The Church is Facing a Mental Health Crisis
Spiritual and Mental Health First Aid is a biblically-grounded and evidence-based certification course that teaches you how to confidently and competently recognize, relate, respond and refer individuals facing spiritual, mental and behavioral health challenges.
You can help endthe Mental Health Crisis
I don’t know what to say. I don’t know what to do.
When someone around you faces a spiritual or mental health crisis, will you know how to help?
You don’t need professional experience to make a difference.
Spiritual and Mental Health First Aid (SMHFA) is a 9-lesson, peer-to-peer certification program that equips you with the proper training, research-backed skills, and practical tools to:
Recognize the signs of spiritual, mental, and behavioral struggles.
Relate empathetically to individuals in distress.
Respond effectively with trauma-informed care principles.
Refer to appropriate care for ongoing support.
Join thousands of other trusted and effective helpers who have answered the call to be a mental health advocate for their church and community.
WHAT MAKES SMHFA DIFFERENT?
Developed by the American Association of Christian Counselors, SMHFA combines:
- Biblical Authority: Rooted in timeless biblical truths, this program ensures every response aligns with God’s Word.
- Evidence-Based Strategies: Practical, research-backed techniques to handle real-world situations.
- Trauma-Informed Care: Learn to provide compassionate care that considers the whole person.
Whether you’re a ministry leader, counselor, teacher, or someone who simply has a heart for helping others, SMHFA empowers you to become a beacon of hope in your church and community.
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN
Through engaging instruction and real-world application from leading mental health and ministry experts, you’ll gain:
A clear understanding of spiritual, mental, and behavioral health challenges
The confidence to engage in empathetic and supportive conversations
Skills to de-escalate crises
Insights into trauma-informed care and hope-focused interventions
Guidance on navigating the mental healthcare system for effective referrals
EXPERT LEVEL GUIDANCE MADE SIMPLE
Learn from some of the most trusted voices in Christian counseling and mental health care:
Tim Clinton, Ed.D.
Welcome to SMHFA
Zach Clinton, Ph.D.
The Basics of SMHFA: Recognize, Relate, Respond, and Refer
Mark Mayfield, Ph.D.
Recognize: Assessment and Triage
Gary Sibcy, Ph.D.
Relate: Basic Helping Skills
Shannae Anderson, Ph.D.
Respond: The Basics of Trauma-Informed Care
Mercy Connors, Ph.D.
Refer: Understanding the Mental Healthcare System
Jennifer Ellers, M.A.
Hope-Focused Suicide Prevention
John Eklund, M.S.W.
Common Signs and Symptoms of Mental Distress and Substance Use Issues
Ron Hawkins, Ed.D., D.Min.
Mentoring for Spiritual Formation and Mental Wellbeing
Mark Crear, Ph.D.
Danisa Suarez. M.A.
Jorge Suarez. D.Min.
WHAT PAST PARTICIPANTS ARE SAYING
This program transformed the way I approach ministry and counseling. I feel more equipped than ever to handle difficult situations.
SMHFA gave our staff and volunteers the tools to walk alongside our community in their darkest moments. It’s truly life-changing.
TAKE THE FIRST STEP TODAY
Don’t wait for a crisis to happen. Be prepared to make a lasting impact in someone’s life.
Enroll now in Spiritual and Mental Health First Aid and become the compassionate, confident support system that your community needs.
FAQs About the Spiritual and Mental Health First Aid (SMHFA) Course
How long is the course?
The Spiritual and Mental Health First Aid course consists of 9 modules and takes a little over 4 hours to complete. It is designed to be flexible, allowing you to complete it in a single day or break it into multiple sessions at your own pace.
How do I access the course?
Log into lightuniversity.com/my-account with your email and username. Once logged in, hover over the “My Account” tab at the top right of the page. Select “my Dashboard.” Your SMHFA course is listed at the bottom of your dashboard page under Courses.
Does this lead to a certification or credential?
Yes! Upon successful completion of the course, you will receive a certificate of completion in Spiritual and Mental Health First Aid, recognized by AACC. This certificate confirms your training in recognizing, responding to, and referring individuals facing mental health struggles from a faith-based perspective.
Does this course include Continuing Education?
No, this course does not offer formal continuing education credit because it’s designed for peer-to-peer support and ministry-based training—not clinical licensure. It’s a powerful resource to help you serve others more effectively in your church, community, or small group, equipping you with practical tools and biblical encouragement to make a real difference.
Where is this certificate recognized?
The Spiritual and Mental Health First Aid certificate is issued by Light University and recognized by the American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC). While it is not a professional license or certification for clinical practice, it is recognized as specialized training in faith-based mental health support. Many churches, ministries, and organizations value this training for volunteers, lay counselors, ministry leaders, and community support roles.
Where can I use this training?
This training is valuable for churches, ministries, nonprofit organizations, community groups, and workplaces where individuals may need faith-based emotional and mental health support. It is particularly useful for small group leaders, church staff, educators, first responders, and anyone who interacts with people in distress. While it does not replace professional mental health services, it equips you to be a trusted source of encouragement and guidance in various settings.
No prior experience is necessary. SMHFA is designed for anyone with a heart to help others.
What does “peer” mean?
In this course, “peer” refers to someone who is not a licensed mental health professional but is trained to provide immediate support, encouragement, and referrals. A peer is often a friend, community member, ministry leader, or layperson who walks alongside someone struggling with mental health challenges. Peer support focuses on listening, offering encouragement, and guiding individuals toward the next steps in their healing journey.
How is this different from Mental Health Coaching?
The Spiritual and Mental Health First Aid (SMHFA) course is designed to provide basic, immediate support to individuals in distress, helping them stabilize and connect to further care if needed. It equips you with practical skills for recognizing mental health challenges, offering initial support, and referring individuals to appropriate resources. In contrast, Mental Health Coaching is a deeper level of ongoing support, where trained coaches help individuals navigate personal challenges, set goals, and develop long-term coping strategies while integrating faith-based guidance. SMHFA is about being the first responder, while Mental Health Coaching involves a structured, long-term coaching relationship.
No prior experience is necessary. SMHFA is designed for anyone with a heart to help others.
Can churches or groups take this course together?
Yes, we strongly encourage students to learn together in groups to discuss the lessons and materials.
