Key Takeaways
- The ALGEE action plan is the internationally recognised five-step framework used in Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training across Australia.
- ALGEE stands for: Approach, assess and assist with any crisis; Listen non-judgementally; Give reassurance and information; Encourage appropriate professional help; Encourage self-help and other support strategies.
- MHFA training equips participants to support someone experiencing a mental health problem or crisis — including anxiety, depression, psychosis, suicidal thoughts, and substance use disorders.
- The MHFA course is nationally recognised through Mental Health First Aid Australia and may contribute to CPD hours depending on your profession. Please note: this course is a nationally recognised training program, not an accredited unit of competency on the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF).
- First Aid Pro Sydney offers MHFA training for individuals, workplaces, and community groups across the Sydney region.
What Are the 5 Steps of Mental Health First Aid?
The five steps of Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) form a structured, evidence-based approach designed to help someone who may be developing a mental health problem, experiencing a worsening of an existing condition, or in the midst of a mental health crisis. At the core of this approach is the ALGEE action plan — a practical, five-step framework that equips everyday Australians with the confidence and skills to provide meaningful support when it matters most.
With one in five Australians experiencing a mental illness in any given year, the ability to respond appropriately — and early — has never been more valuable. Whether you are a manager, educator, colleague, parent, or community member, understanding the ALGEE action plan could make a real difference in the life of someone around you.
This article explains each step of the ALGEE framework in detail, describes what a trained mental health first aider does in practice, and outlines how you can complete MHFA training with First Aid Pro in Sydney.
Ready to become a trained Mental Health First Aider? First Aid Pro Sydney offers nationally recognised Mental Health First Aid courses.
Mental Health First Aid in Australia: Why It Matters
What is Mental Health First Aid?
Mental health first aid is the support provided to a person who is developing a mental health problem, experiencing a deterioration of an existing mental health condition, or in a mental health crisis. Like physical first aid, which provides initial care until medical professionals arrive, mental health first aid provides immediate, practical support until appropriate professional help becomes available — or until the crisis has passed.
How widespread is mental illness in Australia?
The scale of mental ill-health in Australia is significant. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, approximately 3.2 million Australians — one in five people — experience a mental illness in any given year. Anxiety disorders, depression, and substance use conditions are among the most prevalent, but psychosis, eating disorders, and post-traumatic stress are also widely experienced across the community.
Estimated Prevalence of Common Mental Health Conditions in Australia
Mental Health Condition | Estimated Adults Affected (per year) | % of Population |
Anxiety disorders | ~2.6 million | ~17% |
Depression | ~1 million | ~6% |
Substance use disorders | ~600,000 | ~5% |
Psychosis (incl. schizophrenia) | ~200,000 | ~1–2% |
Eating disorders | ~1 million | ~4% |
Sources: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare; National Eating Disorders Collaboration. Figures are approximate.
Why does early intervention in mental health matter?
Research consistently demonstrates that early intervention leads to substantially better outcomes for people experiencing mental health conditions. Despite this, many individuals delay seeking help — sometimes for years — due to stigma, uncertainty about where to turn, or a lack of supportive people around them. When someone is surrounded by individuals trained in mental health first aid, that delay can be significantly reduced.
Mental health first aiders serve as an important bridge between someone experiencing a mental health challenge and the professional support they need. Early, compassionate intervention can mean faster recovery, reduced impact on daily functioning, and in some cases, the prevention of a crisis from escalating further.
What Is the ALGEE Action Plan?
Overview of the ALGEE framework
The ALGEE action plan is the structured, five-step framework at the heart of the Mental Health First Aid Australia program. The acronym gives first aiders a memorable and practical sequence to follow when providing initial support. Importantly, the steps do not always occur in a rigid order — a skilled mental health first aider adapts the plan to suit the unique needs and circumstances of the person they are helping.
The ALGEE Action Plan at a Glance
Who developed the ALGEE action plan and is it evidence-based?
The Mental Health First Aid program was developed in Australia in 2000 by Betty Kitchener and Professor Tony Jorm in Canberra. The program — including the ALGEE action plan — is now delivered internationally through Mental Health First Aid Australia and its global partners. It is widely recognised as an evidence-based training framework, supported by randomised controlled trials and systematic reviews demonstrating that MHFA training improves mental health knowledge, reduces stigma, and increases people’s confidence and willingness to provide support.
How is ALGEE applied in MHFA training in Australia?
