Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is more than just a training: it’s a nationwide movement that’s expanding every day. Over 4.5 million people across America have become trained in MHFA.
Mental Health First Aid helps build supportive, informed communities by equipping everyday people with the skills to provide crucial, potentially lifesaving, assistance to those in need. Ready to help make mental wellbeing a reality for everyone? Here’s how.
There are two MHFA roles you might take on: First Aider and Instructor. Let’s talk about how you can use one or both of these options to support your community.
First Aider versus Instructor: Which is right for me?
Mental Health First Aider
First Aiders learn the skills needed to recognize and respond to signs and symptoms of mental health or substance use challenges, as well as how to provide someone with initial support until they are connected with appropriate professional help. Becoming a First Aider is a great way to ensure you’re ready to help a family member, friend or peer who may be struggling.
Instructor
Each MHFA course is taught by one or two certified MHFA Instructors, who may work independently or on behalf of an organization. Instructors are the backbone of the movement, strategically marketing their courses and cultivating meaningful learning experiences for their community. By becoming one of thousands of certified Instructors, you can help spread MHFA to your community.
To become a MHFA Instructor, you must already be MHFA certified. After taking our quick 5-minute application, you’ll be able to join one of our regularly scheduled three-day Instructor trainings. Once you complete your coursework, you’ll be a certified MHFA Instructor ready to bring MHFA to your community.
How Training Works
First Aider
Start by finding a course near you. Learners can attend a day-long Mental Health Frist Aid training in person. There’s also a blended version, where you complete a 2-hour, self-paced online course, then attend a half-day training in person or online.
Instructor
You may join an Instructor training course by yourself or with others. If your organization wishes to certify at least 6 MHFA Instructors, you may host a private training with expert MHFA Trainers.
Certification Pricing
First Aider
Many MHFA courses are free of cost to learners, but exact costs may vary depending on the site and Instructor. A typical range is free of cost to $150.
Instructor
Pricing for the 3-day Instructor training is $2,000 for members of the National Council for Mental Wellbeing (NCMW) or $2,200 for non-members. This cost is inclusive of:
Instructor-led training presented by our National Trainers
Training materials
Access to learning management system for pre- and post-work
Full suite of continuing Instructor support
Certification Maintenance
First Aider
MHFA certification is valid for three years. When your certification expires, you’ll receive an email with instructions on how to recertify, keeping you up to date with the latest insights on mental health and substance use challenges.
Instructor
Once certified, Instructors must teach their course at least three times per year to maintain their certification. MHFA provides ongoing technical assistance and marketing support to certified Instructors to help them disseminate the course in their communities.
No matter how you choose to get involved, you’ll be joining a movement of millions making mental wellbeing a reality for everyone.
If a mental health or substance use challenge is affecting you or someone you know, there are several resources available to learn more or get connected with help. If you are in crisis, or you know someone who is, contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline or dial 911 in case of emergency.
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