Youth Mental Health First Aid teaches you how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illness and substance use disorders in youth. This 6-hour training gives adults who work with youth the skills they need to reach out and provide initial support to children and adolescents (ages 6-18) who may be developing a mental health or substance use problem, and help connect them to the appropriate care.

Who Should Take It

• Teachers
• School Staff
• Coaches
• Camp Counselors
• Youth Group Leaders
• Parents
• People Who Work With Youth

Three Learning Options

• VIRTUAL
  First Aiders will complete a 2-hour, self-paced online course, and then participate in a 4.5 to 5.5-hour, Instructor-led video conference.
• BLENDED LEARNING
  After completing a 2-hour, self-paced online course, First Aiders will participate in a 4.5-hour, in-person, Instructor-led class.
• IN-PERSON
  First Aiders will receive their training as an 8-hour, Instructor-led, in-person course.
• Please see the attached flyer regarding Youth Mental Health First Aid Training available under the SAMHSA grant at no cost to districts or youth-serving agencies.

What it Covers

Common signs and symptoms of mental illness in this age group, including

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Eating disorders
• Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

Common signs and symptoms of substance use

• How to interact with a child or adolescent in crisis
• How to connect the person with help
• New: Expanded content on trauma, addiction, and self-care, and the impact of social media and bullying

The course will teach you how to apply the ALGEE action plan:

• Assess for risk of suicide or harm.
• Listen non-judgmentally.
• Give reassurance and information.
• Encourage appropriate professional help.
• Encourage self-help and other support strategies

Last Updated: 06/05/26