The ALGEE framework is a central focus of every MHFA course delivered in Australia. Participants learn how to apply each step across a range of real-world scenarios — including supporting someone experiencing depression or anxiety, a person having suicidal thoughts, or an individual in a mental health crisis related to psychosis or substance use. It is important to note that providing mental health first aid is not about diagnosing conditions or delivering treatment. It is about offering human connection, practical guidance, and a clear pathway to professional support.
Step 1 of ALGEE: Approach, Assess and Assist with Any Crisis
How do you safely approach someone who may be experiencing a mental health problem?
The first step involves approaching the person thoughtfully, assessing whether there is an immediate risk to their safety or the safety of others, and assisting with any crisis that may already be present.
When you notice someone appears to be struggling, the first step is to find an appropriate time and a private, comfortable setting in which to speak with them. Let the person know that you have observed they seem to be going through a difficult time and that you are there to offer support — without pressure or judgement. Keeping your manner calm, open, and approachable signals safety and encourages the person to open up.
Not everyone will be ready to talk, and it is essential to respect the person’s wishes. If they are not ready to accept support, reassure them that your concern is genuine and that you will be available when they feel ready. Avoid making assumptions about what they are experiencing, and do not force the conversation.
What are the warning signs of a mental health crisis?
As part of the first step, the mental health first aider must assess the situation for signs that a crisis may be occurring. These signs can include:
- Expressions of suicidal thinking or a desire to end their life
- Evidence of self-harm
- Extreme agitation, distress, or emotional dysregulation
- Disorientation, confusion, or signs of psychosis
- Behaviour that poses an immediate risk to themselves or others
If there is an immediate risk to life, contacting emergency services — triple zero (000) in Australia — is the appropriate course of action. In less acute situations, the first aider continues through the remaining steps of the ALGEE plan.
Recognising Warning Signs: A Quick Reference
Warning Sign | Possible Indication | First Aid Response |
Talking about wanting to die or end their life | Suicidal ideation | Stay with the person; ask direct, compassionate questions about their safety; call 000 if there is immediate risk |
Severe disorientation or paranoia | Psychosis or acute mental distress | Remain calm; do not argue with their perceptions; seek professional help |
Extreme emotional agitation | Panic attack or acute anxiety | Guide to a calm environment; offer reassurance and grounding techniques |
Slurred speech or confusion following substance use | Mental health or substance use crisis | Assess for medical emergency; contact appropriate services as needed |
Step 2 of ALGEE: Listen Non-Judgementally
Why is non-judgemental listening so important in mental health first aid?
Active, non-judgemental listening is one of the most powerful things a mental health first aider can offer. It communicates respect, acceptance, and genuine care for the person’s wellbeing — and it creates the psychological safety needed for someone to open up honestly about what they are experiencing.
Fear of judgement is one of the most common barriers preventing people from seeking help for mental health problems. When someone is willing to share what they are going through, they are often taking a significant personal risk. If they feel dismissed, criticised, or misunderstood, they are far less likely to reach out for further support. Non-judgemental listening does not mean agreeing with everything the person says — it means acknowledging their feelings and experiences without criticism, even if those feelings seem unfamiliar or difficult to understand.
Practical tips for listening to someone with anxiety or depression
When providing mental health first aid through active listening, the following approaches are helpful:
- Give the person your full, undivided attention and minimise distractions
- Use open-ended questions such as “Can you tell me more about how you have been feeling?” to invite them to share
- Reflect back what you have heard — for example, “It sounds like things have been really overwhelming” — to demonstrate you are following the conversation
- Avoid jumping ahead to offer advice, comparisons, or reassurances such as “it could be worse”
- Be comfortable with silence — sometimes the most supportive thing you can do is simply stay present
The goal at this stage is not to solve the problem. It is to ensure the person knows they are not alone and that what they are experiencing is real and valid.
Step 3 of ALGEE: Give Reassurance and Information
What kind of reassurance and information can a mental health first aider provide?
Once a person feels genuinely heard, the mental health first aider can gently shift toward offering reassurance and useful information. This step is about helping the person better understand what they may be experiencing and reducing their sense of fear, confusion, or isolation.
