Youth Mental Health First Aid Course Online
Learn how to recognise the signs of mental health problems in young people and offer safe, practical first aid support until professional help is available. Built for teachers, school staff, parents, sports coaches and youth workers, and delivered live via Zoom to participants in every Australian state and territory: NSW, VIC, QLD, TAS, SA, WA, NT and the ACT.
- Format eLearning + 2 live Zoom sessions
- Zoom sessions Mon & Tue or Sat & Sun, 9:00am to 12:45pm NSW/VIC time
- Runs Every week
- Fee $385 + GST, plus $20 + GST Learner Access Pass
Dal Sahota
Clinical Hypno-Psychotherapist
Principal Master Mental Health Educator
Reserve your place
Book and pay securely by card. Your seat is held for your chosen dates and your eLearning access is arranged.
Complete the eLearning
Work through 5 to 8 hours of self-paced online modules in your own time. This must be finished before your first Zoom session.
Attend the Zoom sessions
Join Dal live from 9:00am to 12:45pm NSW/VIC time on each of 2 days. Sessions are confirmed at 6 or more participants, or your booking rolls to the following week.
Secure card payment upfront. Sessions confirmed at 6+ participants, or your place rolls to the following week.
Practical skills for the adults who support young people
The Youth Mental Health First Aid course is designed for any adult who lives with, works with or cares for adolescents. Around one in seven young Australians experiences a mental health problem in any given year, and the adults around them are usually the first to notice that something has changed. Because the course runs entirely online, a high school teacher in Brisbane, a parent in Perth and a junior sports coach in regional Victoria can all train together in the same group.
This course suits
- Teachers, school support staff and wellbeing coordinators, from metropolitan schools to regional Queensland and beyond
- Parents, carers, grandparents and other family members of adolescents
- Sports coaches, scout and guide leaders, youth workers and mentors
- Anyone who regularly interacts with young people and wants recognised, evidence-based skills to support them
What you gain
- The confidence to start a supportive conversation with a young person early, before a problem escalates
- A clear action plan for responding to youth mental health crises
- Knowledge of when and how to involve parents, schools and professional services appropriately
- Eligibility to complete the online assessment and gain 3-year accreditation as a Mental Health First Aider (MHFAider) with MHFA Australia
Two components, on a simple weekly schedule
This is a blended online course accredited by MHFA Australia. You complete the theory at your own pace first, then bring it to life in two live, interactive Zoom sessions with Dal. Sessions run every week, always from 9:00am to 12:45pm NSW/VIC time, across 2 consecutive days: Monday and Tuesday, or Saturday and Sunday for those who prefer a weekend option.
Self-paced eLearning
5 to 8 hours of online modules, completed in your own time before the Zoom sessions begin.
Live Zoom session
Monday or Saturday, 9:00am to 12:45pm NSW/VIC time. Discussion, scenarios and practical application with Dal.
Live Zoom session
Tuesday or Sunday, 9:00am to 12:45pm NSW/VIC time. A second morning of live training, building on Day 1.
Accreditation
Complete the MHFA Australia online assessment to become an Accredited Mental Health First Aider (MHFAider), accredited for 3 years.
Courses run every week. If a session does not reach the minimum of 6 participants, your booking rolls to the following week and your eLearning progress is unaffected.
Session times in every state and territory
Live sessions are anchored to 9:00am to 12:45pm NSW/VIC time and welcome participants from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Hobart, Adelaide, Perth, Darwin and Canberra alike. Use the highlighted column to find your local start time today.
| Where you are | During standard time (April to October)Applies now |
During daylight saving (October to April)Applies now |
|---|---|---|
| NSW, VIC, TAS, ACT | 9:00am to 12:45pm | 9:00am to 12:45pm |
| QLD | 9:00am to 12:45pm | 8:00am to 11:45am |
| SA | 8:30am to 12:15pm | 8:30am to 12:15pm |
| NT | 8:30am to 12:15pm | 7:30am to 11:15am |
| WA | 7:00am to 10:45am | 6:00am to 9:45am |
The highlighted column shows the times that apply today. Your confirmation email always states the exact dates and your exact local start time for the rotation you have booked.
A note for Western Australia participants
Because sessions are anchored to NSW/VIC time, Perth participants have an early start: 7:00am during the standard time months, and 6:00am while the eastern states are on daylight saving. Many WA participants find the early sessions work well, finishing before the school or work day begins. One WA participant, reviewing Dal's online Youth MHFA Refresher, wrote:
"WA time is a bit of an early start (7am) however I preferred that in the end. Dal has great content knowledge and facilitates and engages participants well." Olive Mereyato, verified Google review
What you will learn
The course teaches you how to recognise and respond to the mental health problems most commonly experienced by adolescents, and how to provide first aid in a mental health crisis until professional help is available, the crisis resolves, or an appropriate adult takes over.
