If you are comparing mental health awareness training cost in Australia, one of the first questions is how much your organisation should budget. Prices vary depending on whether you need a short introductory workshop, a manager-focused session or a comprehensive Mental Health First Aid course.
For HR and People and Culture teams, comparing prices can be confusing when some providers charge per participant, others charge per workshop and additional services are quoted separately.
This guide explains published Australian training price examples, what affects costs and how to build a realistic budget without paying for services your organisation doesn’t need.
How Much Does Mental Health Awareness Training Cost in Australia?
Published Australian provider prices indicate that short mental health awareness workshops may start at several hundred dollars, while longer facilitated group sessions can cost $1,500 to $2,500 or more, depending on the scope.
Standard Mental Health First Aid courses commonly use per-person pricing, with published examples ranging from approximately $250 to more than $400 per participant, depending on the provider and GST treatment.
These figures are examples from advertised Australian provider prices referenced in this guide. They are not official industry averages or quotes from Better Being. Prices should be checked with providers before publication or purchase.
Examples of Published Australian Training Prices
| Training option | Published price example | Delivery details |
|---|---|---|
| Introductory mental health awareness workshop | From $495 + GST | Mental Mate advertises a one-hour session, online or face-to-face. |
| Group mental health awareness session | $1,500 + GST per session | Breakthrough Mental Health Research Foundation advertises a 90-minute face-to-face session. |
| Workplace mental health awareness training | From $1,499 + GST per session | ADA Australia advertises a one-hour session, with up to 50 participants recommended. |
| Extended workplace awareness training | From $2,499 + GST per session | ADA Australia advertises a two-hour session with interactive activities. |
| Standard Mental Health First Aid course | $250 + GST online or $320 + GST face-to-face per person | Breakthrough Mental Health Research Foundation’s published course prices. |
| Standard Mental Health First Aid course | $395 per person | St John NSW’s published two-day course price. |
Sources: Mental Mate, Breakthrough Mental Health Awareness Sessions, ADA Australia, Breakthrough Standard Mental Health First Aid and St John NSW.
Prices may change, and eligibility, location, GST treatment and inclusions can differ. Always request a current written quote before making a purchasing decision.
What Is the Difference Between Mental Health Awareness Training and Mental Health First Aid?
These terms are sometimes used interchangeably, but they do not necessarily describe the same training.
Understanding the difference is important because it affects both cost and expected outcomes.
Mental Health Awareness Workshops
Mental health awareness training generally introduces employees to mental health concepts, common signs of distress, supportive communication and available resources.
Sessions may last from approximately one hour to several hours, depending on the provider.
These workshops can be useful for improving general awareness across a workforce, especially when employees have had limited previous mental health education.
However, attending a general awareness workshop does not automatically qualify someone as an Accredited Mental Health First Aider.
Standard Mental Health First Aid Training
Standard Mental Health First Aid is a structured 12-hour course delivered by Licensed MHFA Instructors.
Participants learn to recognise and respond to developing or worsening mental health problems and crisis situations, provide initial support and encourage appropriate professional assistance.
Available formats include face-to-face, blended face-to-face and blended online learning.
Participants who complete the required assessment can become Accredited Mental Health First Aiders, with accreditation valid for three years.
Mental Health First Aid Australia does not set one compulsory national course fee. Licensed instructors determine their own prices, which vary by location, delivery arrangements and other factors.
Ongoing Mental Health First Aid Education
There is also a distinction between initial MHFA training and ongoing education for employees who have already completed it.
Follow-up education can reinforce knowledge, provide opportunities to practise supportive conversations and help employees maintain confidence in applying what they have learned.
Better Being offers Mental Health First Aid Education designed to build on existing training through refresher learning, practical scenarios and ongoing skill development.
This is not initial MHFA certification training. It is a complementary education offering for organisations seeking to reinforce previous learning.
Six Factors That Affect Mental Health Awareness Training Cost
1. Workshop Duration
A one-hour awareness session usually requires less delivery time than a half-day workshop or comprehensive multi-session course.
