Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA)

Youth Mental Health First Aid is a comprehensive training program that teaches adults who work with youth to  to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders.

Topics Covered

The YMHFA course addresses a range of mental health conditions, including:

• Depression and Mood Disorders: Understanding the signs, symptoms, and interventions related to various mood disorders
• Anxiety Disorders: Recognizing different forms of anxiety and appropriate response strategies.
• Trauma: Identifying the impact of traumatic experiences and how to support affected individuals.
• Psychosis: Learning about conditions that affect perception and thinking, and ways to assist those experiencing such episodes.
• Substance Use Disorders: Understanding the complexities of addiction and methods to provide initial help.

The training underscores the concepts of recovery and resiliency, promoting the belief that individuals facing these challenges can improve and harness their strengths to maintain well-being.

The MHFA Action Plan

A core component of the MHFA training is the introduction of a structured action plan, known by the acronym ALGEE:

1. Assess for risk of suicide or harm: Evaluate the immediate safety concerns and look for signs of suicidal thoughts or behaviors.
2. Listen nonjudgmentally: Engage in active listening to help the individual feel respected and understood.
3. Give reassurance and information: Provide factual information and affirm the person's feelings, emphasizing that help is available.
4. Encourage appropriate professional help: Guide the individual toward seeking assistance from mental health professionals, such as therapists or counselors.
5. Encourage self-help and other support strategies: Promote the use of self-care practices and support networks to aid in recovery.

Couse Outcomes

1. Understand the Role and Purpose of Mental Health First Aid

• Describe the purpose of Mental Health First Aid.
• Explain the role of the Mental Health First Aider, including principles of safety and privacy.
• Choose appropriate methods for self-care following the application of Mental Health First Aid.

2. Recognize the Impact and Signs of Mental Health and Substance Use Challenges

• Identify the impact of mental health and substance use challenges on the wellbeing of American youth.
• Recognize the signs and symptoms of mental health and substance use challenges.
• Evaluate the impact of early intervention on outcomes.
• Explain the impact of traumatic experiences and the role of resilience on adolescent development.

3. Apply the Mental Health First Aid Action Plan (ALGEE) Across Scenarios

• Explain the 5 steps of the Mental Health First Aid Action Plan (ALGEE).
• Apply appropriate steps of ALGEE to non-crisis scenarios (early signs and worsening signs).
• Apply appropriate steps of ALGEE to crisis scenarios involving mental health or substance use.

Practical Application

MHFA training incorporates practical exercises, including role-plays and scenarios, to help participants apply the action plan effectively. 

In summary, Mental Health First Aid provides essential training for individuals to support those experiencing mental health or substance use challenges, emphasizing early intervention, practical response strategies, and the promotion of recovery and resilience.

Mental Health First Aid