This might involve:
- Letting the person know that what they are going through is a recognised experience shared by many Australians
- Reassuring them that they are not to blame for how they are feeling
- Sharing that effective support and treatment options are available
- Providing information in plain, compassionate language — avoiding clinical terminology
Providing accurate information also helps to dispel harmful myths. For example, a common misconception is that asking someone directly about suicidal thoughts will plant the idea in their mind. Research consistently shows the opposite — asking directly, and with compassion, can reduce the person’s sense of isolation and open the door to meaningful help.
How to support someone experiencing a panic attack, psychosis, or suicidal thoughts
Supporting someone during a panic attack
Calmly guide the person to a quieter environment, offer slow and controlled breathing exercises, and remind them that what they are feeling — while distressing — will pass and is not dangerous.
Supporting someone with suicidal thoughts
Acknowledge the person’s pain directly. Ask them honestly and compassionately whether they are having thoughts of suicide. Reassure them that support is available and that reaching out was the right thing to do. If there is immediate risk, contact emergency services.
Supporting someone showing signs of psychosis
Remain calm and grounded in your manner. Avoid challenging or arguing with the person’s beliefs or perceptions, as this is unlikely to help and may increase distress. Focus on keeping them safe, and seek professional assistance promptly.
Across all scenarios, the guiding principle is to offer support that respects the person’s dignity and autonomy at every step.
Learn how to respond to mental health crises with confidence. First Aid Pro Sydney’s nationally recognised MHFA course covers the full ALGEE action plan across anxiety, depression, psychosis, suicidal thoughts, and more.
Step 4 of ALGEE: Encourage Appropriate Professional Help
What is the role of the mental health first aider when it comes to professional help?
A mental health first aider is not a clinician or therapist. Their role is to provide compassionate initial support and then guide the person toward qualified professional assistance. Encouraging the person to seek appropriate professional help — and helping them understand how to access it — is a critical part of the ALGEE action plan.
What mental health professionals and services are available in Australia?
Australia has a well-developed network of mental health support services. The following table outlines some of the most common options available to individuals and how to access them.
Mental Health Professionals and Services in Australia
Professional / Service | Role | How to Access |
General Practitioner (GP) | First point of contact; can provide referrals and Mental Health Treatment Plans | Book directly |
Psychologist | Evidence-based talking therapies such as CBT | GP referral or direct booking |
Psychiatrist | Medical specialist; can prescribe medication and manage complex mental health conditions | GP referral usually required |
Mental Health Nurse | Ongoing support and monitoring | Via GP or community health centre |
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) | Free, confidential counselling for work-related and personal issues | Through employer |
Lifeline | Crisis support and referrals | 13 11 14 |
Beyond Blue | Mental health information and telephone support | 1300 22 4636 |
Step 5 of ALGEE: Encourage Self-Help and Other Support Strategies
Why is self-help an important part of mental health recovery?
Professional support is fundamental to recovery from a mental health condition — but wellbeing is also shaped by a broader network of everyday practices and community connections. The final step of the ALGEE action plan involves encouraging the person to explore self-help strategies and other forms of support that can complement their professional care.
Mental health first aiders can provide information about options such as peer support groups, online mental health programs, community wellbeing initiatives, and structured self-care routines. The key is to present these as additions to professional treatment — not replacements for it.
What self-help strategies have an evidence base in mental health recovery?
Evidence-Based Self-Help Strategies for Mental Wellbeing
Self-Help Strategy | Evidence Base | Examples |
Physical activity | Strong — reduces symptoms of depression and anxiety | Walking, swimming, yoga, cycling |
Sleep hygiene | Strong — disrupted sleep worsens most mental health conditions | Consistent sleep schedule, reducing screen time before bed |
Social connection | Strong — social isolation is a key risk factor for mental ill-health | Maintaining friendships, joining community groups |
Peer support groups | Moderate — provides normalisation and lived-experience wisdom | SANE Australia groups, Beyond Blue online forums |
Mindfulness and relaxation | Moderate — particularly effective for anxiety and stress | Meditation, deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation |
Limiting alcohol and drug use | Strong — substance use can worsen and trigger mental health conditions | Alcohol-free days, SMART Recovery program |
The role of workplace and community support in mental health recovery
In a workplace context, a mental health first aider may also facilitate access to an Employee Assistance Program, help arrange flexible working conditions, or connect a colleague with peer support resources available within the organisation. Supporting someone’s physical and emotional self-care — including regular sleep, nutritious food, gentle movement, and reduced substance use — aligns with a strong evidence base for promoting sustained mental health and wellbeing.
