Youth Mental Health First Aid

Youth Mental Health First Aid USA is an six-hour public education program which introduces participants to the unique risk factors and warning signs of mental health problems in adolescents, builds understanding of the importance of early intervention, and teaches individuals how to help an adolescent in crisis or experiencing a mental health challenge. There are multiple ways to learn this curriculum, including a virtual training, a blended virtual and in-person training, or a fully in person training. All options include a manual that participants get to keep as a lifelong resource.

Youth Mental Health First Aid uses role-playing and simulations to demonstrate how to assess a mental health crisis; select interventions and provide initial help; and connect young people to professional, peer, social, and self-help care.

Due to ongoing social distancing recommendations, we will be offering all sessions virtually for the foreseeable future.

About Youth Mental Health First Aid

Youth Mental Health First Aid training was designed by Mental Health First Aid USA, www.MentalHealthFirstAid.org, which worked with experts at the National Technical Assistance Center for Children’s Mental Health at the Georgetown University Center for Child and Human Development to develop the youth program. Mental Health First Aid USA is coordinated by the National Council for Behavioral Health, the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and the Missouri Department of Mental Health.

Making this information readily available is a priority for the CLD, therefore we work with interested parties to make this training affordable. If interested in pricing options, please e-mail Susanna Miller-Raines.

SPANISH Youth Mental Health First Aid

El curso de Primeros Auxilios para la Salud Mental de los Adultos y/o Jóvenes en español:

El curso de Primeros Auxilios para la Salud Mental de los Adultos y/o Jóvenes es adecuado para personas mayores de 18 años que quieran aprender a ayudar a las personas que puedan estar pasando por una crisis o problema relacionados con la salud mental.

El enfoque del curso para adultos es para ayudar a personas de 18 años en adelante, y el de jóvenes el enfoque es entre las edades de 12-18 años.

Los temas cubiertos incluyen la ansiedad, la depresión, el trauma, las adicciones, el proceso de recuperación, y el auto-cuidado.

El curso para adultos y/o jovenes está disponible en inglés y en español. Las personas que participan del curso tienen orígenes muy distintos y desempeñan diversas funciones en sus comunidades.

Estos cursos ofrecidos virtualmente en inglés y en español le genera al participante una certificación valida por tres años consecutivos para aquellos que lo completen exitosamente.

Para más información, por favor de contactar a Brenda Liz (Bren) Muñoz al bmunoz@gsu.edu

Mental Health First Aid in Spanish for Adults and/or Youth: 

The Adult Mental Health First Aid course for Adults and/or Youth is suitable for people over the age of 18 who want to learn more about who may be going through a crisis or mental health issue.

The focus of the adult course is to help people ages18 and older, and the youth course focuses on helping those between the ages of 12-18.

Topics covered are anxiety, depression, trauma, addictions, the recovery process, and self-care.

The course for adults and/or young people is available in English and Spanish. Those who participate in the course have very different cultural backgrounds and perform various roles and functions in their communities.

These courses are offered virtually in English and Spanish and lead to a three-year participation certificate for all those that complete it successfully.

For more information, please contact Brenda Liz (Bren) Muñoz at bmunoz@gsu.edu

What Will Participants Learn?

The course teaches participants the risk factors and warning signs of a variety of mental health challenges common among adolescents, including anxiety, depression, psychosis, eating disorders, AD/HD, disruptive behavior disorders, and substance use disorder. Participants do not learn to diagnose, nor how to provide any therapy or counseling – rather, participants learn to support a youth developing signs and symptoms of a mental illness or in an emotional crisis by applying a core five-step action plan:

  • Assess for risk of suicide or harm
  • Listen nonjudgmentally
  • Give reassurance and information
  • Encourage appropriate professional help
  • Encourage self-help and other support strategies

The Youth Mental Health First Aid curriculum is primarily focused on information participants can use to help adolescents and transition-age youth, ages 12-18.

Other Frequently Asked Questions

  • Who Should Take the Course?
    • The course is designed for adults who regularly interact with adolescents ages 12-18, including teachers, school staff, coaches, childcare staff, church leaders, youth group leaders, law enforcement, volunteers and parents.
  • Who Created the Course?
    • Mental Health First Aid USA is coordinated by the National Council for Behavioral Health, the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, and the Missouri Department of Mental Health. Mental Health First Aid USA worked with experts at the National Technical Assistance Center for Children’s Mental Health at the Georgetown University Center for Child and Human Development to develop the youth program.
  • Where Can I Sign Up for a Course?
  • Can I Host a Course?

Session Time/Costs

Online training

  • 2 hours prework
  • 5 hours in live webinar
  • $30 per person
  • Up to 15 people

In Person Hybrid Model

  • 2 hours prework
  • 5 hours in class
  • $500 plus travel costs
  • 15-30 people

Meet the YMHFA Team!

Kathy Harlan Brenda Liz Muñoz Taelor Moran Susanna Miller-Raines

Mariana Ortiz