Free Mental Health First Aid Certification at UIC

Registration form is at the bottom of this page

UIC students, staff, and faculty can become certified in Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) at no cost through the Wellness Center.

MHFA is a nationally recognized certification course that teaches how to recognize signs of mental health and substance use challenges, provide initial support, and connect someone with appropriate resources.

In this course, you will learn how to:

  • Recognize signs of mental health and substance use challenges
  • Respond in crisis and non-crisis situations
  • Support someone until professional help is available
  • Connect people with UIC and community resources

Join the over 4 million people across the country already certified in MHFA!

What to Expect

The MHFA certification course includes:

  • Online pre-course modules that must be completed before the session
  • An instructor-led training session with discussion and interactive activities
  • Approximately 6.5-7.5 hours of training, depending on the course format
    • UIC community courses are from 9:00 am – 4:30 pm; participants may not miss portions of the course
  • A certificate upon successful completion of all required course components

For Zoom courses, participants are expected to remain on camera and participate throughout the session.

MHFA includes discussion of sensitive topics related to mental health and substance use. Participants may step away from activities or discussions as needed.

Upcoming UIC Community Courses

Courses are open to UIC students, staff, and faculty and are offered at no cost.

All courses are from 9:00am-4:30pm via Zoom. You must be present with your camera on for the entirety of the course.

  • Thursday, October 22, 2026
    9:00 am – 4:30 pm | Zoom
  • (REGISTRATION IS FULL) Wednesday, November 25, 2026
    9:00 am – 4:30 pm | Zoom
    Student Wellness Day – no classes

Course dates are subject to change.

Space is limited and registration is first-come, first-served. If a course fills, you may be added to a waitlist.

Courses require a minimum number of participants and may be rescheduled if minimum enrollment is not met.

Request a Course for Your Group

UIC departments, student organizations, and other UIC-affiliated groups may request a private MHFA course.

Courses may be offered in person or via Zoom, depending on instructor availability.

The Wellness Center can only conduct courses for UIC affiliated groups.

Register or Request a Course

Use the form below to:

  • Register for an upcoming course
  • Join the waitlist
  • Request a course for your UIC-affiliated group

If the form does not appear, email wellnesscenter@uic.edu.