Young Minds Mental Health First Aid Course

The Youth Mental Health First Aid Course was created by MHFA in Australia, which offers award-winning training in 25 countries. MHFA training is linked to improving knowledge of mental illness and its treatments, appropriate first aid strategies and confidence in providing first aid to individuals with mental illness. Training helps raise awareness and reduce stigma associated with mental illness.

The 14-hour course is designed for adults who work or live with teenagers (12-18 years) – especially suitable for parents, teachers, sports coaches, youth workers and mentoring counselors.

The course covers the signs and symptoms of mental health problems including depression, anxiety, eating disorders, psychosis and substance abuse problems and provides participants with the skills necessary to help adolescents with signs of mental illness.

Participants will learn how to engage with a young person, start a conversation about mental health concerns, and help in the following crises:

Suicidal thoughts and behaviors
Non-suicidal self-injury
Panic attacks
Shocking events
Severe psychotic states
Severe effects from alcohol or other drug use
Aggressive behaviors

Completing a youth mental health first aid course is beneficial for anyone who spends time with young adults, whether professional or with family and friends. Participants will also learn about adolescent development, where and how to get help for a young person, and the type of help that research has shown to be effective.