Course Overview
The Youth Mental Health First Aid course is a nationally recognised, evidence-based program that equips adults with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to recognise, engage, and support a young person (aged 12 to 18) experiencing a mental health problem or mental health crisis.
Recognised by Suicide Prevention Australia as a safe, high-quality, and effective suicide prevention program, this course is designed for any adult who teaches, parents, supervises, mentors, or cares for adolescents. Participants receive a 3-year accreditation as a certified Mental Health First Aider (MHFAider) for young people.
What Participants Learn
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Increase mental health awareness and literacy for adults supporting young people
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Recognise the signs and symptoms of mental health problems in adolescents
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Distinguish between expected adolescent development and emerging mental illness
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Understand the prevalence, impact, risk factors, treatments, and supports available for young people
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Apply an evidence-based action plan to initiate a youth mental health first aid conversation
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Assess and respond effectively to a range of crisis situations
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Understand the scope of the Mental Health First Aider role and the medical rights of minors
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Apply self-care practices as a Mental Health First Aider
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Reduce stigma and promote early help-seeking behaviours in young people
Course Outline
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Adolescent mental health awareness and literacy
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The difference between normal adolescent development and emerging mental health problems
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Signs, symptoms, and prevalence of common mental health problems in young people
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Depression in young people, with real-world scenarios
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Anxiety and panic attacks, with real-world scenarios
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Eating disorders, with real-world scenarios
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Substance use problems, with real-world scenarios
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Suicidal thoughts and behaviours
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Non-suicidal self-injury
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The evidence-based MHFA action plan, applied to young people
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Crisis first aid for adolescents
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The scope of the Mental Health First Aider role and the medical rights of minors
Audience Fit and Notes
For organisations that employ young people, including apprentices, trainees, casual hospitality, retail, and sporting staff, Safe Work Australia and the new Work Health and Safety legislation place a clear duty of care to identify and manage mental health risks across the workforce, including young workers, who are recognised as a vulnerable cohort. The YMHFA course directly supports schools, youth-facing organisations, and employers of young people to meet this duty, build leader and supervisor capability, and embed early intervention as part of a mentally healthy workplace and youth-safe environment.
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On successful completion, participants receive a nationally recognised 3-year accreditation as a certified Mental Health First Aider (MHFAider) for young people, equipping them with the practical skills, confidence, and credibility to make a meaningful difference in the lives of the young people they support.