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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 (MHFA) Instructor and help create a healthier, more supportive community.

Start Your Ripple

Apply for Instructor Training

4 Ways

instructors make waves in their communities

Connect
Bring people together.

Advocate
Reduce stigma around mental health.

Educate
Teach essential, life-saving skills.

Lead
Inspire others to make a difference.

Join Our Monthly Webinar

Want to learn more? Join our webinar and take the first step toward becoming an MHFA Instructor.

Register Today!

Mental Health First Aid 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
  • Individuals who want to increase their community impact

What Do Instructors Do?

MHFA Instructors are changemakers in their communities, equipping family, friends, and neighbors with potentially life-saving skills to support those facing mental health or substance use challenges. Whether working independently or on behalf of an organization, these ambassadors of this vital program not only teach from a nationally recognized curriculum but also strategically market their courses, engage their audience, and cultivate meaningful learning experiences.

Learn more about the role of an Instructor.

How to Become a MHFA Instructor

Discover whether becoming an Instructor is the right fit for you by completing our quick 5-minute application. Then, join one of our dynamic 3-day trainings, which includes self-paced pre-work, expert-led instruction and hands-on experience leading a class. You’ll gain confidence in teaching adult learners, master MHFA’s curriculum, and develop the skills to engage diverse audiences.

Learn more about the certification process

Ongoing Support for Instructors

Becoming an Instructor is just the beginning. Our Client Success team ensures you have everything you need to succeed, from your first course onward. Access webinars, tutorial and classroom videos, guides, marketing templates, and more. Join a national, supportive community to help you grow.

Thousands of Instructors have Trained over 4 Million First Aiders in all 50 States and U.S. Territories.

“Each class is a step toward realizing the profound difference you can make in someone’s life.”

MHFA Instructor Sydney Snow

“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.”

MHFA Instructor Pepe Juelle

“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.”

Jessica Smiley
  • In July 2015, I had the opportunity to take a Mental Health First Aid course at WestCare Nevada. Little did I know that just a few days later I would be using the information and techniques I had learned in the class in a real life situation.” –Rick Denton
  • Hilda Marie’s worst nightmare was unfolding right before her eyes. Teetering at the edge of the platform was a woman poised to jump in front of an oncoming train. What would you do? For Hilda, there was no question. She turned to the skills she learned in the eight-hour Mental Health First Aid class she completed. ” –Hilda Marie
  • I recently got dispatched on a psychiatric call...because I took the Mental Health First Aid class, I knew not to take the attitude that she's crazy and was able to keep her calm.” –Sarah L., EMT
  • I’ve taken regular first aid, and I’ve used both, but certainly the opportunities to use Mental Health First Aid are much more abundant.” –Nathan Krause, Pastor, Olney Seventh-day Adventist Church, Maryland
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