Youth Mental Health First Aid is primarily designed for adults who regularly interact with young people.

Youth Mental Health First Aid is designed to teach parents, family members, caregivers, teachers, school staff, peers, neighbors, health and human services workers, and other caring citizens how to help an adolescent (age 12-18) who is experiencing a mental health or addictions challenge or is in crisis.

The course introduces common mental health challenges for youth, reviews typical adolescent development, and teaches a 5-step action plan for how to help young people in both crisis and non-crisis situations.

The Mental Health First Aid Action Plan

• Assess for risk of suicide or harm
• Listen nonjudgmentally
• Give reassurance and Information
• Encourage appropriate professional help
• Encourage self-help and other support strategies

Adolescent Development:

Adolescence is a time of change and self-discovery, and , although it is different for every individual, there are some things that are common to all youth-the physical, mental, social, and emotional changes that take a young person from childhood to adulthood.

Having an understanding of the changes that occur during adolescence can help adults distinguish whether the young person they are trying to help has a mental health challenge or mental health disorder or is simply experiencing normal, developmental changes.