Adolescence is a time of important change and development. It is also the time when mental health problems can first emerge.

During high school years, mental health problems are among the leading causes of falling grades, problems with friends, and relationships, substance use or abuse and they can have lifelong impact.

That’s where Mental Health First Aid training can help.

With a focus on improved mental health literacy and early intervention, Youth MHFA is for adults who work, live or care for adolescents such as teachers, school support staff, parents, sports coaches, community group leaders and youth workers.

What you'll learn

The Youth MHFA course is based on guidelines developed through the expert consensus of people with lived experience of mental health problems and professionals. The course equips adults with the skills to recognise and respond to an adolescent who may be experiencing a mental health problem or crisis situation. Using a practical, evidence-based action plan, Youth MHFA teaches participants how to support an adolescent until appropriate professional help is received or the crisis resolves.

Providing Youth Mental Health First Aid training can help whole communities to:

• intervene early and recognise the warning signs of mental health problems in young people
• provide the skills needed to speak openly and accurately about mental health
• respond in crisis situations where a young person may be at risk of harm
• reduce stigma and increase support for young people with mental health problems

Youth Mental Health First Aid is an education course that teaches adults about adolescent development and the signs and symptoms of common and disabling mental health problems in young people, including crisis situations.

Topics covered include depression, anxiety, panic attacks, eating disorders and suicidal thoughts and behaviours.

You will learn how and where to get help when a young person is developing a mental illness, what help research has shown to be effective and how to provide first aid in crisis situations.

The Youth Mental Health First Aid training is held face to face over two days and led by highly experienced facilitators who run the sessions as engaging and interactive conversations.

Sessions are held Face to Face over two days.*

Cost: $320 per person plus GST

*Note: a minimum of 6 participants is required to proceed (as per the requirements specified by the Mental Health Aid Association).