YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID (MHFA) TRAINING

Join us at the MHAI Stanley W. DeKemper Training Institute on May 18, 2026 at 9:00 AM (Eastern Time) for a hands-on, in-person session. This training is all about learning how to support young people facing mental health challenges. It’s a relaxed, friendly environment where you’ll pick up practical skills to make a real difference. Don’t miss out on this chance to help your community!

Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) trains adults to recognize, understand, and respnd to mental health and substance use challenges in young people aged 12–18.

Overview of YMHFA

Youth Mental Health First Aid is an evidence-based, public education program designed to equip adults with the skills to support adolescents experiencing mental health or substance use challenges or crises. The training emphasizes early intervention, helping participants identify warning signs, providing initial support, and connecting youth to professional care.

Who Should Take the Training

YMHFA is intended for adults who regularly interact with youth, including:

• Parents, guardians, and family members
• Teachers, school staff, and coaches
• Camp counselors and youth group leaders
• Health and human services workers
• Community members and caregivers

Benefits of Training

Participants gain:

• Confidence to recognize and respond to mental health challenges
• Skills to support youth in both crisis and non-crisis situations
• Knowledge to reduce stigma and encourage early intervention
• Ability to guide youth toward professional help and self-care strategies

Info: Training Content
The standard 8-hour YMHFA course covers:

• Common mental health challenges in adolescents, including anxiety, depression, eating disorders, ADHD, disruptive behavior disorders, psychosis, and substance use disorders

• Typical adolescent development and risk factors

• How to interact with a youth in crisis

• A 5-step action plan (Assess risk, listen nonjudgmentally, give reassurance and information, Encourage professional help,
Encourage self-help and support strategies)

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

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Host or Publisher Genesys Solutions