Mental Health First Aid | ryanbartelfoundation

Youth & Teen Mental Health First Aid

What is Youth and Teen Mental Health First Aid?

Youth and Teen Mental Health First Aid are evidence-based, nationally recognized training programs that equip both adults and teens with the skills to recognize, respond to, and support mental health challenges. Trainings are available in in-person, fully virtual, or blended formats, making it easy for schools and community groups to participate in ways that fit their schedules and needs.

Together, these programs strengthen the entire support system around young people by empowering:

Adults to serve as trusted helpers and connectors
Teens to support one another and seek help when needed

By building shared language, confidence, and compassion, these trainings help create safer, more connected communities where young people can thrive.

Youth Mental Health First Aid

For Educators, Parents, and Adult Allies

Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) is designed for adults who work with or care for young people ages 12 to 18. This certification equips participants to recognize early warning signs, respond effectively in crisis situations, and connect youth with appropriate support.

What You Will Learn

Participants gain practical tools to support youth facing common mental health challenges, including:

Anxiety and depression
Eating disorders
Bullying and social media stress
Substance use
ADHD and attention challenges

You will learn how to:

Recognize signs and symptoms of mental health challenges
Use the Mental Health First Aid Action Plan (ALGEE)
Respond calmly and effectively in crisis situations
Connect youth with professional and community-based supports
Reduce stigma and promote hope and recovery
Encourage healthy coping and self-care

How to book your community training

Group bookings for both adults and teens are available for a minimum of 15 attendees.

To learn more or book your training, please CONTACT US.

Teen Mental Health First Aid

For High School Students

Teen Mental Health First Aid (tMHFA) is a peer-focused training that teaches teens how to recognize when a friend may be struggling and how to respond safely and supportively. Designed for students in grades 9 to 12, this program empowers young people to care for themselves and one another while strengthening help-seeking and connection to trusted adults.

What You Will Learn

In this interactive, age-appropriate training, students learn how to:

Recognize signs of mental health challenges in themselves and peers
Respond with empathy and without judgment
Use a teen-friendly action plan to offer support
Encourage friends to reach out to trusted adults and professionals
Understand the importance of boundaries and self-care
Reduce stigma and build a culture of compassion

The training emphasizes that teens are not expected to “fix” problems, but they can play a powerful role in noticing, listening, and connecting friends to help.

Teen Mental Health First Aid

For High School Students

Teen Mental Health First Aid (tMHFA) is a peer-focused training that teaches teens how to recognize when a friend may be struggling and how to respond safely and supportively. Designed for students in grades 9 to 12, this program empowers young people to care for themselves and one another while strengthening help-seeking and connection to trusted adults.

What You Will Learn

In this interactive, age-appropriate training, students learn how to:

Recognize signs of mental health challenges in themselves and peers
Respond with empathy and without judgment
Use a teen-friendly action plan to offer support
Encourage friends to reach out to trusted adults and professionals
Understand the importance of boundaries and self-care
Reduce stigma and build a culture of compassion

The training emphasizes that teens are not expected to “fix” problems, but they can play a powerful role in noticing, listening, and connecting friends to help.