Youth Mental Health First Aid

Youth Mental Health First Aid is an evidence-based training program that has been adopted in 23 countries. To date over 1,000,000 caring adults in the United States have been certified in Mental Health First Aid. Major U.S. cities are quickly adopting the program --  currently New York City is in the process of training 250,000 of it’s citizens.

In last the last two years, Mental Health America of Northern Kentucky and Southwest Ohio has certified 2,500 individuals in Hamilton County, including: teachers, school administrators, counselors, nurses, social workers, and parents.

Involving eight hours of intensive instruction and hands-on application, YMHFA teaches adults how to identify and assist a youth with a mental health problem. Utilizing a  five-step action plan, participants learn how to access for risk of suicide or harm, listen nonjudgmentally, give reassurance and information, encourage appropriate professional help, and encourage self-help and other support strategies. In addition, participants are provided information on how to effectively navigate the youth mental health resources available in Greater Cincinnati.

Certified Youth Mental Health First Aiders leave training with a stand alone, evidence-based, “toolkit” that provides the community with a common framework, language and knowledge-base to create and implement a support plan for youth experiencing a mental disorder or in crisis.

Breakfast and Lunch will be provided by Beckett Springs. 

There is no cost to you for this course, normally $170 per person, due to a SAMHSA Aware Community grant awarded to Mental Health America of Northern Kentucky and Southwest Ohio