However, duration alone does not determine value. A focused session with clear objectives may be more appropriate than a longer course covering material employees do not need.
2. Number of Participants
Some providers charge a fixed group fee, while others use per-person pricing.
For example, a $1,500 workshop attended by 30 employees represents a direct training fee of $50 per participant, excluding GST and any additional expenses.
The same workshop attended by 10 employees would represent $150 per participant.
Group pricing can be cost-effective, but very large sessions may limit opportunities for discussion and individual participation.
3. Online or Face-to-Face Delivery
Virtual training can reduce travel and venue expenses, particularly for organisations operating across several Australian locations.
Face-to-face training may be preferable when the objectives involve group discussion, interactive scenarios or team-specific conversations.
Ask whether travel, accommodation and venue expenses are included in the quoted price.
4. Facilitator Qualifications and Experience
Training delivered by experienced mental health educators or licensed instructors may have different costs from general workplace awareness presentations.
For official Mental Health First Aid courses, verify that the instructor is appropriately licensed to deliver the relevant program.
For other workshops, ask about the facilitator’s professional qualifications, relevant experience and how the content is developed.
5. Customisation
A standard workshop may cost less than a session adapted for your organisation’s industry, workforce or leadership responsibilities.
Customisation could involve developing case studies, incorporating workplace policies or creating examples relevant to operational and remote employees.
Ask whether these services are included or charged separately.
6. Materials and Follow-Up Support
Some training packages include manuals, worksheets, recordings, resource libraries or follow-up sessions.
Others charge separately for additional materials or ongoing education.
Compare what employees will receive after the workshop, not just what happens during the session itself.
Example Budgets for Australian Workplaces
The following examples show how employers can estimate costs using published training prices. They are illustrative budgets rather than supplier quotes.
Scenario 1: A Small Business With 20 Employees
A small business wants to introduce mental health awareness across its entire team.
It selects a 90-minute group workshop using a published example price of $1,500 + GST.
- Workshop fee: $1,500 excluding GST
- Employees attending: 20
- Direct training cost per employee: $75 excluding GST
The business should also consider paid attendance time and any additional delivery costs.
This approach may suit an organisation seeking general awareness rather than formal MHFA accreditation.
Scenario 2: Training Five Workplace Mental Health Supporters
A business wants five nominated employees to complete Standard Mental Health First Aid training.
Using a published online course example of $250 + GST per participant:
- Training fee per person: $250 excluding GST
- Number of participants: 5
- Total direct course fees: $1,250 excluding GST
This estimate excludes employee learning time and any additional organisational expenses.
The business should confirm the course format, assessment requirements and whether the selected employees are comfortable undertaking the training.
Scenario 3: A Larger Business Combining Awareness and Follow-Up Education
An organisation wants to introduce general awareness training and reinforce the learning throughout the year.
It might budget for an initial group workshop, followed by quarterly education sessions or digital resources.
The total investment would depend on the number of sessions, provider pricing, employee access requirements and level of customisation.
Rather than assuming a fixed annual amount, request an itemised proposal separating initial training from ongoing support.
How to Calculate Mental Health Awareness Training Cost
The provider’s fee is only one part of the budget.
A more complete calculation is:
Total training investment = Provider fees + Employee participation time + Travel and venue costs + Internal coordination + Follow-up resources
For example, consider a 20-person workshop with a $1,500 provider fee.
If the session lasts 90 minutes and the employer estimates an average paid employee time cost of $45 per hour, the participation cost would be:
20 employees × 1.5 hours × $45 = $1,350
The combined workshop and employee time cost would therefore be $2,850, excluding GST treatment and other expenses.
The $45 hourly amount is hypothetical and is used only to demonstrate the calculation.
Including participation time can help employers compare a short awareness workshop with a longer course more realistically.
Is Cheaper Mental Health Awareness Training Better Value?
Not necessarily.
A lower-cost session may be appropriate if your objective is to introduce basic mental health concepts to a large employee group.
