Adult and Youth Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Instructor candidates must successfully complete an application that ensures they have a general understanding of the program and the skills that make an Instructor successful, and affirm the requirements of the course. Please look for your application type below and review the instructions before starting the process.
Please submit an application to view the most current list of available courses in the MHFA Store.
Adult and Youth 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.
teen Mental Health First Aid Instructor Applicants
To apply for a teen Mental Health First Aid (tMHFA) Instructor training, please complete the tMHFA interest form to start the process. Whether you are an independent Instructor or are planning to teach tMHFA on behalf of an organization, you must speak with a member of our team before you can apply to become a tMHFA Instructor. Our team can assist in answering any questions you may have and advise you on next steps.
Interested in applying to become an Adult or Youth MHFA Instructor? This document lays out the process from beginning to end.
Start by creating an account in MHFA Connect the go-to platform for completing your certification, managing your future First Aider courses and accessing resources. If you already have a MHFA Connect account, please email MHFAApplications@TheNationalCouncil.org for access to the application.
Current Mental Health First Aid Instructors seeking certification in teen Mental Health First Aid must complete the tMHFA interest form to start the process. Whether you are an independent Instructor or are planning to teach tMHFA on behalf of an organization, you must speak with a member of our team before you can apply to become a tMHFA Instructor. Our team can assist in answering any questions you may have and advise you on next steps.
STEP 1: CREATE AN ACCOUNT
To attend a public Adult or Youth Instructor certification training, you must first create your MHFA Connect account. Start here and use the Sign Up Now button at the bottom of the screen. You will need to enter your email address and create a password. An email will be sent to confirm your account.
STEP 2: CONFIRM YOUR ACCOUNT
Click the link in your confirmation email to start creating your profile. When asked “What Brings You to MHFA Connect?” select “I am applying to become an Adult MHFA Instructor” or “I am applying to become a Youth MHFA Instructor” to access the application and courses that are appropriate to your audience. Not sure if Adult or Youth is the right fit? Take a look at each program before signing up.
*If you are part of a National Council for Mental Wellbeing member organization, it is critical you enter the full organization name and address on file to receive your discounted tuition. Not sure if you are a member? Use our website to search for your organization.
STEP 3: COMPLETE THE APPLICATION
Now that you have created your MHFA Connect account, click the Dashboard button at the top left corner and select Catalog from the dropdown menu. Select Enroll on the Public Application, Adult/Youth, to add it to your dashboard. Then complete the application; it typically takes 10-15 minutes.
STEP 4: REGISTER FOR A COURSE
Within 15 minutes of successfully completing and passing the application, you’ll receive an invitation to create an account in the MHFA Storefront. Accept your invitation and create an account so that you can browse open courses. (See the Instructor Candidate Trainings & Materials tab.) To enroll in an Instructor training, add the course to your cart. Continue to checkout, adding your address and payment information. Payment is due at least 30 days prior to the live training session.
STEP 5: ORDER MATERIALS AND START YOUR PRE-WORK
After you successfully purchase your training, you will be directed back to MHFA Connect to begin your pre-work — approximately 8 hours of self-paced courses and videos that must be completed prior to the first day of live training.
Please purchase your Instructor training materials at least 10 days prior to the date your live training begins. You can order them from the MHFA Connect Storefront.
*Please note: Pre-work applies only to the specific training session. If you reschedule your training date, you will have to re-do the pre-work.
Having difficulty completing your application? Please email us.
*Residents of Missouri or Maryland, please visit the state partner website to apply for their Instructor trainings, which are open only to in-state residents.
Apply for Missouri Instructor Training.
Apply for Maryland Instructor Training.
To earn a second certification in either Adult or Youth Mental Health First Aid, please email MHFAApplications@TheNationalCouncil.org for access to the appropriate application.
Current Mental Health First Aid Instructors seeking certification in teen Mental Health First Aid must complete the tMHFA interest form to start the process. Whether you are an independent Instructor or are planning to teach tMHFA on behalf of an organization, you must speak with a member of our team before you can apply to become a tMHFA Instructor. Our team can assist in answering any questions you may have and advise you on next steps.
