teen Mental Health First Aid for Schools | A&V Academy

Empower Teens with Mental Health First Aid

Empower teens to recognize when a friend may need help.

teen Mental Health First Aid teaches high school students how to notice warning signs in a friend, respond with care and get a trusted adult involved.

  • ParticipantsAges 14–18
  • Sessions6 × 45 min or 3 × 90 min
  • SettingSchools & youth organizations
  • FormatIn-person, virtual or blended
Bring teen MHFA to Your School or Organization
Two high school students talking on a bench in a school hallway

Early Support Can Make a Difference.

Teens are most likely to turn to a friend first when they're struggling. Giving them the skills to recognize warning signs and bring in a trusted adult helps young people get support sooner.

40%

of high school students experienced persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness.

Source: CDC, Youth Risk Behavior Survey, 2023

53%

of female high school students felt persistently sad or hopeless.

Source: CDC, Youth Risk Behavior Survey, 2023

What Teens Learn

  • Recognize Warning Signs

    Notice when a friend may be dealing with anxiety, depression, bullying or substance use.

  • Respond Appropriately

    Know what to say, and what not to say, when a friend is struggling.

  • Involve a Trusted Adult

    Understand why and how to bring in a parent, teacher, counselor or coach.

  • Know Where to Find Help

    Learn about school and community resources, and what to do in a crisis.

  • Reduce Mental Health Stigma

    Help create a school culture where asking for help is normal.

Teens Are Not Being Trained to Diagnose, Counsel or Take Responsibility for Another Teen's Mental Health.

They learn to recognize when a friend may need help and to get a trusted adult involved, so the right people can step in.

Who Is This For?

teen MHFA is delivered through organizations that serve students in grades 9–12.

  • Public high schools
  • Private and charter schools
  • School districts
  • Youth-serving nonprofits
  • Faith-based youth groups
  • Community and recreation centers
  • Afterschool and mentoring programs
  • Youth sports and activity programs

For Decision-Makers

Bringing teen MHFA to your students supports your whole school or program.

  • District Leaders

    Superintendents and district administrators

    Build a consistent network of support across your schools and help meet state mental health education requirements.

  • School Leaders

    Principals and school administrators

    Create a school culture where students know how to recognize concerns and where to find help.

  • Student Support Teams

    School counselors, student services and school health staff

    Extend your reach: trained students help connect peers who need support to you sooner.

  • Youth-Serving Organizations

    Youth program directors and nonprofit leaders

    Equip the teens in your programs to look out for each other and involve a trusted adult.

Parents and Caregivers Are Part of the Support System

Families are kept informed from the start. Parents and caregivers learn what the program covers, how it helps their teen and how to be the trusted adult their teen turns to.

  • Informational sessions for parents and caregivers before training begins
  • Any parent or guardian can opt their teen out of the program
  • Adults at the school or organization are trained in Youth MHFA so teens have someone to turn to

How to Bring Training to Your Organization

  1. Connect

    Reach out to tell us about your school or organization and your goals for students.

  2. Identify Needs

    Together we plan grade levels, number of students, schedule and format.

  3. Prepare Your Community

    We help you train adults in Youth MHFA and inform parents and caregivers.

  4. Deliver Training

    Students complete six 45-minute or three 90-minute sessions with a certified instructor.

Bring teen MHFA to Your School or Organization

Why Train with A&V?

  • Founded by two registered nurses

  • Certified Mental Health First Aid instructors

  • Practical, engaging instruction

Frequently Asked Questions

Who takes teen Mental Health First Aid?
Students in grades 9–12, or ages 14–18, at a school or youth-serving organization.
How is the training structured?
The program is delivered in six 45-minute sessions or three 90-minute sessions, in person, virtually or in a blended format.
Are teens being trained to counsel their peers?
No. Teens learn to recognize when a friend may need help and to involve a trusted adult. They are not trained to diagnose, counsel or take responsibility for another teen's mental health.
What topics are covered?
Anxiety, depression, eating disorders, bullying, social media, substance use and ADHD, along with how to respond in a crisis.
What do the adults at our school need?
Adults at the school or organization complete Youth Mental Health First Aid, so teens have trained adults to turn to.
How are parents and caregivers involved?
Parents and caregivers are invited to informational sessions before training begins, and any parent or guardian can opt their teen out.
Can teen MHFA help meet state requirements?
Yes. teen MHFA can be used to help meet state requirements for mental health or substance use education.
How do we get started?
Contact us to talk through your goals. We’ll guide you through planning and the steps to become a teen MHFA site.

Build a Stronger Network of Support Around Young People.

Help the teens in your school or program look out for each other, and know when to bring in a trusted adult.

Bring teen MHFA to Your School or Organization