Identify. Understand. Respond.
Youth Mental Health First Aid Training
Board of Child Care is a proud Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) training site, and thanks to a grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), we are able to offer YMHFA training at no cost to our community partners.
It is our goal at the Board of Child Care to increase awareness surrounding youth mental health needs and the resources available to help. Learn more about YMHFA training below and register today.
What is Youth Mental Health First Aid?
Youth Mental Health First Aid will teach you how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders in youth (defined as ages 12 – 18). The training gives you the skills you need to reach out and provide initial help and support to youth who may be developing a mental health or substance use problem or experiencing a crisis.
Why should I take this training?
Mental illnesses are common, impacting approximately 1 in 5 Americans. And yet many are reluctant to seek help or don’t know where to turn for care. When more people are equipped with the tools they need to start a dialogue, more people can get the help they need. Mental Health First Aiders can even save lives.
What does the training consist of?
The 8-hour training introduces common mental health challenges for youth, reviews typical adolescent development, and teaches a 5-step action plan for how to help young people in both crisis and non-crisis situations. One or two certified instructors lead each course. Classes usually consist of 30 people or less and are offered in a respectful, comfortable environment.
Topics covered include:
Anxiety | Depression | Substance Use | Disorders in Which Psychosis May Occur
Disruptive Behavior Disorders (including ADHD) | Eating Disorders
Frequently Asked Questions
Everyone is encouraged to enroll in YMHFA training! It is primarily designed for adults who regularly interact with young people. This might include parents, family members, caregivers, teachers, school staff, peers, neighbors, health and human services workers, and other caring citizens.
In-person trainings are available to any organization or location within a 1 hour drive from our Baltimore (MD), Martinsburg (WV), or Mechanicsburg (PA) campus locations. Alternatively, we are happy to host your training at any of these three locations. Please visit the "Contact Us" page to see our specific location addresses.
YMHFA training is valued at $170 per person, but thanks to the SAMSHA grant awarded to the Board of Child Care, we are able to offer the training to Board of Child Care community partners at no cost.
Donna Phillips
Youth Mental Health First Aid Coordinator, Board of Child Care
E-mail: dphillips@boardofchildcare.org
Phone: (443) 615-3151