Youth Mental Health First Aid Certification

Mental Health Literacy
Written By Shannon Decker

Sometimes first aid isn't a bandage or CPR. Sometimes, first aid is YOU.

Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) is an 8-hour course that prepares members of the public to provide first aid for mental ill health to young people in need. Just as CPR training helps a person without a clinical background to assist an individual experiencing a heart attack, YMHFA is the initial help given to a youth showing symptoms of mental illness or in a mental health crisis until appropriate professional or other help, including peer and family support, can be engaged.

Youth MHFA is an evidence-based early intervention public education program that builds mental health literacy. This workshop will help members of our community identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental ill health.

Delivery: In-Person

Audience: Anyone 18+ who regularly interacts with young people.

Training Time: 8-hours

Goals: By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

  • Describe the purpose of Youth Mental Health First Aid and the role of the Mental Health First Aider.

  • Recognize the signs and symptoms of mental health challenges that may impact youth across the lifespan, with a focus on adolescence.

  • Explain the impact of traumatic experiences and the role of resilience on individuals.

  • Apply the appropriate steps of the MHFA Action Plan (ALGEE) to non-crisis situations.

  • Apply the appropriate steps of the MHFA Action Plan (ALGEE) to crises.

  • Choose appropriate methods for self-care following the application of Mental Health First Aid in a crisis or non-crisis situation.

Mental Health First Aid Teaches Participants:

  • Potential warning signs and risk factors for substance use disorders and mental illness (including depression, anxiety, substance use, and disorders in which psychosis may occur)

  • Impact of mental and substance use disorder and common mental health challenges

  • 5-step action plan (ALGEE) to assess a situation and provide help

  • Local community resources and where to turn for help

Registration Required: This workshop requires a minimum of 10 participants for the class to take place. The maximum capacity is 30 participants. Registration will close the day before training takes place. If we do not have 10 participants enrolled, we will need to cancel the workshop.

This video was filmed by YMHFA participants from 4-H Youth Development with the University of Idaho’s Extension Campus following training in 2017.

  • This training is designed for community members, parents/guardians, faith communities, medical staff, teachers, coaches, frontline staff, employers, first responders, law enforcement, caring individuals...ANYONE who regularly interacts with young people.

  • Please reflect on your own personal mental/emotional state. If you are recently bereaved or currently struggling, the content of this training might be too fresh or raw. It is recommended that participants give 3-6 months for processing/recovering before attending. This is at your discretion.

  • Anyone 18 years or older can attend this YMHFA workshop.

  • This training is priceless as it is life-saving information. It is valued at $247 per person.

    Our MHFA workshops are provided at no cost to participants who live or work in Placer or Nevada County through June of 2026 as it is funded through California's Mental Health Services Act funding.

  • MHFA was created in Australia in 2000 by Betty Kitchener and Professor Tony Jorm. In 2008, the National Council, the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, and the Missouri Department of Mental Health brought Mental Health First Aid to the United States.

  • Throughout the workshop, you will have opportunities to read aloud, share experiences, ask questions, role-play, draw, problem-solve group scenarios, and more. This is an active learning workshop and your participation is key!

  • This training is focused on youth primarily. We offer another training called Mental Health First Aid which focuses on assisting adults.

  • Community members will learn how to recognize the signs and symptoms that suggest a youth is experiencing a potential mental health challenge, how to listen non-judgmentally, give reassurance, as well as how to refer a person to appropriate professional support and services.

  • Dress comfortably. Bring a pen, notebook, water bottle, lunch, & snack if you'd like, and at least one question regarding a mental health first aid response.

  • The YMHFA-certified instructor is Shannon Decker. She is the co-founder of The Speedy Foundation and runs the Truckee Tahoe Suicide Prevention Coalition. Shannon also teaches Adult MHFA, MHFA for Higher Education, & many other mental health literacy trainings.

  • MHFA certification is valid for three years.

  • Part 1: Welcome to MHFA, Mental Health and Mental Disorders, Role of the Mental Health First Aider and Self-care

    Break

    Part 2: Common Mental Disorders in the United States, Recognize Signs & Symptoms, ALGEE: Mental Health First Aid Action Plan

    Lunch Break

    Part 3: MHFA for Early Signs and Symptoms, MHFA for Worsening Signs and Symptoms

    Break

    Part 4: MHFA for Crisis Situations, Self-care for the Mental Health First Aider, Certificates and Evaluation

Shannon Decker
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Mental Health First Aid for Higher Education Certification
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Adult Mental Health First Aid Certification