The Military Spouse Advocacy Network (MSAN) will officially incorporate the Psych Hub Mental Health Ally Certification into its Leadership Institute for Military Spouses (LIMS) catalog this year, addressing critical mental health resource shortages within military communities. The certification, sponsored by USAA, represents a significant expansion of MSAN's efforts to empower military spouses through structured leadership development. Survey data from MSAN's 2025 cohort reveals the pressing need for such mental health resources. According to the organization's findings, 83% of surveyed participants reported that challenges encountered as military spouses have affected their mental health or overall wellness.
The training aims to equip spouses with practical tools, with 97% of participants who completed the coursework indicating they now have resources to assist themselves or others during mental health crises, while 92% said the training taught them something new about mental health and wellness. The self-paced certification provides access to Psych Hub's library of over 1,000 digital assets, including short videos, shareable content, and podcasts featuring evidence-based professional training. This approach supports what MSAN describes as "a more compassionate and mentally fit volunteer force" among military spouses who often serve as the first line of support for their families and communities.
MSAN Founder and CEO Verenice Castillo emphasized the program's importance, stating that military spouses frequently face challenges accessing timely mental health resources. "These certifications equip military spouses to serve as trained mental health allies and first emotional responders—bridging the gap between the moment support is needed and the time professional care becomes available," Castillo explained. She noted that hosting the training through LIMS provides military spouses with "a bigger journey full of opportunities." Eligibility for the program extends to all spouses of currently serving United States military members from any branch of the armed services, including the Reserves and Guard, as well as post-9/11 Gold Star spouses, surviving spouses, caregivers, and spouses of veterans or retirees. For more details about eligibility and lessons learned through the program, visit www.leadershipinstituteformilitaryspouses.org/mental-health-allyship.
The addition of the mental health certification to LIMS follows what MSAN describes as unprecedented growth in 2025 after the institute's launch. The organization's approach centers on peer-to-peer mentorship through its proprietary Membership HUB, building what it characterizes as long-term connections to local and national resources while expanding the military family sense of community. This latest development represents a strategic response to identified needs within military spouse populations, providing accessible mental health training alongside leadership development opportunities. The integration of this certification into an established leadership program creates a comprehensive support system that addresses both professional development and personal wellness, recognizing that military spouses often bear unique burdens while serving as stabilizing forces within their communities.
