The 5 steps of mental health first aid (MHFA) is a structured, evidence-based approach to recognising and helping someone who is developing a mental health problem, experiencing a worsening of an existing mental health problem, or in a mental health crisis. At its core is the ALGEE action plan — a five-step MHFA action plan that gives everyday Australians the skills and confidence to provide meaningful support.
With one in five Australians experiencing a mental illness in any given year, knowing how to respond — and respond well — has never been more important. Whether you are a manager, a colleague, a parent, or a friend, understanding the 5-step MHFA action plan using the ALGEE protocol could make a life-changing difference to someone in your life.
This article walks you through each step of the ALGEE plan, explains what mental health first aiders do in practice, and shows you how recognised MHFA training through First Aid Pro in Brisbane can prepare you to act with confidence.
READY TO BECOME A CERTIFIED MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AIDER? First Aid Pro Brisbane offers nationally recognised Mental Health First Aid courses. Enrol today and get the skills to support those around you.
Key Takeaways
- The ALGEE action plan is the internationally recognised 5-step framework used in Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training.
- 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 first aiders to assist someone experiencing a mental health crisis, including anxiety, depression, psychosis, suicidal thoughts, and substance use disorders.
- The course is accredited through Mental Health Australia and may contribute to CPD hours depending on your profession.
- First Aid Pro Brisbane offers recognised MHFA training for individuals, workplaces, and community groups.
What Is Mental Health First Aid and Why Does It Matter in Australia?
Mental health first aid is the help provided to a person who is developing a mental health problem, experiencing a worsening of an existing mental health problem, or in a mental health crisis. Just as physical first aid provides initial care until professional medical help is available, mental health first aid provides initial support until appropriate professional help is obtained — or until the crisis resolves.
In Australia, the scale of mental ill-health is substantial. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, approximately 4.3 million Australians — one in five people — experience a mental illness in any given year. Conditions like depression and anxiety are among the most common, but psychosis, substance use disorders, eating disorders, and post-traumatic stress also contribute substantially to the burden of mental ill‑health.
How common is mental illness in Australia?
Mental Health Condition | Estimated Adults Affected (per year) | % of Population |
Anxiety disorders | ~3.4 million | ~17.2% |
Depression | ~1.5 million | ~7.5% |
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 is early intervention in mental health so critical?
Research consistently shows that early intervention leads to significantly better outcomes for people with mental illnesses. Many people delay seeking help for mental health problems — sometimes for years — due to stigma, lack of awareness, or not knowing where to turn. If they are surrounded by people trained in mental health first aid, that delay can be dramatically reduced. A mental health first aider plays a vital role as an early responder, bridging the gap between a person experiencing a mental health challenge and the professional support they need.
What Is the ALGEE Action Plan in Mental Health First Aid?
The ALGEE action plan is the structured, five-step framework at the heart of the Mental Health First Aid Australia program. The acronym ALGEE gives first aiders a memorable and practical sequence to follow when providing mental health first aid to someone they know is experiencing a mental health problem or crisis. It is important to remember that the steps do not always occur in strict sequence — a skilled first aider adapts the ALGEE plan to the needs of the person they are helping.
The ALGEE Action Plan at a Glance
Step | Letter | Action |
1 | A | Approach, assess and assist with any crisis |
2 | L | Listen non-judgementally |
3 | G | Give reassurance and information |
4 | E | Encourage appropriate professional help |
5 | E | Encourage self-help and other support strategies |
Who developed the ALGEE action plan and is it evidence-based?
The Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) program was developed in Australia in 2000 by Betty Kitchener and Professor Tony Jorm in Canberra. MHFA, including the ALGEE action plan, is now delivered internationally through Mental Health First Aid Australia and its global partners, and is recognised as an evidence‑based training program. Numerous studies, including randomised controlled trials and systematic reviews, have shown that MHFA training improves mental health knowledge, reduces stigma and increases people’s confidence in providing support to someone experiencing a mental health problem or crisis.
How is ALGEE used in accredited MHFA training in Australia?
Using the ALGEE framework is the central focus of every accredited MHFA course in Australia. Participants learn how to apply each step of the ALGEE plan across a range of mental health scenarios, including supporting someone with depression or anxiety, someone experiencing suicidal thoughts, or someone in a mental health crisis related to psychosis or substance use. Providing mental health first aid is not about diagnosing or treating — it is about offering human connection, practical help, and a pathway to professional support.
