Youth Mental Health First Aid

This course has been developed by National Council for Behavioral Health.“Let’s make mental health first aid as common as CPR.”

Youth Mental Health First Aid is a skills-based training course that 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. Topics covered include depression and mood disorders, anxiety disorders, trauma, psychosis and substance use disorders.

Youth Mental Health First Aid is a course that teaches you how to help someone who may be experiencing a mental health or substance use challenge. An important component of the Youth Mental Health First Aid course is the opportunity to practice the intervention strategy rather than to just learn about it. This simple experience can make it easier to actually apply the knowledge in a real-life situation.

Intended Audience: PK - 12 Educators, School Counselors, School Leaders

ASCA Professional Standards and Ethical Standards and Practices

Direct and Indirect Student Services

B-SS 3. Provide short-term counseling in small-group and individual settings

e. Respond with appropriate intervention strategies to meet the needs of the individual, group or school community before, during and after crisis response (ASCA Professional Standards, 2019).

Essential Questions

1. How can I help someone who is developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis?

Participants will have knowledge about:

1. Mental health issues

2. Substance use issues

3. Common mental health misconceptions

4. Risk factors and warning signs for mental health or substance use problems

5. Evidence-supported treatment and self-help strategies

Participants will be able to:

1. Identify, understand and respond to signs of addictions and mental illnesses.

2. Apply the 5-step action plan known as ALGEE, which includes assessing risk, respectfully listening to and supporting the individual in crisis, and identifying appropriate professional help and other support.

3. Engage in experiential activities that build understanding of the impact of illness on individuals and families.

Facilitators trained by National Council for Behavioral Health, equipped with specialized knowledge in youth mental health and crisis intervention. Each facilitator is extensively trained to identify signs of mental health challenges in young people, creating a supportive and non-judgmental environment for all participants. Utilizing evidence-based methods, facilitators guide participants in building confidence and practical skills to recognize and respond to mental health crises effectively.

With professional backgrounds in psychology, education, social work, and youth services, facilitators lead through interactive discussions, real-life scenario practice, and personalized insights, ensuring an engaging and educational experience.

ISCA Member Price: $150

Non-Member Price: $150

Dates and times of offerings:

• Option 22 Sessions -- Zoom Meeting Times at 13:00 GMT to 16:30 GMT
  • April 13, 2026 -- Part A
  • April 16, 2026 -- Part B

Contact Hours: 5 Hours on Zoom / 2 Hours Off-line before the live course (Total 7 Hours)

Time commitment between sessions: 2-3 Hours; participants will be assigned required reading before the course begins as well as a quiz that must be passed in order to receive a course completion certificate.

Required Resource(s):

Participants will have all access to the training materials via an online system.

Youth Mental Health First Aid Participant Manual (2016). Mental Health Association of Maryland, National Council for Behavioral Health, Missouri Department of Mental Health. Lutherville, MD:Author.