Mental Health Education

In a world where mental health issues are prevalent, being able to offer initial support is crucial in primary health care. One in five Australians will experience mental health concerns each year, impacting both individuals and communities.

APNA understands the significance of addressing this growing concern. Our Mental Health Education programs are tailored for nurses, by nurses. APNA recognise the need for nursing professionals to have the skills, knowledge, and confidence to provide essential support to those facing mental health challenges. Our courses are designed to provide the nursing community with access to valuable resources and provide the skills required to make a real difference in people's lives.

Whether you're a newcomer or a seasoned professional looking to deepen your expertise, our flexible modular approach empowers you to customise your learning journey without the constraints of a prescribed sequence. The program encompasses a wide spectrum of topics, from the basics of mental health disorders to advanced strategies for early intervention.

Delivered by APNA's expert nurses and licensed Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Instructors, our programs offer diverse learning formats, including online courses, face-to-face sessions, webinar, and dynamic blended experiences, ensuring relevance to your specific practice setting. What's more, certain courses can be customised for delivery in workplaces and communities and adapted to your needs.

Make a positive impact by enrolling in one of the education offerings listed below. If you have any questions, please email courses@apna.asn.au

Mental Health First Aid course

Format: approx. 7 hours of online learning (to be done first) + hard-copy workbook posted to you + 5hr virtual workshop (either 2x 2.5hrs or 1x 5hr)

Our online Mental Health First Aid course is specifically tailored for anyone that works in primary health care. It includes online learning content, followed by interactive virtual workshop.

You'll learn to identify the signs and symptoms of common mental health issues in adults and how to provide initial assistance. The course also covers when and where to seek professional help, including crisis situations, and explores research-backed strategies for effective support.

The course integrates case studies tailored to diverse primary health care settings, offering relevant scenarios for every member of the primary health care team.

Presented by APNA’s expert nurses and licensed Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Instructors, this program equips you with essential skills and knowledge to support the mental health of your patients and community.  

Our ‘Mental Health First Aid’ courses are developed by Mental Health First Aid International. Some aspects of the courses have been customised by APNA’s licensed MHFA Instructors to incorporate relevant examples and local information.

Due to the prerequisite online learning course, registration closes 1 week before the workshop date.

Please note that a minimum of 48 hours' notice is required to reschedule to another workshop date, and only one reschedule is permitted.

Upcoming courses: 

Online learning modules

• Mental Health: Identification, communication & management
  Format: 2hr online module
  Enhance your mental health literacy and expand your skills as a primary health care nurse with this self-paced online course. Equip yourself with knowledge and skills to navigate mental health complexities, understand why patients may hesitate to discuss their mental health concerns, master effective risk assessment techniques and gain deeper understanding of the wide spectrum of mental health illnesses. With this course, you'll be well-prepared to play a vital role in making appropriate referrals to GPs or mental health services, ensuring comprehensive care for your patients. 
  
• Mental Health: The team, the disorders, and early intervention
  Format: 2hr online module
  Explore the pivotal role of the mental health team in primary health care. Delve into the world of mental health illnesses, emphasizing the critical importance of early intervention and a collaborative approach for comprehensive patient care. Upon completing this module, you'll be empowered to have a meaningful impact on your patients' mental health.
  

Bespoke mental health education 

Looking for a bespoke mental health education package for your team? Contact courses@apna.asn.au and we can tailor a package to your needs.