Youth Mental Health First Aid Training: Empower Yourself to Be a Trusted Advocate for Youth Well-Being

Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) is an early intervention public education program designed to teach adults how to recognize early signs of mental health or substance use challenges, listen nonjudgmentally, provide reassurance, and connect young people with appropriate professional care.  Originally created in Australia in 2000 by educator Betty Kitchener and researcher Professor Tony Jorm, YMHFA was brought to the United States in 2008 through a partnership among the National Council for Mental Wellbeing, the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, and the Missouri Department of Mental Health.

To make learning convenient and effective, this training uses an in-person learning model:

• Instructor-Led Session: 6 hours of interactive, guided training.

By the end of this comprehensive course, participants will be able to:

• Understand Your Role: Describe the core purpose of Youth Mental Health First Aid and the vital role of a Mental Health First Aider.

• Recognize Signs & Symptoms: Identify common indicators of mental health and substance use challenges in youth (including anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and ADHD).

• Navigate Crisis & Non-Crisis Situations: Apply the steps of the YMHFA Action Plan (ALGEE) to effectively interact with a child or adolescent in both non-crisis and crisis scenarios.

• Understand Trauma & Resilience: Explain how traumatic experiences affect adolescent development and how to build resilience, along with navigating modern stressors like social media and bullying.

• Connect Youth to Care: Confidently connect young individuals with the appropriate professional resources, support services, and help.

• Practice Self-Care: Choose appropriate self-care strategies after offering support in crisis or non-crisis situations.

Date: Monday, September 28, 2026

Time: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Event Details & Logistics

• Cost: FREE for CESA 3 educators (funded through Project AWARE). $250 for non-CESA 3 participants

• Target Audience: Educators, school staff, youth mentors, and adults working with young people.

• Materials: All training materials are included with registration.

• Capacity & Minimums: Limited to a maximum of 15 participants per session (minimum of 5 participants required per session).

Ready to Make a Difference?

Enroll today to secure your spot and gain the skills to support the mental health and well-being of the youth in your community!