Teen Mental Health First Aid

Teen Mental Health First Aid (tMHFA) teaches teens in grades 9-12, or ages 14-18, how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges in their friends and peers.

This is a 3 (90-minute session). Once you complete the course, you will be certified as a Teen Mental Health First Aider by the National Council for Wellbeing.

How Teen Mental Health First Aid Helps

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.

What You Learn

• Common signs and symptoms of mental health and substance use challenges.
• Common signs and symptoms of a mental health crisis, particularly suicide.
• The impact of school violence and bullying on mental health.
• How to open the conversation about mental illnesses and substance use with friends.
• How to seek the help of a responsible and trusted adult.

Who Should Take It

Teens in grades 9-12 or ages 14-18. Your certified Instructor will create a respectful, supportive space either online or in person. They will help you relate what you learn to real-life scenarios. Group discussions and activities give you a chance to practice your new skills to help others.