Becoming a Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Instructor is a powerful way to make a difference in your community. Whether you’re looking to help others, build a new career or just get involved in something meaningful, being a MHFA Instructor can be a great option. But, as with any new opportunity, you may have some practical questions about what it will be like to be an Instructor — how interested people are in the course, how to promote and fill your MHFA classes, the cost of Instructor training and any scholarship options. In this blog post, we’ll answer some of the most common questions about becoming an Instructor.

1. Why is MHFA needed?
   Mental health is just as important as physical health, but it often gets overlooked. MHFA helps people recognize the signs of mental health challenges and gives them the tools to help others. The training covers topics like anxiety, depression and substance use, teaching First Aiders to listen, offer support and encourage people to seek professional resources. By becoming an Instructor, you give others the skills to support friends, family and colleagues during tough times. It’s not just a valuable skill — it’s a life-changing one. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, “1 in 5 U.S. adults experience mental illness each year.” People are increasingly recognizing the importance of being prepared to help others.
   
   
2. Is there room for more Instructors?
   Every day, more people complete their MHFA Instructor certification — and we need every one of them. MHFA has a goal to train 1 out of every 15 people, and we’re well on our way, but we still have some work to do. The good news is that people are eagerly searching for a training like MHFA . Folks want to know how to support their communities, and as an Instructor you can give them those potentially lifesaving skills.
   
   Many organizations, schools, workplaces and communities are looking to offer MHFA courses. This means there is still plenty of room for passionate Instructors to get involved and make an impact. In short, the market isn’t saturated — it’s growing. As awareness of mental health challenges grows, so does the need for trained Instructors to teach MHFA. And by becoming a MHFA Instructor, you’re joining a field that’s making a huge difference.
   
   
   
   
3. How to become an Instructor
   To find out if becoming an Instructor is right for you, start by completing our quick five-minute application. Then, join one of our dynamic three-day trainings, which include self-paced pre-work, expert-led instruction and hands-on experience leading a class. You’ll gain confidence in teaching adult learners, master the MHFA curriculum and develop the skills to engage varied audiences. Once you become an Instructor, you’ll have ongoing support from our Client Success Team, which ensures you have everything you need to succeed from your first course onward. You’ll access webinars, tutorial and classroom videos, guides, marketing templates and more.
   
   
4. Is it worth the Investment? 
   While MHFA Instructor training may seem expensive at first glance, it’s important to consider the long-term impact:
   
   
   • A sustainable career — Being a MHFA Instructor can help bring in some extra income and unlock career opportunities with organizations that offer MHFA. Once you’re certified, you can teach courses regularly, work with organizations and even offer specialized courses. It can be a fulfilling and sustainable source of income.
   • Professional development — Becoming a certified Instructor boosts your credibility in the mental health and wellness field. It can open doors to additional training and career opportunities, enhancing your resume.
   • The ripple effect — Every person you train as a First Aider can have a meaningful impact in their community. A few will even go on to become Instructors, bringing MHFA to even more people who need it. This means your impact goes far beyond the individuals you train directly. You are helping to build a nationwide network of people who can recognize and respond to mental health challenges.
   • The value of the training — The skills you gain as an Instructor can be lifesaving. You’re not just learning how to teach a course; you’re learning how to equip others with the tools to make a difference in their communities. This can lead to fewer mental health crises, better support systems and healthier schools, workplaces and communities.
     
     
5. Are there any scholarships for Instructor training?
   There are options to help make MHFA Instructor training more affordable. Many organizations offer scholarships or discounted rates for those interested in MHFA Instructor training. Some grants may be available through local, state, federal or philanthropic organizations, as well as nonprofits or community programs focused on mental health.
   
   Before enrolling, check with organizations in your area to see if they offer financial assistance or have any partnerships with other groups that could help cover the cost. Additionally, some employers may be willing to cover the cost of training if they see the value in having a certified Instructor within their organization.
   
   
6. How do I promote my course?
   Once you’re certified as a MHFA Instructor, you’ll want to get the word out about your courses. MHFA USA offers ongoing support, including tools, trainings and webinars to make sure you are prepared to promote the course in your community. Here are some ideas to help promote your training:
   
   
   • Leverage social media — Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn are great ways to spread the word. Share testimonials, success stories and insights about the importance of MHFA. Tag us and we’ll reshare your content!
   • Partner with local organizations — Work with schools, community centers, nonprofits and businesses to offer courses. These partnerships can help you reach larger audiences that may benefit from the training.
   • Offer free introductory sessions — Hold free or low-cost introductory webinars or information sessions to give potential participants a taste of what they can expect. The National Council for Mental Wellbeing offers frequent webinars and sessions that you can invite your community members to attend.
   • Create a website or blog — Having an online presence is key. Create a simple website or blog to highlight your courses, share information about mental health and offer registration details. The National Council will provide guidelines and marketing materials to help you promote your courses with on-brand, approved messaging.
   • Use word of mouth — Word of mouth is still one of the most powerful marketing tools. Encourage past participants to share their experiences with others who might benefit from MHFA training. You could also create flyers to post at local coffee shops, libraries, gyms and other gathering places to encourage casual, meaningful conversations.

Becoming a Mental Health First Aid Instructor is an opportunity to help others, be an advocate and make a positive impact on mental health awareness. The need for Instructors is growing, and there are plenty of ways to apply for scholarships, promote your courses and recover the training fees. As you step into this role, you’ll learn valuable skills that not only help others in times of crisis but also help you build a rewarding career in the process. Ready to get started? Your community — and your future — will thank you.

Join one of our monthly webinars to learn about the requirements, pricing and what to consider before enrolling to become a MHFA Instructor. Together, we can make a difference by training every 1 in 15 people to address mental health and substance use challenges within their circles. Register today and #BeTheDifference.

Sources:
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2024). Key substance use and mental health indicators in the United States: Results from the 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (HHS Publication No. PEP24-07-021, NSDUH Series H-59). https://www.samhsa.gov/data/report/2023-nsduh-annual-national-report