Why Mental Health First Aid Training Is Essential for Sydney Workplaces
The business and human case for MHFA training
Mental health challenges are among the leading causes of absenteeism, reduced productivity, and long-term disability in Australian workplaces. The financial cost to businesses is estimated in the billions of dollars annually. Implementing MHFA training across a workplace is a proactive and cost-effective way to address this challenge before it escalates.
Mental health first aiders in the workplace function as informed, compassionate early responders. They are not counsellors, but they are trained to notice when a colleague may be experiencing a mental health problem, to approach that person with care, and to connect them with the support they need. Catching a developing mental health problem early can mean faster recovery, lower individual impact, and reduced cost to the organisation.
How does MHFA training benefit Sydney employers and their teams?
MHFA training raises awareness, reduces stigma, and creates a shared language around mental health across an entire workforce. Employees who have completed MHFA training are better equipped to recognise the signs of a mental health problem — in themselves and in others — and to take appropriate action. For employers, having trained mental health first aiders on staff demonstrates a genuine commitment to employee health and wellbeing, and may support compliance with workplace health and safety obligations.
Can MHFA training contribute to CPD hours?
Depending on your profession, the MHFA course may contribute to your Continuing Professional Development (CPD) hours. This can apply across a range of sectors, including healthcare, education, social work, and human resources. It is recommended that you check with your relevant industry body or registration authority to confirm eligibility. First Aid Pro can provide the appropriate documentation to support your CPD claim.
The Mental Health First Aid course offered by First Aid Pro is a nationally recognised training program delivered under the Mental Health First Aid Australia framework. It is not an accredited unit of competency on the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) and does not result in a Statement of Attainment under the national VET system.
Knowledge Check: Test Your Understanding of the ALGEE Action Plan
Test your knowledge of the ALGEE framework with these five questions. Select one answer for each question, then click Check Answers to see your score and the correct responses.
Question 1. What does the acronym ALGEE stand for?
Question 2. In the ALGEE action plan, what does the first "E" represent?
Question 3. The primary role of a mental health first aider is to:
Question 4. Which of the following is a commonly identified barrier to people seeking professional help for mental health problems?
Question 5. Approximately how many Australians experience a mental illness in any given year?
Your Result
References
- Mental Health First Aid International. (2023). Mental Health First Aid guidelines. Melbourne: Mental Health First Aid Australia.
- Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2023). Mental health services in Australia. Canberra: AIHW.
- Kitchener, B. A., & Jorm, A. F. (2002). Mental health first aid training for the public: Evaluation of effects on knowledge, attitudes and helping behaviour. BMC Psychiatry, 2(1), 10.
- World Health Organisation. (2022). World mental health report: Transforming mental health for all. Geneva: WHO. who.int
- National Eating Disorders Collaboration. (2023). Eating disorders in Australia.
- Productivity Commission. (2020). Mental health: Inquiry report. (2020) Canberra.
- Beyond Blue. (2024). About anxiety and depression. beyondblue.org.au
Frequently Asked Questions
What does ALGEE stand for in Mental Health First Aid?
ALGEE is the acronym for the five-step Mental Health First Aid action plan: Approach, assess and assist with any crisis; Listen non-judgementally; Give reassurance and information; Encourage appropriate professional help; and Encourage self-help and other support strategies. Together, these five steps provide a structured, evidence-based framework for supporting someone experiencing a mental health problem or crisis.
Is the Mental Health First Aid course accredited?
The MHFA course offered by First Aid Pro Sydney is nationally recognised through the Mental Health First Aid Australia program, which is internationally respected and evidence-based. However, it is important to note that this course is not an accredited unit of competency on the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF). It does not result in a Statement of Attainment under the national VET system. If you require a VET-accredited qualification, please contact First Aid Pro directly to discuss your options.
Who should complete a Mental Health First Aid course?
MHFA training is suitable for anyone who wants to be better equipped to support others — not just healthcare professionals. It is particularly valuable for managers, HR practitioners, teachers, community workers, emergency services personnel, and parents. Any workplace with a genuine commitment to the mental health and wellbeing of its people would benefit from having trained mental health first aiders on the team.
Where can I complete a Mental Health First Aid course in Sydney?
First Aid Pro Sydney offers MHFA training at various locations across the Sydney region. The course is delivered face-to-face over two consecutive days (6 hours per day, 12 hours total) and costs $189 per person.
