teen Mental Health First Aid
teen Mental Health First Aid is a training program for teens brought to the United States by the National Council for Mental Wellbeing. Missouri’s Department of Mental Health is a founding partner of Mental Health First Aid USA.
teen Mental Health First Aid (tMHFA) teaches teens in grades 10-12, or ages 15-18, how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges among their friends and peers.
Teens will learn the skills they need to have supportive conversations with their friends and how to get help from a responsible and trusted adult. For more info, view the teen MHFA one-pager.
If you are interested in bringing tMHFA to teens in your community, attend an the information session or visit this page to learn more.
Ways to Teach and Learn
In - Person Learning
Lessons are conducted in person in six 45-minute sessions or three 90-minute sessions.
Blended Learning
Teens complete a self-paced online lesson, then participate in six live, Instructor-led sessions. These Instructor-led sessions can be:
- Video Conference
- In-Person
How teen Mental Health First Aid Can Help
Course content addresses common mental health challenges in young people.
Understanding reduces stigma.
Teens have an Action Plan to help friends and peers who may be facing a mental health challenge or crisis, such as suicide.
Teens learn how and when to involve a responsible and trusted adult.