Quick answer
Mental health first aid and psychological first aid are about offering immediate, supportive help — not diagnosing or treating. Knowing when to refer someone to professional support is one of the most important parts of the conversation. Refer when the person is at risk of harm, when their distress is beyond everyday support, when they ask for help, or when you’re simply out of your depth. In an emergency, call 000.
What “referral” means in psychological first aid
Referral is connecting someone to appropriate professional or crisis support after you’ve listened and offered immediate help. You’re a bridge, not a treatment provider. The nationally recognised unit PUARCV001 Provide psychological first aid specifically covers recognising when support needs to be escalated and how to do it safely.
Signs it’s time to refer
- The person mentions thoughts of suicide or self-harm, or harming someone else
- They seem unable to keep themselves safe, or are disconnected from reality
- The distress is severe, getting worse, or has lasted a long time
- They’re using alcohol or other drugs to cope in a risky way
- They ask for professional help — or you feel out of your depth
You don’t need to be certain. If you’re worried about someone’s safety, treat that worry as a signal to act.
Who to refer to
- Emergency (immediate danger): 000
- Crisis support, 24/7: Lifeline 13 11 14
- 13YARN (First Nations crisis support): 13 92 76
- Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636
- Ongoing care: their GP, who can create a mental health treatment plan
- At work: your Employee Assistance Program (EAP), if available
How to refer supportively
Keep it collaborative. Ask permission, offer options rather than orders, and where you can, help with the practical next step — finding a number, sitting with them while they call, or following up later. Stay with someone who is in immediate danger and get emergency help.
Look after yourself too
Supporting someone in distress can affect you. Debrief with someone you trust, use your own EAP if you have one, and recognise your limits. Self-care is a core part of psychological first aid, not an afterthought.
Where PUARCV001 fits
FMS Training (RTO 45189) delivers PUARCV001 Provide psychological first aid — online and self-paced, or as a 1-day on-site course at workplaces across Australia. It builds the confidence to recognise distress, respond safely, and refer at the right moment. See the course →
Frequently asked questions
When should you refer someone to professional help?
Refer when there’s any risk of harm to themselves or others, when distress is severe or worsening, when they ask for help, or when the situation is beyond what you can support. In an emergency, call 000.
What’s the difference between supporting and treating?
Psychological first aid is immediate, supportive help — listening, reassuring, and connecting to care. Treatment (diagnosis, counselling, therapy) is for qualified health professionals.
Who can I refer someone to in Australia?
Their GP for ongoing care, Lifeline (13 11 14) for 24/7 crisis support, Beyond Blue (1300 22 4636), 13YARN (13 92 76) for First Nations callers, your workplace EAP, and 000 in an emergency.
Does psychological first aid training cover referral?
Yes. The accredited unit PUARCV001 covers recognising when to escalate and how to refer someone safely.
Build the confidence to respond and refer
FMS Training (RTO 45189) delivers PUARCV001 Provide psychological first aid online and self-paced, or 1-day on-site across Australia, with a nationally recognised Statement of Attainment. Explore the course →
Last updated June 2026 · FMS Training, RTO 45189
Sources
- Lifeline Australia — 13 11 14
- PUARCV001 Provide psychological first aid — national training register
If this topic is affecting you personally, support is available — Lifeline 13 11 14, or 000 in an emergency.