DCS/LGU Resources

Youth Mental Health First Aid

Often, friends and family of an individual who is dealing with a mental health or addictions crisis may not know how to intervene or direct the person to proper treatment. YMHFA is an 8-hour training designed by the National Council for Mental Wellbeing, which teaches community members how to help an adolescent (age 12-18) who is experiencing a mental health or addictions challenge or is in crisis. The training reviews typical adolescent development, introduces common mental health challenges, and teaches a five-step action plan for helping young people in both non-crisis and crisis situations.

For more information on YMHFA and how to access No-Cost Youth and Teen Mental Health First Aid Training for Schools and Community Organizations, please visit the Mental Health Association of NYS (MHANYS), which offers a variety of training opportunities: https://www.mentalhealthednys.org/ymhfa-tmhfa