Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is a course designed to teach the general public how to recognize symptoms of mental health problems, how to offer and provide initial help, and how to guide a person towards appropriate treatments and other supportive help. As a certified Mental Health First Aider, you will know how to implement the five-step MHFA Action Plan.

Participants in the MHFA courses have demonstrated improved confidence in providing initial help, increased the help that is given, and reduced stigma regarding mental health disorders. These results have fostered the international adoption and adaptation of the Mental Health First Aid, originally created in Australia.

There are currently two versions of MHFA: the basic Mental Health First Aid course is designed for adults, and a second program is designed for adults who work with young people – Mental Health First Aid for Youth, which is currently available in Missouri.

Become a MHFA Instructor by attending a 5-Day Instructor Training in 2014

Mental Health First Aid USA is managed, operated, and disseminated by three national authorities – the National Council for Behavioral Health, the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, and the Missouri Department of Mental Health. Only the national authorities can train and certify instructors to teach the 8-hour Mental Health First Aid USA course in local communities.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until the course is filled. Individuals are encouraged to apply early, as courses are usually filled 8 weeks prior to the course.

Please  apply for the Adult & Youth Instructor Training using our online application system.

 Adult Instructor Application 

Youth Instructor Application