Step 1 of the ALGEE Action Plan: Approach, Assess and Assist with Any Crisis
The first step of the five-step MHFA action plan 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 be present.
How do you safely approach someone experiencing a mental health crisis?
When you know someone is experiencing a mental health problem or suspect they may be in distress, the first step is to find an appropriate time and private place to approach them. Let the person know you have noticed they seem to be going through a difficult time and that you are there to offer support. Keep your manner calm, open, and non-threatening. Ask the person how they are feeling and be prepared to listen.
It is important to remember that not everyone will want to talk, and respecting the person’s wishes is essential. If they decline support at first, let the person know your concern is genuine and that you are available when they are ready. Do not force the conversation or make assumptions about what they are experiencing.
What are the signs of a mental health emergency you should look out for?
As part of the first step, a mental health first aider must assess for signs of a crisis. These may include expressions of suicidal thoughts, signs of self-harm, extreme agitation, confusion, disorientation, or behaviour suggesting psychosis. If the person is in immediate danger, contacting emergency services (000 in Australia) is the appropriate response. In less acute situations, the first aider continues through the remaining steps of the ALGEE plan.
Warning Sign | Possible Indication | First Aid Response |
Talking about wanting to die or end their life | Suicidal ideation | Stay with the person; ask direct questions about safety; call 000 if there is immediate risk |
Severe disorientation or paranoia | Psychosis or acute mental distress | Remain calm; do not argue with their beliefs; seek professional help |
Extreme emotional agitation | Panic attack or acute anxiety | Guide to a calm environment; offer reassurance and grounding |
Slurred speech or confusion after substance use | Mental health or substance use crisis | Assess for medical emergency; contact appropriate services |
Step 2 of the ALGEE Action Plan: Listen Non-Judgementally
Active, non-judgemental listening is one of the most powerful forms of support a mental health first aider can offer. It communicates respect, acceptance, and genuine concern for the person’s wellbeing.
Why is non-judgemental listening important in mental health first aid?
One of the most significant common barriers to people seeking help for mental health problems is fear of judgement. When someone experiencing a mental health problem opens up, they are often taking a considerable risk. If the person feels judged, dismissed, or misunderstood, they are far less likely to seek further help. By listening non-judgementally, the first aider creates a safe space where the person can feel heard, valued, and understood.
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 irrational. Showing that you are listening — through eye contact, open body language, and verbal affirmations — signals to the person that their experience matters.
Practical tips for listening to someone with anxiety or depression
When providing mental health first aid through active listening, consider the following approaches.
Give the person your full attention and minimise distractions.
Use open-ended questions such as “Can you tell me more about how you have been feeling?” to encourage them to share.
Reflect back what they have said — for example, “It sounds like you have been feeling overwhelmed” — to show you are following the conversation.
Avoid jumping in with advice, comparisons, or silver linings.
Step 3 of the ALGEE Action Plan: Give Reassurance and Information
Once a person experiencing a mental health challenge feels heard, a mental health first aider can offer support and information to help them better understand what they are experiencing and to reduce fear and distress.
What kind of support can a mental health first aider provide?
At this stage of the ALGEE plan, the first aider shifts from listening to gently offering reassurance and information. This might involve letting the person know that what they are experiencing is recognised, that mental health conditions are common, that they are not to blame, and that effective treatment is available. Give reassurance and information in plain, compassionate language — avoid clinical jargon, and be careful not to minimise or dramatise what the person is going through.
Providing accurate information about mental health conditions helps dispel harmful myths. For example, many people believe that asking someone directly about suicidal thoughts will plant the idea in their mind. In fact, research shows that asking directly — and compassionately — can reduce the person’s sense of isolation and open the door to help.
How to help someone experiencing panic attacks, psychosis or suicidal thoughts
The support and information you provide will depend on what the person is experiencing. For someone experiencing a panic attack, it can help to calmly guide them through slow, controlled breathing and remind them that the feeling will pass. For someone experiencing suicidal thoughts, acknowledge their pain, ask them directly if they are thinking about suicide, and reassure them that support is available. For someone showing signs of psychosis, remain calm, avoid challenging their beliefs directly, and focus on keeping them safe while seeking professional assistance. A key principle across all scenarios is to offer support that respects the person’s dignity and autonomy.
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Step 4 of the ALGEE Action Plan: Encourage Appropriate Professional Help
A mental health first aider is not a therapist or clinician. Their role is to provide initial support and then guide the person toward seeking professional help from qualified practitioners.
