Mental Health First Aid is the help provided to a person developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis.  Just as physical first aid is administered to an injured person before medical treatment can be obtained, MHFA is given until appropriate treatment is found or until the crisis is resolved.

The MHFA Canada program aims to improve mental health literacy, and provide the skills and knowledge to help people better manage potential or developing mental health problems in themselves, a family member, a friend or colleague.

The program does not teach people how to be therapists.  It does teach people how to:

Recognize the signs and symptoms of mental health problems;

Provide initial help and guide a person towards professional help.