Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA)

  • Why Youth Mental Health First Aid? 

    64.1% of youth with major depression do not receive any mental health treatment --Mental Health America

    1 in 5 teens and young adults lives with a mental health condition -- National Alliance for Mental Illness

    5.13% of youth report having a substance or alcohol problem --Mental Health America

    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 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 is This Training Designed For?

    • Parents
    • Teachers
    • School staff
    • Coaches
    • Camp counselors
    • Youth group leaders
    • People who work with youth

    NOTE: All staff and parents can earn 1 CEU for completing the course and writing a one-page summary AND paying a $50 fee for the CEU to the University of the Pacific.

  • What YMHFA Training Covers

    • Common signs and of mental illness in this age group, including
      • Anxiety
      • Depression
      • Eating disorders
      • Attention deficit hyperactive 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 also teaches you how to apply the ALGEE action plan:

    • Assess for risk of suicide or harm.
    • Listen nonjudgementally.
    • Give reassurance and information.
    • Encourage appropriate professional help.
    • Encourage self-help and other support strategies.
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  • YMHFA Parent Education Opportunity

  • Upcoming Training Dates

    All upcoming trainings will be done virtually. First Aiders will complete a 2-hour, self-paced online class, and then participate in a 5-hour, instructor-led videoconference. These trainings are provided free of charge and open to all parents, staff and community members. Space is limited for each session.

    Wednesday Trainings 

    • April 26, 2023 - 2:00 - 6:30 p.m.

    Saturday Trainings

    • Dates TBD

    Note: If you are interested in earning 1CEU through University of the Pacific, there is a $50 fee for the CEU.

    How to Register for a Training

    • Email Liisa Hanninen-Danner at LHanninen-Danner@lvjusd.org
    • Please indicate your name and the date of the training you would like to attend in your email.
    • An email will be sent to you to confirm your registration and will include further details about the 2-hour self-directed session you will need to complete prior to your training day.
If you are having trouble viewing the document, you may download the document.