Psychological first aid training teaches how to support people in crisis using the Look, Listen, Link steps, the 5 principles, and the 8 core actions of PFA.
Training is available through online courses, in-person programs, and structured learning environments.
Training topics:
- Types of Psychological First Aid Training
- What You Learn in Psychological First Aid Training
- Psychological First Aid Online Training
- Free Psychological First Aid Training
- Psychological First Aid Courses
- Psychological First Aid Certification
Types of Psychological First Aid Training
Psychological first aid training is offered in different formats depending on the learner and setting.
- Online psychological first aid training
- In-person workshops and courses
- Institutional psychological first aid programs
- Self-paced learning using manuals and PDF guides
What You Learn in PFA Training
Psychological first aid training focuses on practical skills that can be applied immediately in crisis situations.
- How to recognise distress and respond appropriately
- How to apply the Look, Listen, Link model
- How to provide immediate emotional support
- How to help people stabilise and feel safer
- How to connect individuals to further help when needed
- When to link someone to professional or emergency support
For structured reference material, see psychological first aid PDF manuals and guides.
See psychological first aid examples in real-world situations.
Psychological First Aid Online Training
Psychological first aid online training allows people to learn PFA remotely through structured courses and interactive programs.
Many psychological first aid online courses include video instruction, scenario-based learning, and practical examples.
Online training is widely used because it is accessible and can be completed at any time.
Free PFA Training
Free psychological first aid training is available through organisations, institutions, and public health programs.
These free courses often cover the fundamentals of psychological first aid, including the steps, core actions, and principles.
Free training is usually best for basic awareness, while longer courses are better for responders, workplaces, volunteers, and organisations preparing for crisis situations.
Psychological First Aid Courses
Psychological first aid courses are structured programs designed to teach how to apply PFA in real-world situations.
A psychological first aid course should teach practical response skills, not just theory.
Psychological first aid courses typically cover:
- The 3 psychological first aid steps
- The 8 core actions of psychological first aid
- The 5 principles of psychological first aid
- Psychological first aid examples and case scenarios
- Application in disaster response and crisis situations
Learn the psychological first aid steps and how they are applied in practice.
PFA Certification
Psychological first aid certification means a course or training provider gives formal recognition that training has been completed.
Certification is useful for professional records, workplace requirements, volunteer roles, or organisational training, but it is not always required to use psychological first aid.
Learn more about psychological first aid certification.