Rationale:

Youth and adolescence is a time of critical change and development, and the time when mental health challenges may first emerge. Those challenges may be the cause for behavioral concerns, falling grades, problems with close relationships and substance use. 

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Who should know mental health first aid?

• Teens

• Teachers

• School Staff

• Coaches

• Camp Counselors

• Youth Group Leaders

• Parents

• Adults who Work with Youth

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Actions & Purpose:​

• Implementing youth mental health trainings

  • What is Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA)?

    • 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 is in crisis. YMHFA is primarily designed for adults who regularly interact with young people. The course introduces common mental health challenges for youth, reviews typical adolescent development, and teaches a 5-step action plan for how to help young people in both crisis and non-crisis situations. Topics covered include anxiety, depression, substance use, disorders in which psychosis may occur, disruptive behavior disorders (including AD/HD), and eating disorders​

  • We work with schools and youth-serving organizations to implement YMHFA, where participants take a skills-based training course that teaches them to identify, understand and respond to signs and symptoms of a mental health and substance-use challenges for youth, ages 12-18

  • Youth Mental Health First Aid Informational Flyer

  • Mental Health First Aid Training Interest Form

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• Implementing teen mental health trainings

  • What is teen Mental Health First Aid (tMHFA)?

    • Build a powerful community of teens ages 14-18 by teaching them how to support a friend or classmate with the evidence-based teen Mental Health First Aid (tMHFA) course. Adolescence is a time of critical change and development. It’s when mental health challenges may first emerge and may be the cause for falling grades, problems with close relationships and substance use. Young people will be prepared to provide support for their peers as well as better cope with mental health challenges themselves. tMHFA was brought to the United States by the National Council for Mental Wellbeing in partnership with Born This Way Foundation, and is tailored to the unique experiences and needs of young people. Its plain language ensures learners at all reading levels can easily follow along

  • We work with schools and youth-serving organizations to implement tMHFA, where participants take a skills-based training course that teaches teens how to identify, understand and respond to a friend who may be experiencing a mental health and/or substance-use challenge

    • Teen Mental Health First Aid Informational Flyer

    • Mental Health First Aid Training Interest Form​​​

    • tMHFA Site Requirements

    • Teen Mental Health First Aid and Why It Matters

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Are you interested in learning more? 

We are here to help support the youth and teens you serve!

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Rates for training, presentations and consultations may be negotiable. To inquire for more information, please contact Dallas Rau: drau@greatlakesbay.org

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If you or someone else has a medical or mental health emergency or requires immediate assistance dial 911.

 

If you are experiencing a suicidal, substance use, and/or mental health crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress, or if you are worried about someone who may need crisis support dial 988.