In 2026, there will be a rapid growth of youth mental health first aid training through free blended learning courses (online and in-person) available to educators, parents, and community leaders across the country. This is an eight-hour course designed to help adults learn how to identify, understand, and respond to the signs of mental health challenges (such as depression or anxiety) in youth ages 12 – 18.
The youth mental health first aid course teaches adults how to give youth the support they need through various methods including role play, simulations, and group activities. Trainees will develop practical skills to recognize a youth’s signs of depression, anxiety, substance use, self-harm, and suicidal thoughts, and provide them with compassionate support and linkage to followed assistance.
Youth mental health first aid courses are being established by ACA New England (in coordination with its partners) throughout the nation with a priority focus on schools because they are where youth spend more than half of their waking hours. When schools have staff whom have had the youth mental health first aid training, the environment becomes safer and students will have increased feelings of safety and support. The youth mental health first aid movement is based on the belief that an early intervention can save a life.
Leave a Comment