Virtual Mental Health First Aid Training

Course Overview

This course helps participants recognize and respond to mental health challenges and crises in adults. It includes:

  • 2 hours of self-paced pre-work on Connect
  • Session 1: 4 hours of live, interactive training via Zoom
  • Session 2: 4 hours of live, interactive training via Zoom
  • 15 minutes of self-paced post-work on Connect

Note: Both Session 1 and Session 2 are required. 

Note: This course does not train you to diagnose mental illnesses, provide counseling, or prescribe medications. It is also not a support group or group therapy. 

Upon successful completion, participants will receive a 3-year certification. For more information, visit Mental Health First Aid USA.

Recertification

If you previously completed Mental Health First Aid and wish to renew your certification, you may retake the full instructor-led course for recertification OR complete a self-paced recertification course through the Connect learning system. Eligibility requirements for recertification are detailed on our FAQs page. Directions on how to recertify through Connect can be found here: How to Renew Your Mental Health First Aid Certification

Email questions about recertification to Mental Health First Aid at hello@mentalhealthfirstaid.org.

Audience

This course is open to U.S. adults (18+) interested in supporting mental health in their families, workplaces, and communities.

This course is in English (ASL accommodation available on request). For Spanish, Khmer, Chinese, or Korean course options, select the “Get Trained” tab on the
Mental Health First Aid USA page.

Course Details

Location: Online (Connect platform and Zoom)

Dates: 

  • Pre-work:
    • ~2 hours of self-paced pre-work due by Jan. 10, 2025, at 12 p.m. ET
  • Live Zoom Session 1:
    • Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025, from 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. ET
  • Live Zoom Session 2:
    • Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025, from 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. ET
  • Post-Work:
    • ~15 minutes of self-paced post-work due 2 weeks after the Live Zoom Session 2 has concluded to earn certification

Note: Participants must attend at least 90% of the Live Zoom Session times (camera on, audio and chat participation required).

Cost

$45 per person 

Note: Includes access to Connect resources for 3 years, the live courses, and a certificate upon completion.

Requirements

  • Computer/tablet with a camera, microphone, and internet connection. This course is NOT designed for smartphones.
  • NO driving while participating in the live Zoom session.

Registration Process

  1. Register: Complete this form and pay online (or use appropriate coupon code).
  2. Connect Account Setup: Follow the directions in the email from msue.mhfa@msu.edu, which will be sent to you within 1 month of the Live Zoom Sessions OR shortly after registering if registration occurs within 1 month of the course. 
  3. Pre-work Completion in Connect: Complete modules 1-10 in Connect before the due date (69% progress required).
  4. Live Course Zoom Access: Receive the course Zoom link and passcode in your email from your course instructor ONE DAY before Live Zoom Session 1.
  5. Post-work Completion in Connect: Complete modules 11-13 in Connect after Live Zoom Session 2. (Details will be shared during the course and via email after the course).

Cancellation Policy

  • Full refund if canceled on or before Jan. 3, 2025.
  • No refund if canceled on or after Jan. 4, 2025, or if pre-work is incomplete by Jan. 10, 2025.

Certification requires attendance for at least 90% of both Live Zoom Sessions (total of 40 minutes away). Failure to meet attendance or participation guidelines may result in removal from the Zoom course and Connect coursework with no refund.

Any amount of missed course time cannot be made up in a different course. 

  • Neither Live Zoom Session can be made up as part of a different 1-day or 2-day course. 
  • Individual make-up sessions are not offered. 
  • Failure to attend 90% of the courses will require re-doing the entire course on another date for certification. 

Payment Options

  • MSU Staff and Faculty: PCard or credit card (with supervisor approval if MSU Extension staff).
  • Non-MSU Individuals: Pay by credit card. For assistance, email msue.mhfa@msu.edu.
  • Group Registrations
    • For a single payment  on behalf of multiple individuals after registration, approval from the Mental Health First Aid team is required. Email msue.mhfa@msu.edu.
    • For a single payment on behalf of multiple individuals at time of registration, use the group registration form on the following page. 

For questions or assistance about this course, please contact msue.mhfa@msu.edu.

Registration for Mental Health First Aid USA is open.

Registration closes at 11:59 p.m. ET on January 3, 2025.

There are 18 openings available.

Accommodations

Michigan State University is committed to providing equal opportunity for participation in all programs, services and activities. Accommodations for persons with disabilities may be requested by contacting the event contact two weeks prior to the start of the event. Requests received after this date will be honored whenever possible.

Contact Information

For information, contact the Mental Health First Aid program at msue.mhfa@msu.edu.