Register for Our Upcoming MHFA Essentials Online Courses
February 27, 2026 | 9 am-4 pm ET | 6 am-1 pm PT
March 11, 2026 | 12-7 pm ET | 9 am-4 pm PT
April 21, 2026 | 10 am-5 pm ET | 7 am-2 pm PT
May 25, 2026 | 12-7 pm ET | 9 am-4 pm PT
What is Mental Health First Aid?
Mental health first aid gives you the practical skills to recognize signs of mental health distress and provide immediate support until professional help is available.
Most of us are familiar with CPR and know what to do in a cardiac emergency. But what about a mental health crisis? With stress and uncertainty affecting our community more than ever, knowing how to respond can make a vital difference.
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Courses are developed by Opening Minds/Mental Health Commission of Canada. The AFC offers the MHFA Essentials Course and the MHFA Certification Course (available only for private group bookings).
Who Needs Mental Health First Aid Training?
Everyone! The AFC’s Mental Health First Aid courses are beneficial for anyone working in Canada’s performing arts and entertainment industry. Our goal is to help ensure every workplace has someone trained in MHFA and to empower more people to feel confident supporting colleagues, friends, and community members who may be experiencing mental health challenges.
MHFA Essentials Course
This streamlined one-day immersive course uses interactive discussions and scenario-based activities to build a strong foundation in MHFA principles.
You will learn how to:
- Increase your awareness of mental health
- Understand stigma, diagnostic labelling, and barriers to care
- Apply the ALGES framework to support someone in a mental health crisis or decline
- Use effective, empathetic communication techniques
- Use reflective self-awareness
- Review mental health support resource mapping
Course Logistics
- Format: Fully facilitated sessions, offered virtually or in person
- Length: 7 hours (including breaks)
Course Fee
The cost is $240 per participant. Course fees are non-refundable and non-transferable; participants must attend the session they registered for.
Subsidized Spots
A very limited number of subsidized spots is available for each online course. Applications for subsidized spots are accepted only for specific course dates and open two weeks before the course starts.
We’re committed to making this training accessible to everyone. Subsidized spots are offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
Subsidized spots are now open for the MHFA Essentials Course on March 11, 2026 | 12 – 7 pm ET | 9 am – 4 pm PT.
Accessibility
Closed captions and translated captions are enabled. If you require additional accommodations, please contact us in advance — we’ll do our best to meet your needs.
Union Reimbursement Opportunities
Members of several industry unions may be eligible for training reimbursement upon successful completion of The AFC’s Mental Health First Aid Courses.
IATSE
Members and those working under IATSE agreements may qualify for reimbursement through the IATSE Training Trust Fund Certification Reimbursement Program.
Teamsters Local 155
Members may be eligible for reimbursement through the Teamsters Training & Education Reimbursement Program.
NABET 700-M UNIFOR
Members may receive up to 50% reimbursement through the NABET 700-M UNIFOR Training Reimbursement Program.
Available on Demand
Please contact Cindy Rivers at cindy@afchelps.ca to book these courses:
- MHFA Essentials (In-person)
- MHFA Essentials (French)
- MHFA Certification Course
The AFC gratefully acknowledges the support of the J & W Murphy Foundation for our Mental Health First Aid Training initiatives.
