The Military Spouse Advocacy Network (MSAN) has announced the introduction of a new Mental Health Ally Certification program, aimed at addressing the mental health needs of military spouses. Presented by USAA and developed in collaboration with Psych Hub, this certification will now be available to eligible MSAN members, expanding beyond the previous exclusivity to MSAN volunteers. This initiative aligns with MSAN's mission to empower military spouses through education, support, and community building.
Military spouses participating in MSAN's mentorship program can now obtain the Mental Health Ally Certification by meeting six specific requirements, including active participation in the Mentorship HUB and regular communication with an assigned MSMP mentor. Detailed eligibility criteria and additional information about the program can be found on MSAN's Mentorship HUB.
MSAN has long provided a structured and personal peer-to-peer mentorship experience through its Membership HUB, available 24/7. Recent survey data underscores the importance of this new certification: 82% of surveyed military-connected spouses reported that the challenges of military life have negatively impacted their mental health or overall wellness. Additionally, 93% of respondents indicated a need for more mental health support, and 96% said they would benefit from mental health training and resources.
The introduction of the Mental Health Ally Certification is designed to address these needs by equipping MSAN members with evidence-based professional training from Psych Hub. Participants will gain access to a vast library of digital assets, including videos, shareable content, and podcasts, aimed at fostering a more compassionate and mentally fit volunteer force.
Verenice Castillo, MSAN Founder & CEO, emphasized the significance of this initiative: "The intent of these certifications is to support military spouses, their families, and their communities as a whole. Throughout the years, we have gathered testimonies and data that reflect the need for meaningful mental health support. Our commitment to support, empower and educate military spouses brought us to this point. We are building an army of first emotional responders that will bring immediate and long-term impact. The mental health allies will fill the gap between the moment a military spouse needs support and the time they receive professional services. We are thankful to have USAA's trust and support to bring change to a community in need."
This initiative not only provides immediate mental health resources but also aims to create a lasting impact on the military spouse community. By empowering spouses with the skills and knowledge to support themselves and others, the certification seeks to foster a stronger, more resilient military family network. The collaboration with USAA further underscores the importance of corporate support in addressing critical community needs.
