Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) for the Australian Legal Profession

Mental health is relevant to all of us. Approximately 42.9 per cent of all Australians aged between 16 and 85 years will experience a mental disorder in their lifetime, and more than 20 per cent of adults experienced a mental disorder in the past 12 months¹. The prevalence of mental illness is estimated to be higher within the legal profession compared with the general population and other professions². 

Mental health first aid is akin to physical first aid but addresses mental health concerns. It involves providing support before professional help is accessed. This support can be given when someone is just starting to experience a mental health issue, when an existing problem worsens, or during a crisis.  

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training will teach you practical skills to support someone with a mental health problem. Similar to physical first aid, mental health first aid refers to the support provided before professional help is received. 

The program is grounded in evidence and follows guidelines established by a consensus of individuals with personal experience with mental health problems and professionals. Mental Health First Aid is recognised as an award-winning program and is included in SAMHSA's National Registry of Evidence-Based Programs and Practices.

Course information:

This course will be delivered in a blended format in two components: 

This course involves self-paced eLearning followed by a 4-hour face-to-face workshop or 5 – hour online instructor-led session. It is not a therapy or support group. 

eLearning – the self-paced and will take approximately 5 -7 hours to complete. You will receive access to start your eLearning closer to the date. We recommend that you allow sufficient time to complete the eLearning. Please note, the eLearning must be completed in full prior to attending the instructor-led sessions. 

Instructor-led session – we offer two formats of courses either 4-hour face-to-face workshop or 5-hour online instructor-led session, be sure to check which course format you are registering for. 

• eLearning – the self-paced and will take approximately 5 -7 hours to complete and you will receive access within a few days of registering for the course. We recommend that you allow sufficient time to complete the eLearning. Please note, the eLearning must be completed in full prior to attending the instructor-led sessions.
• Instructor-led session – we offer two formats of courses either 4-hour face-to-face workshop or 5-hour online instructor-led session, be sure to check which course format you are registering for. 

View upcoming courses and register

Meet our presenter

Anna Fischer Wellbeing Manager, The Law Society of NSW

Anna joined the Law Society of NSW in April of 2025, taking on the role of Wellbeing Manager. She is the founder of Trauma Sensitive Law and works as an author, training coordinator, and professional consultant in the areas of workplace mental health, corporate culture management, and trauma-informed legal practise.

Her background lies in trauma-specialised psychology and applied attachment theory, and she will graduate with her Doctor of Law (JD) in 2025 as she continues to work towards better equipping legal professionals to live and work well.