Youth Mental Health First Aid
Support young people with confidence, clarity and compassion.
The Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) course teaches adults how to recognise and respond to mental health problems in young people aged 12–18. Delivered by accredited MHFA instructors at First Aid and Fire, this program is based on the internationally recognised training developed by Mental Health First Aid Australia.
With mental health concerns increasingly affecting young people, YMHFA provides adults with the practical skills to offer safe, early and effective support—at home, at school, in the community, and in any environment where young people seek help.
Youth MHFA equips participants to:
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Recognise early signs of mental health problems in adolescents
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Approach and support a young person using the ALGEE Action Plan
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Have safe, supportive and non-judgemental conversations
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Respond to crises such as panic attacks, suicidal thoughts, self-harm or severe distress
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Encourage appropriate and professional help-seeking pathways
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Understand how adolescent development impacts mental health and behaviour
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Support a young person while maintaining boundaries and safety
Youth MHFA does not teach adults how to diagnose mental illnesses. Instead, it provides the skills and confidence to offer initial first aid until professional support is available.
Course Overview
What you will learn
Understanding Youth Mental Health Challenges
Participants learn about:
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Depression in young people
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Anxiety and panic disorders
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Eating disorders
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Substance use issues
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Psychosis
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Trauma and stressful life events
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How these issues commonly present differently in adolescents
Crisis Response Skills
Participants develop safe, practical responses for:
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Suicidal thoughts or behaviours
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Non-suicidal self-injury (self-harm)
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Panic attacks
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Severe anxiety
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Acute psychosis
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Intoxication or risky behaviours
The YMHFA ALGEE Action Plan
A structured, actionable framework that guides effective support conversations with young people.
Certification
Upon completing the course and accreditation assessment, participants receive:
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Youth MHFA Accreditation (valid for 3 years)
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Digital certificate issued by MHFA Australia
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Access to refresher training to extend accreditation
Who Should Attend?
This course is ideal for any adult who lives with, works with or supports young people, including:
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Teachers, SSO staff & education support teams
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Youth workers, counsellors & case managers
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Sports coaches, mentors & community leaders
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Parents, carers & guardians
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Childcare, OSHC and early education staff (supporting transition-age youth)
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GP clinic staff, community health, and frontline responders
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Disability support workers and NDIS providers
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Anyone wanting to better support the wellbeing of young people
No prior mental health knowledge is required.
Course Format
You can complete Standard MHFA in one of three ways:
In Person Face-to-Face
Interactive 12 hours, 2 x 6 hours or 4 x 3 hours, scenario-based learning delivered onsite or at our training venues with a Licenced MHFA instructor
Blended Online
Self-paced eLearning (5-7 hours) plus 2 x 2.5 hour live online sessions with a Licensed MHFA instructor.
Blended Face-to-Face
Self-paced eLearning (5-7 hours) plus a live 4-hour session with a Licensed MHFA instructor.
- Youth Mental Health First Aid Course 2 DaysThu, 11 DecGeorge Williams Hotel, Brisbane City
- Youth Mental Health First Aid Course 2 DaysMon, 27 OctGeorge Williams Hotel, Brisbane City
- Youth Mental Health First Aid Course 2 DaysWed, 20 AugGeorge Williams Hotel, Brisbane City
- Youth Mental Health First Aid Course 2 DaysMon, 16 JuneGeorge Williams Hotel, Brisbane City
- YMHFA 2 Days - Tingalpa - November 2024Thu, 07 NovTingalpa - Device Technologies
- YMHFA Blended Online - October 16th 2024Wed, 16 OctZoom Meeting
- YMHFA 2 Days - Tingalpa - September 2024Thu, 05 SeptTingalpa - Device Technologies
- YMHFA 2 Days - Tingalpa - June 2024Thu, 20 JuneTingalpa - Device Technologies
- YMHFA Blended Online - April 27th 2024Sat, 27 AprZoom Meeting
- YMHFA 2 Days Kedron September 2023Thu, 21 SeptKedron - Edinburgh Castle Hotel
- YMHFA 2 Days Kedron AprilThu, 13 AprEdinburgh Castle Hotel Kedron
- YMHFA 2 Fridays Kedron MarchFri, 03 MarEdinburgh Castle Hotel Kedron
- YMHFA 2 Days West End JanuarySat, 21 JanCollective Well Being Hub
- YMHFA 2 Days Kedron, JanuaryThu, 12 JanEdinburgh Castle Hotel, Kedron
- YMHFA 2 Days Hamilton DecemberThu, 22 DecHamilton Airport International Hotel
- YMHFA 2 Mondays Springwood NovemberMon, 21 NovSpringwood Hotel Function Centre
- Youth Mental Health First Aid Course 2 Days July SpringwoodMon, 18 JulySpringwood Hotel
- Blended Youth Mental Health First Aid Course July SpringwoodMon, 11 JulySpringwood Hotel
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.