Become a MHFA Instructor
Every action can create a ripple effect that makes waves bigger than yourself. Apply to become a Mental Health First Aid Instructor and help create a healthier, more caring community.
Start Your Ripple
Sometimes, it can be hard to know how to make the world a better place, or how one person can make a difference. But every wave starts with a ripple. Become a Mental Health First Aid Instructor, and you can teach your community how to help someone experiencing a mental health or substance use challenge. Then watch your ripple grow.
Make Waves in Your Community
MHFA Instructors teach life-changing skills that help people facing mental health or substance use challenges. Like ripples in water, their impact spreads far and wide. Working alone or with an organization, they share a trusted program, connect with others and create a learning experience that lasts.
Connect With Your Community
MHFA Instructors connect people. They build knowledge and empathy to create caring communities that are free from stigma.
Teach Skills and Instill Hope
MHFA Instructors teach vital skills that help people spot the signs of mental health challenges and respond with confidence.
Be a Voice for Change
MHFA Instructors raise awareness of mental health and substance use challenges. They drive change through compassion and action.
Lead With Purpose
MHFA Instructors lead by example. They inspire others to care for their mental wellbeing and support those around them in meaningful ways.
Choose Your Courses
MHFA comes in a wide range of forms — just like the people you know. Choose the training that’s tailored to who you want to help.
Train Others to Help Adults
Teach adults how to help other adults in your community. We offer courses for Spanish speakers, higher education staff, first responders and more.
Learn MoreTrain Others to Help Youth
Teach adults how to help youth ages 12-18. We offer courses for Spanish speakers and youth from Tribal and Indigenous communities.
Learn MoreMHFA Instructors are…
- Community and religious leaders
- Teachers, coaches and school staff
- Nurses, emergency response and hospital staff
- Social workers and peer support staff
- Public service and safety professionals
- Military and veterans services professionals
- Everyday people looking to increase their community impact
How to Become a MHFA Instructor
Fill out our quick 5-minute application to find out if becoming an Instructor is right for you. Then join one of our dynamic 3-day trainings! They include pre-work done at your own pace, expert-led instruction and hands-on practice leading a class. You’ll gain the confidence to teach adult learners, master the MHFA curriculum and develop the skills to engage varied audiences.
Learn MoreTrain a Group of Instructors
Whether you’re a small organization looking to train a few Instructors or a large organization ready to build a comprehensive MHFA program for your teams and community, we have solutions to fit your needs.
Ongoing Support for Instructors
Becoming an Instructor is just the beginning. Our Client Success Team will make sure you have what you need to succeed, from your first course onward. There are webinars, tutorials and classroom videos, guides, marketing templates and more. Join a national community that’s ready to help you grow.
Learn MoreFind a Training
To find a training or Instructor near you, enter your location below.
Jessica Smiley
MHFA Instructor
“Although I am not a teacher by profession, I appreciate being able to teach and empower individuals with MHFA so they can support those around them.”
Pepe Juelle
MHFA Instructor
“The simple act of giving them hope that people with mental health or substance use challenges can recover motivates me every day. And when training ends at 5:30 p.m., the knowledge that 15 or 20 or 25 more people are able to help others gives me inexplicable satisfaction.”
Sydney Snow
MHFA Instructor
“Each class is a step toward realizing the profound difference you can make in someone’s life.”
