You must be certified by Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) USA to teach any Mental Health First Aid course. Applicants to an Adult or Youth MHFA Instructor training course must first hold an active First Aider certification in that curriculum. MHFA Instructor Certification is achieved through 2 hours of self-paced pre-work, a 3-day interactive training and 1 hour of self-paced post-work. Only individuals — not organizations — can receive Instructor certification.
Mental Health First Aid Instructor trainings may be public or private. Large groups (six or more Instructor candidates) can arrange for private, onsite training. Public and private courses provide access to the same training, certification and resources.
teen Mental Health First Aid Instructor Applicants
Before you apply for a teen Mental Health First Aid (tMHFA) Instructor training, your school or youth-serving organization must be an approved tMHFA Site. Individual Instructor candidates are not eligible to apply apart from an approved tMHFA site. If you have a school or organization in mind, please complete the interest form. After the school or organization becomes an approved tMHFA Site, Instructor candidates can apply to attend a 3-day tMHFA Instructor training.
Mental Health First Aid Instructor Applicants – Missouri and Maryland Residents
If you are a resident of Missouri, please visit our state partner’s website to apply for their in-state Instructor trainings. Open only to Missouri residents: Apply for Missouri Instructor Training. If you are a resident of Maryland, please visit their website to apply for their in-state Instructor trainings. Open only to Maryland residents: Apply for Maryland Instructor Training.
The training teaches you how to:
Instructor Training Format
Certification is not guaranteed for all participants. To become certified, participants must complete all online course work, be present for the entire training, satisfactorily deliver the presentation and pass an exam.
Dual Certification in the Adult and Youth Curriculum
To become dual certified as an Adult and Youth MHFA Instructor you must hold an active First Aider certification in both curricula and complete both your Adult and Youth Instructor training certification, separately.
Virtual Training IT Requirements
The following technology is required to participate in a virtual Instructor training:
Please review this table for Instructor training course pricing.
Is your organization a member of the National Council? As part of your membership, we offer discounted pricing. Interested in becoming a member? Learn more.
| Course | Programs | Delivery Option | Member or Non Member | Price* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Instructor | 3-day Adult/ Youth | In-Person or Virtual | Member | $2,000 |
| New Instructor | 3-day Adult/ Youth | In-person or Virtual | Non-Member | $2,200 |
| Existing Instructor** Tuition | 3-day Adult/ Youth | In-person or Virtual | Member | $1,800 |
| Existing Instructor** Tuition | 3-day Adult/ Youth | In-person or Virtual | Non Member | $2,000 |
*Please note: All state sales tax will be applied at checkout. If you are tax exempt, please submit your FEID number and government issued documentation for processing.
**Existing Instructor course attendees must be certified in one MHFA curriculum type and seeking dual certification in the other (Adult/Youth).
Tuition includes:
Payment is not required at the time of application, but it is required to reserve your spot in a training session. Once your application has been accepted, you will register for a course in the MHFA Storefront. At checkout, please be sure to double-check your shipping address, as the Training Materials will automatically be added to your order and sent to you. All Public Instructor Training Course orders require a credit card to checkout. For any questions, please email MHFAapplications@thenationalcouncil.org.
Cancellations, Transfer Requests and Refunds:
Cancellation and transfer requests must be submitted in writing. If you would like to transfer to another training, email your request at least 30 days before your scheduled training start date with the location and dates of your new preferred training. We will do our best to accommodate your request. Multiple transfer requests as well as transfers requested within 30 days of the event will be subject to a change fee of $1,000. Transfers requested within two weeks of the event start date will be treated as cancellations.
Cancellations requested within 30 days of the event will be subject to a change fee of $1,000. No refunds will be given if cancellation occurs within two weeks of the event to those who do not receive certification or do not complete the training, and/or who are “no shows” to the training. Any registrant who remains unpaid will be liable for full tuition. Non-attendance does not limit liability.
After receiving your certification as a Youth Mental Health First Aid Instructor or teen Mental Health First Aid Instructor, we’ll enroll you — at no charge — in Strong Resilient Youth: Supporting Children and Youth Experiencing Trauma training. This free course trains educators and supportive adults with the knowledge and skills to support children and youth who have experienced trauma. To learn more, download the Strong Resilient Youth marketing flyer.
Other than an active First Aider certification, no specific academic or professional credentials are required for Instructor applicants. However, candidates should have knowledge of or experience with mental health problems (personally, professionally or both), prior experience in training adult learners and a commitment and strategic plan to roll out Mental Health First Aid in the community.
Applications are automatically scored and if successfully completed, you will have the opportunity to self-register in any upcoming training with availability.
Questions about the certification process? Email MHFAApplications@TheNationalCouncil.org.
