FAQs for AMHP’s Mental Health First Aid Certification Program
What is Mental Health First Aid?
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is an evidence-based program from the National Council for Mental Well-Being that introduces participants to risk factors and warning signs of common mental health illnesses like anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, and addiction. It uses role-playing and simulations to demonstrate how to assess a mental health crisis; select interventions and provide initial help; and connect persons to professional, peer, social, and self-help care.
What is the difference between Youth MHFA and Adult MHFA?
Youth MHFA focuses on how adults can identify signs of mental illness in youth.
Adult MHFA focuses on how adults can identify sign of mental illness in adults.
For both programs, individuals must be aged 18 or older on the day of their desired training sessions.
Who is this training appropriate for?
The training is appropriate for a wide variety of audiences over 18 years, including but not limited to: parents, teachers, community leaders, clergy, youth directors, law enforcement personnel, and medical providers. Participants can receive a certificate from the National Council upon completion of the course, and the certification remains valid for 3 years.
AMHP’s Mental Health First Aid Training initiative has trained over 1,200 teachers, parents, and faith leaders in Youth and Adult MHFA and we hope to continue meeting the growing demand for this educational program. By coordinating these trainings, we are able to provide a foundation and infrastructure for communities to be able to identify and respond to mental health crises, trauma and substance abuse issues.
What is the minimum age requirement to participate in an MHFA training?
For both programs, individuals must be 18 years or older on the day of their desired training session.
Why does AMHP facilitate Mental Health First Aid Certification Training opportunities?
We facilitate MHFA Certification Trainings to end stigma against mental illness and connect community members with life-saving and educational resources. We knew that mental health and illness especially impacted the American Muslim community.
As a leading Muslim, public-health organization, we saw first hand the mental health issues that existed before the pandemic and that Muslims are impacted by inequities in public and mental health outcomes. As alluded to in President Biden’s Proclamation, today, 2 out of 5 Americans report symptoms of anxiety or depression. Moreover, the pandemic disproportionately impacted the mental health of Muslims who are also from communities of color, frontline workers, health care workers, and individuals with eating disorders.
AMHP facilitates opportunities to earn Mental Health First Aid Certification because we know that expanding the conversation on interventions and resources is more important than ever. We do this because we know that evidence-based education and supporting culturally sensitive/appropriate resources and treatment can create a positive impact on mental health and well-being.
What makes AMHP’s Mental Health First Aid Certification program unique from similar programs?
Our program offers cultural and religious competency in our approach to facilitating Youth and Adult MHFA Certification. All of our instructors identify as Muslim, and can illustrate how Islam can be a source of support for anyone struggling with their mental health. During the live training sessions, AMHP instructors can also bring in examples relating to Islam and/or American Muslim identity, and how experiences with social and institutional discrimination can also affect mental health.
All communities, irrespective of religious affiliation, are invited to request MHFA certification through AMHP’s program. Historically, we have facilitated Mental Health First Aid to organizations that are not faith-inspired/faith-based, and administered MHFA certification opportunities to individuals who do not identify as Muslim.
What requirements do I have to meet in order to become certified in Youth or Adult MHFA?
In order to earn MHFA Certification, the National Council requires participants to be age 18 or older. Additionally, participants that wish to be MHFA Certified must complete the following:
- Two hours of mandatory, online pre-work that introduces participants to the principles of MHFA and the signs/symptoms of specific mental health conditions (i.e. anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, schizophrenia, substance abuse disorders, etc.)
- Attend 5-6 hours of live instruction with a licensed MHFA instructor
- Complete post-course work: including review and an exam
Does completing this training make me a mental health professional?
No. Though you won’t become a mental health professional, you will learn how to support someone else in the moment and help them find support from mental health professionals.
Are MHFA Certification training sessions held in-person or virtually?
MHFA trainings through AMHP are organized virtually. However, AMHP can coordinate in-person training sessions upon request.
How much does one MHFA Certification Training through AMHP cost?
Cost is dependent on many factors such as course size, instructor, format of course (in-person/virtual), etc. Due to the interactive nature of the course, a minimum 15 participants are required, and a maximum of 30 participants can be certified per MHFA Certification session.
We are dedicated to ensuring that finances are not a barrier to accessing this important certification. AMHP may partially subsidize the training. If you have any questions, please contact mentalhealth@amhp.us.
How can I request a MHFA certification opportunity for my community organization/collective?
You can request MHFA certification training for your organization/group/collective through completing this form.
I would like to request an MHFA certification opportunity for myself instead of a group. How can I do that?
For individual training requests, please subscribe to the AMHP e-newsletter at this link and join the AMHP National WhatsApp group at https://chat.whatsapp.com/JA9ggKHovlQH9Qb3qcdFat, where we will post upcoming MHFA training opportunities. Stay tuned!
Is MHFA training open to non-Muslims or individuals outside the Muslim community?
Yes, AMHP welcomes all individuals and organizations, regardless of religious affiliation, to participate in MHFA training.
Do you offer CEU (Continuing Education Units, or credits) for the MHFA Course?
Currently AMHP does not offer CEUs, however, you can file for them independently after taking the training. Please follow the link below for more information:
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