A guide to Mental Health First Aid in Singapore
2 in 5 people in Singapore have personally experienced mental health struggles, according to a 2022 survey. This means that almost every person in Singapore is likely to know someone experiencing a mental health challenge. That 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 attentively. You will also learn 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 their 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?
What are the differences between Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) and Psychological First Aid (PFA)?
Generally speaking, Mental Health First Aid has a broader focus on mental health. The course aims to teach you how to recognise symptoms of mental health problems and be a supportive, attentive listener. By contrast, Psychological First Aid is a technique used when assisting someone in the immediate aftermath of a traumatic incident or disaster. If you have questions about the content and purpose of a course, please contact the course provider directly.
The list is non-exhaustive, and I am not affiliated with any of the organisations below. Please note that this page is updated periodically (last updated 25/02/2024).
Intellect
A Mental Health First Aid (MHFA™) course is an evidence-based toolkit fostering mental health support. At the moment, Intellect is the only licensed provider of MHFA™ in Singapore.
The program is designed for individuals, employees, managers, and leaders, and offers early intervention education to cultivate mental wellbeing in communities. Here is information about the course for Individuals:
Mental Health First Aid™ Course (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 primarily offer two courses: Psychological First Aid (PFA) and Advanced Psychological First Aid (APFA). They also run other courses in psychosocial support, but these are offered infrequently.
Find out about about all Red Cross courses here, and see upcoming course dates here. Funding does not appear to be available for Red Cross courses, based on their website.
Psychosocial First Aid (PFA)
Structure: 1-day workshop (6.5 hrs), 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 of Participation. Upon completion, participants are also eligible for the Ministry of Manpower, Workplace Safety and Health 3 SDU points.
Advanced Psychological First Aid
Structure: 2-day program (2 x 7 hrs), in-person
Suitable for: Individuals who have completed the Red Cross PFA course
Fee: 300 SGD (excl. GST)
Available from: See upcoming dates
Award: Certificate of Competency. Upon completion, participants are also eligible for the Ministry of Manpower, Workplace Safety and Health 6 SDU points.
Singapore Emergency Responder Academy
Singapore Emergency Responder Academy 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)
Suitable for: Individuals without prior mental health knowledge. HR personell, working adults, student leaders, members of the public
Fee: 120 SGD (incl. GST)
Funding: Not available
Award: Certificate of Attendance, accredited by ACC Institute of Human Services (valid 2 years)
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)
Available from: Please contact provider
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
Singapore Management University, SMU Academy
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
This is one of two modules in SMU's Personal Wellbeing and Resilience in the Workplace course. (If you are interested in gaining a foundational understanding of resilience and wellbeing at work, check out the other module here.)
Psychological First Aid Training for Peer Support (Personal Wellbeing and Resilience in the Workplace, Module 2)
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
What will I learn in these courses?
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.)
The 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.
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).
Short courses in Mental Health
Besides Mental Health First Aid, there are other short, mental health-related courses you can do in Singapore. The courses below are aimed at the general public, caregivers or health professionals. Some are online and free of charge.
Basic Mental Health First Aid Provider Course by Kwong Wai Shui Hospital (aimed at healthcare and nursing staff, therapy assistants/aide caregivers etc.)
Mental health modules by Social Service Institute (SSG-funding available)
Modules on Mental Health Awareness, by the Agency for Integrated Care (free)
Work with me
If you have any questions or want to book an appointment with me, please feel free to reach out to Alliance Counselling directly.
Email admin@alliancecounselling.com.sg
or, fill out Alliance's contact form.
Whatsapp: +65 9188 9412
Phone: +65 6466 8120