Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) is an 8-hour course that teaches community members to help someone in the youth population who is developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis. The training helps identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental illness and substance use disorders. The community training gives adults who work with youth the skills they need to reach out and provide initial support to adolescents (ages 12-18) who may be developing a mental health or substance use problem and help connect them to the appropriate care.
For more details on this evidence-based curriculum developed by the National Council on Behavioral Health and the Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) program, visit the MHFA site:
www.MentalHealthFirstAid.org
Adults who work with youth need to have the tools and skillset to recognize and assess mental health issues in our youth. Mental health issues are an epidemic and often go unnoticed. Through the community training, adults will learn about common stigmas and symptoms of mental health and how to connect youth with proper care/resources. The importance of this critical resource inspired NCPTA to obtain grant funding and provide training and resources for 48 newly-certified Mental Health First Aid instructors across the state in 2019. These instructors are now available state-wide to provide the 8-hour community course in your local neighborhood.
To find a local YMHFA course or contact an instructor in your local area, visit: www.MentalHealthFirstAid.org
Or email: [email protected]
NCPTA hopes to provide additional instructor trainings over the next year. Upcoming “Train the Trainer” events will be posted and promoted through NCPTA’s social media channels. Check back here to see when the NCPTA will be sponsoring the next training event. If you have any questions, please email [email protected].
