What is Mental Health First Aid (MHFA)?
Be the one who knows what to do when someone needs support.
Mental Health First Aid teaches you how to recognize and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges. Much like CPR prepares you to help in a cardiac emergency, MHFA prepares you to provide initial support for mental wellbeing.
Through this training, you’ll build the skills and confidence to support your friends, family, coworkers, and neighbors and connect them to additional support when needed.
Anyone can earn their Mental Health First Aid certification! Join over 6 million MHFAiders worldwide and #BeTheDifference.
To learn more:
Visit the official MHFA site
Read the latest info sheet
What You Get with Lighthouse MHFA
Nationally Accredited Training
Your certification is recognized across the US.
Flexible Learning
Virtual classes, pre-work, and materials are designed to fit your schedule.
Supportive Environment
Ask questions, practice skills, and join a community that values growth and mental wellbeing.
Do I have to live in a certain state or time zone to participate in these trainings?
No, you can live in any US state and take classes with Lighthouse MHFA! However, meeting times are posted in EST.
Getting Started
Pre-work will take about 2 hours to complete, and the instructor-led training portion will be about 8 hours including breaks.
Step 1:
Register for a Mental Health First Aid class
Step 2:
Check your email for a confirmation message and a pre-work link
Step 3:
Complete pre-work before class
Step 4:
Join the instructor-led training via Zoom
Pre-Work Requirement
Pre-work must be completed before attending the instructor-led portion of the training. If pre-work is not complete, credit cannot be given.
We hope to offer the following additional trainings soon:
-
Youth Mental Health First Aid
-
Teen Mental Health First Aid
If you're looking for instructors for these specialties, please visit the MHFA directory.
In the Community
Lighthouse MHFA is based in Pinellas County, Florida, but our mission to build compassionate, informed communities extends across the United States. Below are trusted resources for support, whether you're nearby or elsewhere in the US.
National Support
-
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 any time for 24/7, confidential support
-
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a trained crisis counselor
-
The Trevor Project: 24/7 crisis support for LGBTQIA+ support
-
RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network): Call 1-800-656-4673 or chat online for 24/7 confidential support for survivors of sexual assault
-
Findtreatment.gov (SAMHSA): Search for mental health and substance use treatment options nationwide
-
Mental Health America (MHA): Advocacy, screening tools, and educational resources promoting mental wellness
-
NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness): Free education, advocacy, and peer support across the US
-
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP): Resources, community events, and education on suicide prevention
Pinellas County Resources
-
211/First Contact: 24/7 community helpline
-
Suncoast Center: Counseling and trauma recovery
-
Directions for Living: Counseling, crisis, and family support services
-
Eleos Wellness: Counseling and holistic care
-
Operation PAR: Substance use treatment and recovery support
-
NAMI Pinellas: Local education and peer support
-
Zero Suicide Partners of Pinellas: Suicide prevention network
-
CASA Pinellas: Domestic violence advocacy and shelter
-
Care About Me: Outreach and care coordination
-
Vincent House Pinellas: Community and employment support for adults living with mental illness
Stephanie Alicata
Founder & Community Educator
Nationally Certified Mental Health First Aid Instructor
Everybody deserves to feel seen and supported. My goal with Lighthouse MHFA is to make Mental Health First Aid accessible to everyone so people can feel confident helping one another through life's challenges.
Stay Up-to-Date with Lighthouse
Take a Freebie for the Road
Download your free Lighthouse MHFA worksheet and learn how to recognize early signs of distress before you even enroll!
