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 May 2, 2025, at 12 p.m. ET
- Live Zoom Session 1:
- Wednesday, May 7, 2025, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. ET
- Live Zoom Session 2:
- Thursday, May 8, 2025, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 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
FREE
This course is being sponsored by Michigan State University Extension in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month.
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
- Register: Complete this form.
- 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.
- Pre-work Completion in Connect: Complete modules 1-10 in Connect before the due date (69% progress required).
- 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.
- 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
- You must complete the pre-work by noon ET on May 2, 2025, in order to attend the course. You will be removed from the course if your pre-work is incomplete by this time.
- You must attend at least 90% of the instructor-led sessions in order to be certified and maintain access to your Connect materials.
- If you cancel your registration, your seat will not be reserved.
- If you transfer to another course date, at any point in the process, you will need to pay the normal price for your new course date.
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.
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.
Registration for Mental Health First Aid USA is open.
Registration closes at 11:59 p.m. ET on April 25, 2025.
There are no 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.