Mental Health First Aid training in Singapore: A Guide
Mental Health First Aid training in Singapore: A Guide
Last updated: 23 March 2025
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Nearly 40% of Singaporeans have experienced mental health challenges (2022 survey). This means almost everyone in Singapore knows someone - a friend, family member, or colleague - who is struggling with their mental health.
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 teaches you practical skills, including empathetic listening and guiding someone toward appropriate help like professional therapy, workplace counselling, or community support.
Courses in Singapore
Below is a list of Mental Health First Aid and Psychological First Aid courses available in Singapore. Compare options to find one that matches your interests, budget, and schedule. Consider taking a course with a friend or colleague for added support.
This is a non-exhaustive list. I am not affiliated with any of the organizations listed. Please contact course providers directly for detailed information about content and objectives.
intellect
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
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! Mental Health Literacy (for adults)
Mental Health Literacy is a training course that provides learners with the knowledge and skills needed to recognise, understand and manage mental health issues both in themselves and in others. Participants must be 16 years old or above.
Structure: 1-day program (8 hrs), in-person
Fee: 200 SGD (excl. GST)
Available from: See upcoming dates
Award: N/A
Singapore Emergency Responder Academy
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
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: Depends on whether you are self-sponsored or company-sponsored participants, and your age and background. 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
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
COMMON QUESTIONS
What will I learn in these courses?
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.
The training emphasizes self-care and understanding your role's boundaries. You'll learn when to refer someone to professional help, workplace resources, or community support (friends, family) - an essential skill for effective mental health first aid.
Both Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) and Psychological First Aid (PFA) courses are designed for beginners with no prior mental health knowledge. You are not expected to be an expert and can come as you are. Just bring an open mind and a willingness to learn!
Differences between MHFA and PFA to keep in mind:
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'll learn to recognize stress signs, understand different coping mechanisms, and identify warning signs of suicidal thoughts. (Read more about the World Health Organization's framework for PFA here.)
Work with Julianne
Work with Julianne
Hi! I'm a Norwegian-Chinese counsellor based in Singapore at Alliance Counselling. You can read more about me here. If you want to book a counselling session with me, please 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)
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