Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) is a training program specialized for use by parents, family members, caregivers, teachers, school staff, peers, neighbors, health and human services workers, and anyone in regular contact with adolescents ages 12-18. The model provides tangible examples of how to help youth experiencing mental health challenges, suicidal ideation and suicide attempts, addiction, social stressors, eating disorders, and disruptive behavior disorders (like ADHD).

Each 6-hour course covers the unique mental health challenges facing teens today, especially those resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. Youth Mental Health First Aid provides an overview of development as a baseline for understanding youth, and guides participants through crisis and non-crisis intervention models. Using a five-step action plan, the model seeks to provide timely and relevant information to parents and caregivers, reduce the stigma surrounding mental health and addiction, and teach adults to recognize the signs and symptoms of common problems youth are facing today.

For more information about the YMHFA curriculum, check out the one-pager below.

Source:

National Council for Mental Wellbeing. (2021). Youth Mental Health First Aid https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/population-focused-modules/youth/