Workplace mental health training

Get practical tools to talk about and support mental health in your workplace. Our free training programs are easy-to-do and suitable for everyone.

Closer view of young woman in blue shirt seated in front of desktop computer monitor.
On this page

What is workplace mental health training

Many of us will be affected by mental ill-health at some stage in our life.

Research shows one in six workers are experiencing it right now and taking steps to support mental health at work can make a difference.

Our free evidence-based training programs are:

  • designed to give you the tools to promote positive mental health at work
  • delivered by experts from Black Dog Institute
  • designed for all roles in the workplace
  • available as an interactive workshop or self-paced online learning. You can book multiple sessions and delivery options. 

Eligibility

You’re eligible for free training if your workplace is:

  • a privately owned NSW business with less than 200 employees
  • a not for profit of any size.

How to register

  1. Check the eligibility requirements.
  2. Select the ‘Register for training’ button.
  3. Complete and submit the online form.  

The Black Dog Institute will contact you to book your training session.


Training programs

We have three programs available:

  • Leading a Mentally Healthy Workplace - gives employers and executive leaders practical strategies to create a psychosocially safe and positive work environment.
  • Managing for Team Wellbeing - helps managers and supervisors develop their wellbeing leadership skills to create a mentally healthier workplace. 
  • Your Mental Health at Work - gives sole traders and employees practical strategies to care for their own mental health at work and support others. 

What participants are saying about our training

“Fantastic course. A quick, one-hour overview of workplace mental health risks to look out for and how to actively prevent or respond. Take-aways were very practical and accessible for workplace leaders.”Brianna MacDonald, Founder, The Care Co.

After their training:

Employers who intend to revise their policies related to workplace health, safety, and wellbeing following Leading a Mentally Healthy Workplace training.

81%

Managers who have taken action to prevent or minimise risks to mental health in the workplace following Managing for Team Wellbeing training.

75%

Participants who have implemented at least one wellbeing strategy at work following training.

86%

Common questions about the training

How is the training delivered?

Training programs are available as an interactive workshop or self-paced online training. You can book multiple sessions.

  • Join a public workshop with other like-minded workplaces, or book a private workshop for 20+ people.
  • Individuals can access self-paced online training with a unique login to complete the eLearning at a time and pace that suits.
What's involved in the training?
  • The interactive workshops are facilitated by expert psychologists and include case studies, scenarios and collaborative activities. There are opportunities to ask questions throughout.
  • The self-paced online training can be accessed using a unique login and takes approximately 45 - 2 hours to complete. The eLearning program includes quizzes, videos, and wellbeing and mindfulness activities.
How long does it take?

Depending on the training option and delivery mode you select, the training can take between 45 minutes and 3 hours.

What content is covered in the training?
  • The Black Dog Institute's training programs are focused on providing practical early-intervention and prevention strategies. Content covered includes ways to prevent mental ill-health at work, support colleagues experiencing mental Illness and how to promote positive mental health and wellbeing at work.
  • Information and content covered is tailored for each program, so it is relevant for different roles within the workplace to support mental health at an individual, team, and organisational level.
  • If you are a leader who has booked 'Managing for Team Wellbeing', you do not need to also complete 'Your Mental Health at Work' as the same program content is covered as well as additional information relevant for leading a team and supporting others.
Training for employersTraining for managers, leaders and supervisorsTraining for everyone

'Leading a Mentally Healthy Workplace' training gives employers and executive leaders practical strategies to create a safe and positive work environment.

What you will learn 

  • your legal responsibilities as an employer
  • psychosocial risk factors in the workplace
  • strategies to support mental health at work and how to embed them into your business
  • how to design healthier workplaces through policies, job roles, and education.  

How training is provided
Interactive workshop:

  • 1-hour online training via Zoom  
  • delivered by a psychologist experienced in workplace mental health
  • 20-25 participants per workshop
  • you choose a time and location that works for you.

‘Managing for Team Wellbeing’ training will help anyone managing staff or leading others improve their understanding of mental health in the workplace and create a supportive environment that helps your team thrive.

What you will learn

  • how to spot the early warning signs of mental ill-health and what to do
  • your legal responsibilities as a manager
  • how to have conversations with team members about mental health
  • how to design healthier workplaces
  • how to assist team members to stay at work, or to return to work after an absence
  • steps you can take for your own self-care or to support others
  • where to go if you need more support.

How training is provided
Interactive workshop:

  • 3-hour training face-to-face or online via Zoom  
  • delivered by a psychologist experienced in workplace mental health
  • 20-25 participants per workshop
  • you choose a time and location that works for you.

Online learning:

  • 2-hour training
  • can be completed at any time.

'Your Mental Health at Work' training is for anyone who wants to improve mental health in the workplace. It will help you manage your own mental health at work and show you how you can support others.

What you will learn

  • how to spot the early warning signs of mental ill-health and what to do
  • how to have conversations at work about mental health
  • what your work health and safety rights and responsibilities are
  • steps you can take for your own self-care or to support others  
  • where to go for more support.

How training is provided
Interactive workshop:

  • 2-hour training face-to-face or online via Zoom  
  • delivered by a psychologist experienced in workplace mental health
  • 20-25 participants per workshop
  • you choose a time and location that works for you.

Online learning:

  • only takes 45-minutes
  • can be completed at any time.

 

Do I receive any resources to use after training?
  • You will receive a workbook to complete during the workshop which includes links to further information and support services.
  • You will also receive an email following training with further resources that you can use and share with your workplace.
How many people can do the training?
  • Up to 200 people in your workplace can access the self-paced online training or participate in an interactive workshop.
  • Workplaces or groups of less than 20 people can join a public interactive workshop with other businesses.
  • Private interactive workshops are available for groups of 20+ people.
  • You can book multiple training options per workplace.
How can I access training?

Once you have completed the registration form you will receive an email from training@blackdog.org.au with links to book in your preferred training option. If you did not receive this email, contact us.

Is there a wait time to book training?
  • Please allow up to four weeks’ notice to secure your booking date for interactive workshops.
  • Access to self-paced online training can be provided within 48-hours of individuals' details being provided to the Black Dog Institute for setup.
  • Workshops can be rescheduled once only with a minimum of 10 working days' notice so please ensure you select dates for your training that work for your workplace.
I’ve heard of the free workplace mental health coaching too. Can I do both?

If you are a leader, we recommend that you register for training and coaching at the same time and our providers can schedule each service to suit your needs.

You can do them at the same time, or your coach can help you determine which training is right for you and your team.

Learn more about coaching.

Why is NSW Government providing this for free?

This service is funded as part of SafeWork NSW's Psychological Health and Safety Strategy 2024-26. 

The NSW Government is committed to preventing workplace incidents by keeping people safe and to achieve the toward zero suicides goal for NSW.

When work is good, it provides us with a sense of purpose, belonging, achievement and self-esteem. Our working lives affect our mental health.

If you have any more questions before applying, use our contact form. We’ll get back to you within two working days.


Related information

Last updated:
Top of page