Recognising and supporting
- Depression and anxiety problems in young people
- Eating disorders
- Psychosis
- Substance use problems
- How to have a safe, non-judgemental conversation with a young person and encourage appropriate professional help
Responding in a crisis
- Suicidal thoughts and behaviours
- Non-suicidal self-injury
- Panic attacks and traumatic events
- Severe effects of substance use and severe psychotic states
- Aggressive behaviours
The course also covers the boundaries of the Mental Health First Aider role with young people, including when and how to involve parents, carers, schools and professional services, and how to respect a young person's need for both support and privacy. Referral pathways are discussed with the whole group in mind, whether you are connecting a young person to support services in a capital city or a regional community in Queensland, Tasmania or South Australia.
Trained by a clinician, not just a course presenter
This course is delivered by Dal Sahota, a Clinical Hypno-Psychotherapist and Principal Master Mental Health Educator. Youth mental health raises some of the most sensitive topics in the entire MHFA curriculum, including self-injury, suicidal thoughts and eating disorders. Dal brings years of clinical practice into every session, which means your questions are answered from real therapeutic experience, and these topics are handled with genuine clinical care.
"Dal is an exceptional psychotherapist and mental health trainer. Her sessions are surprisingly versatile where she not only tailors her training style to accommodate trainees of different backgrounds but also gently challenges learners to enhance their learning skills and comprehension. She also balances her sessions with equal amount of instruction and group discussions, thereby allowing the learners to grasp and apply what they have learnt as soon as possible. I highly recommend making the most of her expertise and experience."Vinay Umarji
Verified Google review
What participants say about the Youth course
"I recently completed Youth MHFA training with Dal, and it was an outstanding experience from start to finish. Dal created a learning environment that felt safe, engaging, and genuinely supportive. What stood out most was Dal's calm, grounded presence and the way she balanced professionalism with warmth and authenticity. She encouraged open discussion, validated every contribution, and handled sensitive topics with care and respect. Dal is an exceptional facilitator who clearly cares about empowering others to respond to mental health challenges with compassion and confidence. I left the training feeling informed, capable, and inspired. I would highly recommend Dal to anyone considering Youth MHFA training."Helen
Verified Google review
"Participating in the Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) course, facilitated by Dal, was an incredibly valuable and eye-opening experience. Dal created a welcoming and supportive learning environment, where complex and often sensitive content was delivered with clarity, empathy, and professionalism. Her deep knowledge of youth mental health, combined with her approachable style, encouraged open discussion and active engagement throughout the course. As a pre-service teacher, I found the course especially relevant. It gave me practical tools and confidence to recognise signs of mental health challenges in young people, respond effectively in the moment, and refer appropriately to professional support networks. Importantly, it reinforced the idea that while teachers are not mental health professionals, we play a critical role in supporting student wellbeing and creating safe, responsive classrooms."Chantelle Cubis
Verified Google review
"Was an excellent refined delivery of the YMHFA Refresher course. Dal was insightful and adapted her approach to best suit the course candidates (who all happened to be teachers). Would highly recommend completing this course with Dal."Judith Hewitt
Verified Google review
"Dal presented a fantastic course with interactive activities and real-life, relatable scenarios and case studies. She is highly proficient at what she does, and this course was delivered seamlessly. I highly recommend this course to anyone working with, parenting or interacting with youth."Rachel Zammit
Verified Google review
"I recently participated in the MHFA which was run by Dal. She was amazing, she catered it to suit all ages and gave scenarios that can be targeted for early years students. She was amazing, thorough and addressed all questions and content."Vicki Katis
Verified Google review
"Dal Sahota is a fantastic facilitator. Her style and delivery of the Youth Mental Health First Aid course was thorough, engaging, and meaningful. She created a safe-to-learn environment while breaking down complex areas into easily digestible information. I left feeling confident, equipped with knowledge, and empowered to support youth. Highly recommend!"Oviya Chezhiyan
Verified Google review
"Dal delivers this course with such professionalism and thoughtfulness. Her approach is so nurturing and insightful. You walk away feeling alot more confident to tackle some heavy topics and feel more equipped to help young people in distress. Highly recommend."Karen Combrinck
Verified Google review
How the blended online format works in practice
Some participants wonder whether Zoom delivery can match a face-to-face course. These reviews, all from the online Youth course, describe exactly how the eLearning and live sessions fit together, and why the online format works so well for groups drawn from across Australia.
