Youth Mental Health First Aid

The Youth Mental Health First Aid course teaches participants how to provide initial support to a young person (aged 12–18) who may be experiencing a mental health problem or mental health crisis, until professional help is received, or the crisis resolves.

Course participants learn about the signs and symptoms of common mental health problems in adolescents, how to recognise and respond to an emerging or worsening mental health problem, and the treatments and supports available.

Using a practical, evidence-based action plan, course participants learn how to approach a young person they are concerned about and initiate a conversation about those concerns. Participants also learn how to offer initial support and information and how to help a young person to seek professional help or other supports.

Adults who complete the course become Mental Health First Aiders (MHFAiders), equipped with the knowledge, confidence, and skills to provide someone with mental health information and support when it matters most.

This course is recognised by Suicide Prevention Australia as a safe, high-quality, and effective suicide prevention program.

Evidence-based: All Mental Health First Aid courses are based on guidelines that are informed by people with lived experience, their caregivers, and mental health professionals.

Rigorously evaluated: Evaluations consistently show that Mental Health First Aid training improves participants' knowledge of mental illnesses and their treatments, and confidence in providing mental health first aid to insdividuals.

Skills-based: Teaches the practical skills, knowledge, and confidence to make a difference.

Internationally recognised: Over 6 million people trained in Mental Health First Aid across 25 countries.

Suitable for parents, carers and adults supporting adolescents across a wide range of settings including schools, community groups, organisations and sporting clubs.

Any adult (aged 18+) can attend.


Upon completion of this course participants will be able to:

  • Recognise the signs and symptoms of mental health problems in young people.
  • Use an evidence-based action plan to initiate a mental health first aid conversation.
  • Assess for a range of crisis situations and provide initial support.
  • Understand the prevalence and impact of mental illnesses, risk factors and treatments and supports available.
  • Distinguish between normal and expected changes during adolescence and development of mental health problems.
  • Understand the scope of the Mental Health First Aider role and the medical rights of minors.
  • Apply self-care practices as a Mental Health First Aider.

This course covers common and disabling mental health problems and crisis situations. Participants learn how to apply mental health first aid to young people across a range of situations, including:

  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Eating disorders
  • Substance use problems
  • Suicidal thoughts and behaviours
  • Panic attacks
  • Non suicidal self-injury

Accreditations are valid for 3 years.

I am able to deliver the Youth Mental Health First Aid Course Face to Face. For further information on courses available go to Mental Health First Aid Australia https://mhfa.com.au/

or email mel@resetyourthinking.net if you would like to book a privately run YMHFA course.