Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA)

YMHFA

Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) is an eight hour training that teaches participants to identify and respond to signs of mental health concerns in youth ages 12-18. 

Mental Health First Aid is…

  • A health literacy program
  • About people helping people, one-on-one
  • For individuals who do not have any background as a mental health professional

YMHFA is designed for adults who regularly interact with young people (parents, family members, caregivers, teachers, school staff, peers, neighbors, health and human services workers, and other caring citizens) how to recognize and respond to both risk factors and warning signs in youth and young adults. 

This eight hour training introduces common mental health challenges for youth, reviews typical adolescent development, and teaches a five-step action plan for how to help youth in both crisis and non-crisis situations. Topics covered include, but are not limited to, anxiety, depression, substance use, disruptive behavior disorders, and eating disorders. 

The Appleton Area School District received grants from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for training in Mental Health First Aid as part of Project AWARE (Advancing Wellness and Resilience in Education). The program strives to change the conversation about mental health and open a dialogue within our communities to foster compassion and empathy for those who suffer in silence.


Contact

Cheryl Sous
Administrative Assistant
School Climate
email


Resources

Take a Course
Training sessions target youth mental health