Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) is designed to teach parents, family members, caregivers, teachers, school staff, peers, neighbors, health and human services workers, and other caring citizens how to help an adolescent (age 6-18) who is experiencing a mental health or addictions challenge or is in crisis. Youth Mental Health First Aid is primarily designed for adults who regularly interact with young people. The course introduces common mental health challenges for youth, reviews typical adolescent development, and teaches a 5-step action plan for how to help young people in both crisis and non-crisis situations.

Topics covered include anxiety, depression, substance use, disorders in which psychosis may occur, disruptive behavior disorders (including AD/HD), and eating disorders.

Once you are certified in Youth Mental Health First Aid, you will be able to:

Identify the common mental health concerns among youth

Reduce stigma.

Recognize the signs and symptoms of mental health and substance use problems in youth.

Use a 5-step action plan to help a youth who may be facing a mental health problem or crisis, such as suicide.

Participants earn a three-year certification upon completion.