Between school, social media and other pressures, young people face a variety of unique mental health challenges. In fact, 49.5% of adolescents (ages 13-18) live with a mental disorder (National Institute of Mental Health), and suicide is the second-leading cause of death for youth (ages 15-19) (National Center for Health Statistics).

It can be hard to know how to help when a young person is struggling. That’s where Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) from the National Council for Mental Wellbeing can help.

There are two MHFA courses that support children and adolescents: Youth MHFA and teen MHFA. The following shares how these programs differ and how you can use one or both to make a difference for the young people in your community.

Understanding How Youth and teen MHFA Support Young People

Youth MHFA teaches adults the skills and knowledge to support young people (ages 12-18) experiencing a mental health or substance use challenge.

teen Mental Health First Aid trains teens (ages 14-18, or grades 9-12) directly, equipping them with the tools to recognize, understand and respond when a friend or peer shows signs of a mental health or substance use challenge. The program helps teens connect their peers with a parent, guardian, or trusted adult who can provide support.

Both courses cover:

• Common signs and symptoms of mental health and substance use challenges
• Tools and tips for self-care
• The impact of social media and bullying

Youth MHFA also teaches:

• How to use the MHFA Action Plan (ALGEE)
• How adults should interact with a child or adolescent in crisis
• How adults should connect youth with help

teen MHFA also teaches:

• How to use the teen MHFA Action Plan
• How teens should open the conversation about mental illness and substance use with friends and peers
• How teens should seek the help of a parent, guardian, or trusted adult

Bringing Youth and teen MHFA to Your Community

Youth MHFA is designed for parents, teachers, school staff, coaches, camp counselors and other adults that work with youth.Anyone can take a Youth MHFA course and use the skills to support young people in their community. To make an even bigger impact after you complete the course, you can earn a Youth MHFA Instructor certification to train other adults.

teen MHFA is different in that only a school, youth-serving organization or organization partnering with a school can bring teen MHFA to their community. The school or organization must apply and be accepted as a teen MHFA site by the National Council to hold a training. At least 5% of the school or organization’s staff need to be trained in Youth MHFA to qualify.

Getting Started

Youth MHFA

Learn more about taking Youth MHFA and find a course near you today. For additional information on becoming a Youth MHFA Instructor, attend our webinar and visit our web page.

teen MHFA

If you are interested in bringing teen MHFA to your community, complete our form to connect with a National Council team member who can provide more information on the requirements and begin your application.