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No-Cost Youth and Teen Mental Health First Aid Training for Schools and Community Organizations

Building Capacity to Support Youth Mental Health

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Youth Mental Health First Aid

For adults who engage with young people

Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) prepares adults and community members to support young people ages 12–18 who may be experiencing a mental health challenge, substance use concern, or crisis. The training equips parents, caregivers, school staff, and anyone who interacts with youth with the knowledge and skills to recognize signs, offer initial support, and connect adolescents to appropriate help.

Upcoming Trainings for Individuals Engaging with Youth in New York State

Open Trainings

NYS Schools or Organizations Who Want to Schedule a YMHFA Training

Inquiry Form
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Teen Mental Health First Aid

For teens in grades 9-12 or ages 14-18.

Teen Mental Health First Aid (tMHFA) teaches teens in grades 9-12, or ages 14-18, how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges among their friends and peers.

Interest Form

Are you interested in becoming a Youth or Teen MHFA Instructor?

MHANYS is currently working with those who are employed by, or formally affiliated with, youth-serving agencies such as schools, community organizations, nonprofits, or service providers to become certified instructors.

About

The Mental Health Association in New York State (MHANYS), in partnership with the New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH), is expanding access to Mental Health First Aid in school and community settings across New York State.

Launched in Fall 2022, the Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) Across NYS initiative focuses on training adults who work with and support young people ages 12–18. Through this effort, educators, school staff, parents, caregivers, and youth-serving professionals build the skills needed to recognize signs of mental health challenges, respond early, and connect young people to appropriate support.

In Fall 2023, MHANYS expanded this work to include Teen Mental Health First Aid (teenMHFA)—an evidence-based program designed specifically for teens ages 14–18. Teen MHFA empowers young people to recognize signs of mental health and substance use challenges in their peers, start supportive conversations, and seek help from a trusted adult when needed.


Beginning in Summer 2025, MHANYS further strengthened this statewide approach by increasing access to Youth and Teen MHFA instructor development and providing ongoing support to schools, youth-serving organizations, and community partners. This expansion helps ensure communities across New York State have the capacity to sustainably offer Youth and Teen MHFA and respond to the mental health needs of young people.

Get Involved

Schools, youth-serving organizations, community groups, and individuals can play an important role in expanding Youth and Teen Mental Health First Aid across New York State.

Whether you are interested in:

  • Hosting a Youth or Teen Mental Health First Aid training

  • Becoming a Youth or Teen MHFA Instructor

  • Partnering to bring MHFA to schools or community-based programs

  • Learning more about grant-supported training opportunities

MHANYS can help you explore the best pathway for your community.

Contact MHANYS: ymhfa@mhanys.org to learn more about Youth and Teen Mental Health First Aid opportunities and how to get involved.

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Mental Health First Aiders

Increase Mental Health Literacy

Learn a 5-step Action Plan for Mental Health

Provide Help in Crisis and Non-Crisis Situations

Understand Where to Turn for Assistance

Learn about Mental Health First Aid and other Trainings at MHANYS

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