Youth Mental Health First Aid: October 2025

Instructor Name: Maria Suarez (she/her) - Community Teen Director, YMCA of WNC

Contact Info: [email protected].

Please note: The full training is spread out over two days. You must register for both days to receive the full training and three year certificate.

Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) is designed to teach parents, family members, caregivers, teachers, school staff, neighbors, health and human services workers, and other caring citizens how to help an adolescent (age 12-18) who is experiencing a mental health or addictions challenge or crisis.

YMHFA is an early intervention public education program. It teaches adults how to:

• Recognize the signs and symptoms that suggest a potential mental health challenge.
• Listen nonjudgmentally and give reassurance to a youth who may be experiencing a mental health challenge.
• Refer a person to appropriate professional support and services.

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Substance use
• Disorders in which psychosis may occur
• Disruptive behavior disorders (including AD/HD)
• Eating disorders

• Information on common substances used by youth.
• Harm reduction strategies and the importance of reducing risks.
• How to administer Naloxone to reverse opioid overdoses, with free Naloxone kits available for participants to take home.

• Describe the purpose of Youth Mental Health First Aid and the role of the Youth Mental Health First Aider.
• Recognize the signs and symptoms of mental health challenges that may impact youth.
• Explain the impact of traumatic experiences and the role of resilience on adolescent development.
• Understand substance use, the principles of harm reduction, and the steps to administer Naloxone effectively.
• Apply the appropriate steps of the YMHFA Action Plan (ALGEE).
• Choose appropriate methods for self-care following the application of Youth Mental Health First Aid.

Host or Publisher AmeriHealth Caritas NC -Asheville Wellness Center