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Youth Mental Health
First Aid (Y/MHFA)

This no-cost class raises awareness and improves literacy about youth mental health. Learn how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental health and substance use topics in youth ages 12 to 18. Instructors create a safe and welcoming place to share, learn and grow. Be ready to talk about key topics and take part in activities. 

What’s covered and who benefits

What’s covered and who benefits

The training covers topics like:

Recognizing signs and symptoms of mental health and substance use challenges
Working with youth in crisis
Connecting youth with help
Understanding trauma, substance use and self-care
Seeing the impact of social media on bullying

Those who can get the most from this intro course are people with little experience helping youth with mental health topics like:

Anxiety
Depression
Eating disorders
Attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD)

Others who can benefit from training are in roles that positively impact youth, like:

Teachers and school staff
Coaches
Camp counselors
Parents and caregivers
Other adults who work with youth

Types of training

You can get the training:

In person: Complete a 6.5-hour, in-person session with an instructor.
In person and online (blended): Complete a two-hour, self-paced online course. Then, take part in a 4.5 to 5.5 hour session with an instructor, in person or online.

Training courses need at least 5 people and can have up to 30 people.