fee: 150 SGD (excl. GST)
Available from: See upcoming dates
Award: Certificate, valid for 2 years
Advanced Psychological First Aid
Structure: 14 hrs (2 days), in-person
Suitable for: Individuals who have completed the Red Cross PFA course, 16 years and above
Fee: 300 SGD (excl. GST)
Available from: See upcoming dates
Award: Certificate, valid for 2 years
New! Bundle option (limited time only)
In 2024, a Psychological First Aid Bundle is on offer for a limited time only. The Bundle consists of Psychological First Aid (PFA) and Advanced PFA, taught over three days, offered exclusively on the occasion of the Singapore Red Cross 75th Anniversary at a special discounted rate.
Structure: 3-day program (3 x 8 hrs), in-person
Fee: 360 SGD (excl. GST)
Available from: See available dates
Award: See the awards for Psychological First Aid and Advanced Psychological First Aid above.
Singapore Emergency Responder Academy
Singapore Emergency Responder Academy (SERA) run two courses in Psychosocial Support. These are conducted together with the Singapore Counselling Centre, which is accredited by ACC Institute of Human Services.
Psychological First Aid
Structure: Blended learning (Online Learning + 4-hour Live Webinar via Zoom) OR Full Classroom Learning (7 hours)
Suitable for: Individuals without prior mental health knowledge. HR personell, working adults, student leaders, members of the public
Fee: 120 SGD (excl. GST)
Funding: Not available
Award: Certificate of Attendance, accredited by ACC Institute of Human Services. Upon successful completion of the course, participants will receive an e-certificate.
Available from: Please contact provider
First Aid in Mental Health
Structure: Blended learning (online Learning + 4-hour Live Webinar via Zoom)
Suitable for: Individuals without prior mental health knowledge. HR personell, working adults, student leaders, members of the public
Fee: 280 SGD (excl. GST)
Funding: Not available
Award: Certificate of Attendance, accredited by ACC Institute of Human Services (valid for 2 years from date of completion). Upon successful completion of the course, participants will receive an e-certificate.
Available from: Please contact provider
Singapore Management University
Singapore Management University (SMU) offers a module on Psychologycal First Aid, aimed at business executives, HR professionals and individuals who are keen to foster wellbeing in the workplace. It is one of two modules in SMU's Personal Wellbeing and Resilience in the Workplace course. (If you'd like to gain a foundational understanding of resilience and wellbeing at work, see the other module here.)
Psychological First Aid Training for Peer Support
Structure: 2 days
Suitable for: Business Executives, HR professionals and Individuals who are interested to create a sustainable and healthy workplace
Fee: For self-sponsored participants, from 518.40 SGD to 1728 SGD (excl. GST), depending on your age and background. For company-sponsored participants, varying rates apply. See details here.
Funding: Eligible for Skills Future credit and Workfare Skills Support (WSS) Scheme. Company-Sponsored fees are also available.
Award: Certificate of Completion, or Certificate of Participation, depending on whether you complete the assessment requirements.
Available from: See upcoming dates and sign up here
Singapore First Aid Training Centre
Since 2002, Singapore First Aid Training Centre has been recognised as a training centre for First Aid with the National Safety Council (USA).
Psychological First Aid
Structure: 8 hours, online
Suitable for: General public
Fee: 300 SGD (excl. GST)
Funding: Eligible for Skills Future credit
Award: Please contact provider. The course meets MOE guidelines for Teacher Counsellors.
Available from: See upcoming dates
What will I learn in these courses?
Please note that these courses do not teach you how to diagnose mental health issues, or how to offer professional counselling.
In fact, a core part of the training focuses on self-care, and the importance of knowing the boundaries of your role. It is important to have healthy boundaries, take care of yourself, and be mindful of when to refer a person to professional support, or encourage them to seek support within their workplace or their community (e.g. friends, family).
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) gives you practical skills, knowledge and confidence to listen and support someone experiencing a mental health problem.
Psychological First Aid (PFA), by contrast, provides basic knowledge and skills in helping individuals affected by crises in life. You will learn about signs of stress and different coping skills, and how to recognise signs of suicidal thoughts. (Read more about the World Health Organization's framework for PFA here.)
Both courses are generally designed for members of the public who do not have prior knowledge about mental health. You are not expected to be an expert and can come as you are. What you need is an open mind and a willingness to learn.
Work with Julianne
If you want to book a counselling session with me, please feel free to reach out to Alliance Counselling directly:
Email admin@alliancecounselling.com.sg
or, fill out the clinic's contact form.
Whatsapp: +65 9188 9412 (Alliance Counselling)
Phone: +65 6466 8120 (Alliance Counselling)