"I had to choose a training online for my Youth Mental Health First Aid and was a bit unsure about it all. But then I found Dal. The process was made so simple, and the two days of learning online with her were very pleasant. I felt supported, heard and learned a lot that I know will stay with me for quite some time as I embark on this MH journey. Thank you Dal, for your patience, wisdom, and gentle guidance to get us through this course filled with some hard conversations. Highly recommend. A great structure for those that can't do it in person."Renata Commisso
Verified Google review
"I recently completed the Youth Mental Health First Aid course with Dal Dalsahota online, and it was exceptional. The program was engaging, interactive, and incredibly well-structured. Dal created a safe, supportive, and collaborative learning environment where everyone felt comfortable to share and learn from each other. Her knowledge, warmth, and facilitation style made the course both impactful and enjoyable. I highly recommend this training and Dal as a facilitator."Sharlene wohlers
Verified Google review
"I recently attended Dal's Online YMHFA course and I was really impressed at how Dal facilitated the course. Her voice is very clear; easy to follow and professional at all times. The sessions were filled with real examples and lots of information. We were also introduced to number of valuable resources. I would highly recommend Dal for a trainer, not only for YMHFA but other aspects of mental health training."Geoff Iredale
Verified Google review
"Dal is a fantastic teacher and I really valued my online training with her. I completed the online training on the weekend. Dal is very professional, friendly and accomodating to everyones learning needs! I thoroughly recommend doing your Youth Mental Health training with Dal."Matilda Shannon
Verified Google review
"I recently completed the blended Youth Mental Health First Aid course with Dal and it was a great experience. She was engaging, knowledgeable and facilitated great discussions within our group regarding the course work. I also liked that the group was small and we all the had opportunity to contribute."MicroCharlie
Verified Google review
Course fees, stated plainly
Youth Mental Health First Aid Course Online
Payment is made upfront by card when you book. The Learner Access Pass is required by MHFA Australia for every participant and covers your access to the official course learning materials. The same fee applies in every state and territory.
Reserve Your PlaceReserve your place, complete the eLearning, then attend the Zoom sessions. Confirmed at 6+ participants, or your booking rolls to the following week.
Frequently asked questions
What happens if the course does not reach minimum numbers?
Live Zoom sessions are confirmed once 6 or more participants have booked. If the minimum is not reached, your booking automatically rolls to the following week. Any eLearning you have completed carries over, so no progress is lost.
How long does the eLearning take, and when do I need to finish it?
The self-paced eLearning takes most participants 5 to 8 hours. You can complete it in one sitting or spread it across several days, but it must be finished before your first Zoom session so the live discussion can build on the theory.
What is the Learner Access Pass?
The Learner Access Pass is a $20 + GST fee required by MHFA Australia for every course participant. It covers your access to the official course learning materials.
Do I become accredited after the course?
Yes. After completing the eLearning and both live Zoom sessions, you are eligible to complete the MHFA Australia online assessment. On successful completion you become an Accredited Mental Health First Aider (MHFAider), with accreditation valid for 3 years. A Youth MHFA Refresher course before your accreditation expires extends it for a further 3 years.
What days do the Zoom sessions run?
Zoom sessions run every week across 2 consecutive days, from 9:00am to 12:45pm NSW/VIC time each day. You can choose a weekday pair (Monday and Tuesday) or a weekend pair (Saturday and Sunday). The booking form shows the upcoming dates.
What ages of young people does the course cover?
The Youth Mental Health First Aid course focuses on supporting adolescents, roughly ages 12 to 18. The skills transfer naturally to the adults around them too, and the course discusses how support changes as a young person matures.
Is the course suitable for teachers, parents and sports coaches?
Yes. The course is built for any adult who supports young people, and groups regularly include teachers, school support staff, parents, carers, sports coaches and youth workers. You do not need any prior mental health training, and Dal tailors the discussion to the roles of the people in the room.
Can I join from anywhere in Australia?
Yes. The course welcomes participants from NSW, VIC, QLD, TAS, SA, WA, NT and the ACT. Sessions are anchored to 9:00am to 12:45pm NSW/VIC time; the session times table above shows your local equivalent, and your confirmation email will state your exact local start time for the dates you book. WA participants should note the early start of 7:00am Perth time; during the eastern states' daylight saving months the start moves one hour earlier, and your confirmation email will state the exact time.
What do I need to attend the Zoom sessions?
A computer or tablet with a camera, microphone and a stable internet connection. The sessions are interactive, with discussion and small group work in breakout rooms, so being able to speak and be seen helps you get the most from the live component.
Who delivers the training?
Every session is delivered live by Dal Sahota, a Clinical Hypno-Psychotherapist and Principal Master Mental Health Educator. You learn directly from a practising clinician, not a presenter working from a script.
Ready to become a Mental Health First Aider for the young people around you?
Reserve your place in an upcoming week. Complete the eLearning in your own time, then join Dal live on Zoom for two mornings of practical, clinically informed training, on Monday and Tuesday or Saturday and Sunday, alongside teachers, parents, coaches and youth workers from every corner of Australia.
$385 + GST per person, plus $20 + GST Learner Access Pass. Zoom sessions 9:00am to 12:45pm NSW/VIC time across 2 days.
Reserve Your PlaceConfirmed at 6+ participants, or your booking rolls to the following week.