Youth Mental Health First Aid Course

Youth Mental Health First Aid teaches a 5-step action plan to offer initial help to young people showing signs of a mental illness or in a crisis and connect them with the appropriate professional, peer, social or self-help care. It will review the unique risk factors and warning signs of mental health problems in adolescents ages 12-18. It emphasizes the importance of early intervention and covers how to help an adolescent in crisis or experiencing a mental health challenge.

This course is ideally designed for adults who work with young people, ages 12-18 – teachers, coaches, leaders of faith communities, social workers and other caring citizens. College Students and High School Seniors are also encouraged to take the course. This 8-hour course is typically scheduled twice a year. Stay tuned for more information.


Mental Health First Aid Teaches:

  • Risk factors and warning signs of mental health concerns.
  • Information on depression, anxiety, trauma, psychosis, and substance use.
  • A 5-step action plan to help someone developing a mental health concern or in crisis.
  • Available evidence-based professional, peer, and self-help resources.

4 Reasons to Become a Mental Health First Aider:

  • To be prepared: Just as you learn CPR, learn how to help in a mental health crisis.
  • Mental illnesses are common: 1 in 5 adults in any given year.
  • You  care: be there for a friend, family member, or colleague.
  • You can help: people with mental illnesses often suffer alone.

Community Feedback

"All I can say after completing the course is – WOW! Not only did the course give me pointers, it exceeded all of my expectations. The training opened my eyes and taught me to identify many of the problems facing our youth today through behavioral patterns and sensory manifestations."   - Ed Lachterman, Yorktown Town Councilman and President of the Yorktown Lions

Youth Mental Health