C2C Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) Training Important?

• 1 in 5 teens and young adults live with a mental health condition.
• About 50% of students ages 14 and older with a mental illness drop out of high school.
• 5.13% of youth report having a substance use or alcohol problem.
• Suicide is the leading cause of death in young people between the ages of 10 and 24.

What is Youth Mental Health First Aid?

YMHFA teaches people how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illness and substance use disorders.  This 8-hour evidence-based training gives adults who work with youth the skills they need to reach out and provide initial support to adolescents who may be developing a mental health or substance use problem and help connect them to appropriate care.  The National Council for Behavioral Health was instrumental in bringing MHFA to the U.S.

What is covered in the Youth Mental Health First Aid training?

• Common signs and symptoms of mental illness in this age group, including anxiety, depression, eating disorders, ADHD, and substance use.  
• How to interact with an adolescent in crisis. 
• How to connect the adolescent with help.

What does the University of Louisville YMHFA Team provide?

• Certified Youth Mental Health First Aid Co-Instructors
• Youth Mental Health First Aid Participant Manuals for each participant
• An active and engaging 8-hour YMHFA Training at your program site catered to your program’s needs.  The training can be taught in one day or over two days.
• Resource and Referral Guide to assist in referring youth for the help that they need.
• Ongoing support in implementing YMHFA.

What are the expectations for those who receive the YMHFA Training?

• Use the proven 5-step action plan provided during the training to assist youth experiencing difficulties such as mental illness and substance use disorders.
• Track any referrals to made to help youth connect with appropriate care. 
• Help reduce mental health stigma and normalize mental health conversations.
• Be the one to make a difference!

Where can you learn more information?

• If you would like more information about how to host this training, please contact Carol Frame, Recruiter at carol.frame@louisville.edu .
• For more information about Mental Health First Aid, visit www.MentalHealthFirstAid.org.

Join the over 1 million Americans already trained in Mental Health First Aid!

#BeTheDifference