DESE

Mental Health Training for Schools

Schools are on the front lines of supporting student mental health. Equipping educators and staff with the skills to recognize warning signs, offer support, and connect students to care can have a lasting impact. At the same time, prioritizing the well-being of teachers and staff helps foster a stronger, more resilient school community. Ready to get started? Let us help you connect with certified Mental Health First Aid instructors near you.

Two Evidence-Based Training Options
*also available in Spanish

Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR)
 A nationally recognized suicide prevention program that equips participants to recognize the warning signs of a suicide crisis and take steps to help.

QPR Institute logo featuring the letters QPR in large, dark font, with the word INSTITUTE in smaller text beneath it, enclosed by a partial light blue circular line.

Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA)
A skills-based training for adults working with youth. Learn to recognize and respond to adolescent mental health and substance use challenges in both crisis and non-crisis situations.

Logo for Mental Health First Aid Missouri, featuring an orange cross design above the text, with references to the National Council for Mental Wellbeing and MHFA USA Founding Partner.

Take the first step toward creating a supportive, informed, and resilient school environment.

Who Should Attend?

  • Teachers & administrators
  • Support staff (nurses, counselors, aides, etc.)
  • Bus drivers
  • After-school program staff
  • Parents & caregivers
  • Any trusted adult in your school community

Spread the word by sharing with school personnel and youth-serving organizations, groups, and related communities. We invite you to distribute this guide and its resources to your professional communities via listservs, newsletters, social media, etc.