Mental Health First Aid Training
You don’t need to be an expert to support someone’s mental health. Through the Mental Health Commission of Canada’s Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training helps you recognize struggles and respond with care. At Kaleidoscope, we create inclusive, supportive spaces that build connection, reduce stigma, and empower communities.
As a Mental Health First Aider, you will be more:
Mindful
Learn to recognize when someone’s struggling and respond with confidence, empathy, and care - in ways that truly make a difference.
Skilled
Gain practical tools to offer steady, compassionate support. Learn to build trust and be there until they are ready to seek professional help.
Brave
Build the courage to start tough conversations and the confidence to offer meaningful support when it matters most.
Compassionate
Build deeper, more empathetic connections and help create inclusive spaces where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued.
Frequently Asked Questions
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is an evidence-based training program developed by the Mental Health Commission of Canada that teaches you how to recognize, understand, and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges.
Through MHFA, you’ll gain practical skills to offer initial support to someone experiencing a mental health crisis or developing a mental health problem. You’ll also learn how to guide them toward appropriate professional help and community resources.
At Kaleidoscope, we deliver MHFA in a way that reflects our values—fostering empathy, reducing stigma, and building stronger, more supportive communities.
Mental Health First Aid training is for everyone—because mental health impacts us all. While anyone can benefit, it’s especially valuable for individuals who regularly support or interact with others, including:
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Educators and school staff
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Parents and caregivers
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Managers, supervisors, and HR professionals
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Community leaders and volunteers
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Healthcare providers and frontline workers
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Peers and friends seeking to support loved ones
Whether in personal relationships, workplaces, or community spaces, this training empowers you to recognize when someone is struggling and respond with empathy, understanding, and the right support.
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In Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training, you will gain the knowledge and skills to:
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Recognize the signs and symptoms of common mental health and substance use challenges.
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Provide initial support to someone experiencing a mental health crisis or developing a mental health problem.
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Connect individuals to appropriate professional help and community resources.
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Engage in supportive conversations with empathy and confidence.
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Care for your own well-being while supporting others, recognizing the importance of boundaries and self-care.
Our certified MHFA instructors bring a powerful combination of professional expertise and lived experience. By blending evidence-based MHFA content with real-life insights, they help participants feel more prepared to support those around them—and to foster communities where mental health is openly discussed and stigma is reduced.
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The Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training is a 9-hour course that includes a self-directed online module followed by two live virtual classroom sessions. Participants learn to recognize mental health and substance use challenges, practice supportive communication, and connect individuals to professional help. Interactive activities and role-playing exercises are integrated into the training to help participants apply their skills in real-life scenarios, building confidence to offer meaningful support.
Mission Support / Professional Sponsorship Rate ($300.00): For organizations or individuals with stable finances. Note: Includes a $100 tax receipt as a thank-you.
Fair Market Value Rate ($200.00): For individuals paying out of pocket with secure finances. Covers the full cost of training and helps sustain our programs.
Accessible Access Rate ($150.00): For those needing a more affordable option.
Solidarity Rate ($25.00; Refundable Deposit): For anyone facing financial barriers. Fully refundable after completing the course. Ensures finances don’t stand in the way of learning.
Group Rates (Customized): Discounts are available for organizations or groups of 8 or more.