However, it may not provide the depth of learning needed for managers, designated workplace supporters or employees expected to respond to complex situations.
Before choosing a course, consider:
- What employees should know or be able to do afterwards
- Whether the content is appropriate for their responsibilities
- The facilitator’s relevant qualifications and experience
- Opportunities for practical activities and questions
- Accessibility for remote, regional and shift-based employees
- Whether follow-up learning is included
- Any accreditation or assessment requirements
The most suitable option is the one that meets your learning objectives at a sustainable total cost.
What Should Employers Ask Before Booking Mental Health Awareness Training?
When requesting quotes, use a consistent checklist to compare providers.
- Is the training general mental health awareness or an official Mental Health First Aid course?
- What is the total price, including GST and any additional fees?
- Is pricing per participant or per group?
- What is the maximum recommended group size?
- Who delivers the training, and what are their qualifications?
- Can the content be adapted for our workplace?
- Are manuals, digital resources or follow-up materials included?
- Does the training include an assessment or recognised accreditation?
- What arrangements are available for remote or shift-based employees?
- What happens if an employee becomes distressed during the session?
Request a written outline showing learning objectives, duration, delivery format and inclusions before approving the expenditure.
Does Mental Health Awareness Training Meet Employer WHS Obligations?
Mental health awareness training can contribute to a healthier workplace, but it does not automatically satisfy an employer’s work health and safety responsibilities.
Australian employers must manage work-related health and safety risks, including applicable psychosocial hazards, in accordance with their jurisdiction’s requirements.
These hazards may include excessive job demands, inadequate support, bullying or poorly managed organisational change.
Safe Work Australia provides guidance on identifying and managing psychosocial hazards.
Training should complement practical workplace measures, including appropriate workloads, clear responsibilities, supportive leadership and accessible support pathways.
Employers should not expect employees to manage harmful workplace conditions through individual coping strategies alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Does Mental Health Awareness Training Cost Per Employee?
It depends on whether the provider charges per person or per group. A $1,500 workshop attended by 30 employees costs $50 per participant in direct training fees, excluding GST. Accredited MHFA courses commonly have separate per-person fees.
Is Mental Health First Aid Training Free in Australia?
Some organisations may offer funded, subsidised or free courses for eligible participants. However, many public and workplace courses charge fees. Availability and eligibility should be confirmed directly with the provider.
How Long Does Mental Health Awareness Training Take?
Introductory workplace awareness sessions may run for approximately one to two hours, while more detailed programs can take longer. Standard Mental Health First Aid training is a 12-hour course delivered in approved formats.
Can Mental Health Awareness Training Be Delivered Online?
Yes. Many Australian providers offer live virtual workshops. Standard Mental Health First Aid also has blended online delivery options involving self-paced learning and instructor-led sessions.
Should Every Employee Complete Mental Health First Aid Training?
Not necessarily. Organisations may choose general awareness education for the broader workforce and more comprehensive training for nominated supporters or employees with particular responsibilities. The appropriate approach depends on workforce needs and program objectives.
Key Takeaways: Mental Health Awareness Training Costs
- Mental health awareness training costs in Australia vary by course type, duration, provider and delivery format.
- Published examples show introductory group workshops ranging from several hundred dollars to $2,500 or more.
- Standard Mental Health First Aid courses commonly use per-person pricing, with fees set by individual providers or licensed instructors.
- General awareness workshops, accredited MHFA training and ongoing MHFA education serve different purposes.
- Include employee participation time and additional delivery expenses when calculating your total investment.
- Compare training based on learning objectives, facilitator expertise and practical outcomes, not price alone.
Investing in workplace mental health education is about building relevant knowledge and practical capability across your organisation. The right training should match employee responsibilities, fit your budget and complement broader efforts to create a mentally healthy workplace.
If your organisation has already invested in Mental Health First Aid training, explore Better Being’s Mental Health First Aid Education offering to understand how ongoing learning can reinforce those skills.
For broader workplace wellbeing education and support, contact Better Being to discuss your organisation’s priorities.
