Perinatal Mental Health First Aid | A&V Academy for Maternal & Child Health

Perinatal Mental Health First Aid

Birthworkers are often among the first to notice when a pregnant or postpartum parent is struggling. Are you prepared to respond with confidence?

  • Next cohortDec 12, 2026
  • Time8:30 AM–3:30 PM CT
  • FormatBlended virtual
  • Price$199
View Dates Need private team training? Request organizational pricing.

How Blended Training Works

  1. Self-Paced Prework

    Complete the required self-paced work in the official MHFA learning system before your live session.

  2. Live Virtual Session

    Attend the scheduled, instructor-led virtual session. A computer or tablet, reliable internet, camera and microphone are required.

  3. Official MHFA Certification

    Finish both parts and all required completion steps to qualify for official MHFA certification, valid for three years.

Upcoming Cohorts

  1. Friday, October 16, 2026

    Perinatal Mental Health First Aid · Blended virtual training

    • 8:30 AM–3:30 PM CT / 9:30 AM–4:30 PM ET
    • Live virtual session
    $199per seat
    Sold Out

  2. Saturday, November 14, 2026

    Perinatal Mental Health First Aid · Blended virtual training

    • 8:30 AM–3:30 PM CT / 9:30 AM–4:30 PM ET
    • Live virtual session
    $199per seat
    Sold Out

  3. Saturday, December 12, 2026

    Next cohort

    Perinatal Mental Health First Aid · Blended virtual training

    • 8:30 AM–3:30 PM CT / 9:30 AM–4:30 PM ET
    • Live virtual session
    $199per seat
    Register

  4. More Cohorts Coming Soon

    New dates will be posted here as soon as they are confirmed.

    • Training a whole team? We can schedule a private cohort.
    Request Private Training

Who Should Attend

Join A&V Academy for Maternal & Child Health for Perinatal Mental Health First Aid, a live, instructor-led training for doulas, childbirth educators, lactation professionals, nurses, community health workers, home visitors, midwives and others who support families during pregnancy and postpartum.

  • Doulas and birthworkers
  • Childbirth educators, community health workers and home visitors
  • Nurses, lactation professionals, midwives and maternity care teams
  • Maternal health, family support and nonprofit staff
A perinatal professional taking notes during a live virtual training session

What Participants Learn

Learn how to recognize warning signs, provide appropriate initial support, respond during a mental health crisis and connect individuals with professional and community resources.

  • Recognize signs of common mental health or substance use challenges.
  • Support someone experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, psychosis or another mental health challenge.
  • Respond to crisis and non-crisis situations within their role.
  • Communicate with confidence and compassion.
  • Connect families with appropriate professional and community resources.
  • Apply the response process to approved perinatal scenarios.

What Is Included

  • Academy registration and participant support
  • Live instructor-led training
  • Instructions for accessing required MHFA activities
  • Official MHFA certification, valid for three years, when all program requirements are met

Required Notice

Registration through the Academy does not complete official MHFA enrollment. After the cohort is confirmed, participants will receive separate instructions for the authorized MHFA system and required prework. All attendance and completion requirements apply.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this self-paced?
No. This is a scheduled live training and may include required prework.
Where do I access the official course?
Separate access instructions will be emailed after the cohort is confirmed.
Does Thinkific issue the MHFA certificate?
No. Official completion is handled through the MHFA process.
What if the cohort does not meet minimum enrollment?
The Academy may offer a transfer or refund under the posted policy.
Can my employer register a team?
Yes. Request a private organizational quote.

Support Starts With Prepared Professionals

Join the upcoming cohort to secure your seat and receive your official MHFA access instructions.

Select Your Cohort Date

Are You a Certified MHFA Instructor?

A&V Academy for Maternal & Child Health is building a national network of qualified Mental Health First Aid instructors to facilitate virtual and in-person trainings.

If you hold an active MHFA instructor certification and are interested in independent-contractor opportunities, submit an instructor interest form to be considered for the Academy's roster.

Join Our Instructor Network