What mental health professionals can help in Australia?
Australia has a well-developed network of mental health services, and part of a first aider’s role is to help the person navigate these options.
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 |
Psychiatrist | Medical specialist; can prescribe medication and manage complex mental disorders | GP referral usually required |
Mental Health Nurse | Ongoing support and monitoring | Via GP or community health |
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) | Free, confidential counselling for workplace issues | Through employer |
Lifeline | Crisis support and referrals | 13 11 14 |
Beyond Blue | Mental health information and support | 1300 22 4636 |
Step 5 of the ALGEE Action Plan: Encourage Self-Help and Other Support Strategies
Professional help is essential, but recovery and wellbeing also depend on a broader network of support. Mental health first aiders encourage the person to explore self-help and other support strategies as part of their overall health and wellbeing plan.
What other supports can help someone recovering from a mental health issue?
Self-help and other support strategies can complement professional treatment and play a significant role in long-term recovery. These include peer support groups — where people with lived experience of similar mental health conditions share their stories and strategies — as well as online mental health programs, community wellbeing initiatives, and structured self-care routines. Mental health first aiders can provide information about these options and encourage the person to consider which might suit them best.
It is important that the first aider encourages self-help in a way that does not minimise the need for professional treatment. Self-help and other support strategies are best understood as additions to — not replacements for — appropriate professional help.
The role of workplace support, self-care and community in mental health recovery
An emotional and physical self-care plan can be a powerful tool in recovery. Encouraging the person to maintain regular sleep, eat nutritious food, engage in gentle physical activity, and limit alcohol and substance use aligns with the evidence base for promoting positive mental health practices. In a workplace context, a first aider might also facilitate access to an Employee Assistance Program, flexible working arrangements, or peer support groups within the organisation.
Self-Help Strategy | Evidence Base | Examples |
Physical activity | Strong — reduces symptoms of depression and anxiety | Walking, swimming, yoga |
Sleep hygiene | Strong — disrupted sleep worsens most mental health conditions | Consistent sleep schedule, reducing screen time before bed |
Social connection | Strong — 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 forums |
Mindfulness and relaxation | Moderate — particularly effective for anxiety and stress | Meditation, deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation |
Limiting alcohol and drugs | Strong — substance use worsens and can trigger mental health conditions | Alcohol-free days, SMART Recovery |
Knowledge Test: The ALGEE Action Plan
Test your understanding with these five questions. Answers are provided below.
What does the acronym ALGEE stand for?
In the ALGEE action plan, what is the role of the first "E"?
A mental health first aider's primary role is to:
Which of the following is a common barrier to people seeking professional help for mental health problems?
Approximately how many Australians experience a mental illness in any given year?
INVEST IN THE SKILLS THAT COULD SAVE A LIFE: Enrol in a nationally recognised Mental Health First Aid course with First Aid Pro Brisbane. Courses start from $189 and are suitable for workplaces, community groups, and individuals. Visit firstaidpro.com.au to enrol today.
References
- Mental Health First Aid International. (2023). Mental Health First Aid guidelines.
- 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does ALGEE stand for in Mental Health First Aid?
ALGEE is the acronym for the five-step MHFA 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 form a structured, evidence-based framework for providing mental health first aid to someone experiencing a mental health problem or crisis.
Who should complete a Mental Health First Aid course?
MHFA training is suitable for anyone who wants to support others — not just healthcare professionals. It is particularly valuable for managers, HR professionals, teachers, community workers, emergency services personnel, and parents. Any workplace that wants to proactively support the mental health and wellbeing of its staff would benefit from having trained mental health first aiders on the team.
How is Mental Health First Aid different from general first aid?
Physical first aid focuses on responding to bodily injury or illness, such as CPR for cardiac arrest or wound management. Mental health first aid focuses on supporting someone who is developing a mental health problem, experiencing a worsening of an existing mental health problem, or in a mental health crisis. While both disciplines share a first-responder philosophy — providing immediate, compassionate support until professional help is available — MHFA specifically addresses mental distress, suicidal thoughts, psychosis, and other mental health conditions using the ALGEE action plan.
Where can I do a Mental Health First Aid course in Brisbane?
First Aid Pro Brisbane offers recognised MHFA courses at various locations across Brisbane. The course runs for 12 hours and can be completed over two consecutive days or spread across two weeks. The course costs $189 per person. Visit firstaidpro.com.au or contact First Aid Pro directly to find a course date and location that suits you.
