Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA)

Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) is a school-wide training that helps make schools safer and more supportive for students. It teaches teachers and other adults how to notice when a student may be struggling with their thoughts, feelings, or behavior. It also shows them how to respond in kind and helpful ways. This training helps schools find students who may need extra support. Some students might need small group help (Tier 2), while others may need more serious care (Tier 3), like seeing a counselor or mental health professional.

Information and services

State Mandate

The state of Florida requires schools to provide Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) training. This rule comes from Florida law (Section 1012.584, Florida Statutes) and state guidelines (Rule 6A-1.094120, Florida Administrative Code).

Key points of the rule:

Training Requirement: At least 80% of school staff in elementary, middle, and high schools must complete an approved youth mental health training. The Florida Department of Education (FDOE) has chosen YMHFA as the approved program.
Purpose: The training helps school staff recognize signs of mental health problems, emotional struggles, and substance use in young people. It also teaches how to help students who are going through these challenges.
Annual Certification: Every year, school districts must report to FDOE to confirm that 80% of their staff completed the training. This is usually due by July 1.
Mental Health Coordinator: Each district has a person in charge of making sure all staff get the training.
Training Topics: YMHFA covers mental illnesses, substance use, reducing stigma, signs of risk (like depression and anxiety), and ways to connect students to the right help and support.

Broward Goals and Initiatives

Wellness Support: Guardrail 5 is part of Broward County Public Schools’ Strategic Plan. It says, “The Superintendent cannot make decisions without making sure students and staff have access to important wellness resources.”

Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) helps with this guardrail by training school staff—like teachers, counselors, and administrators—to notice signs of mental health problems, stress, or substance use in students.

To connect students and staff with the help they need, there must be people who can recognize when someone needs support. YMHFA trains staff to do this. It gives them the skills and confidence to talk to someone who is struggling, provide first support, and guide them to professional help inside the school or community.

Without trained staff, students and workers who need help might be missed or have a hard time finding it. By using YMHFA, Broward County Public Schools is creating a caring and informed team that makes sure wellness resources are not just available but also used by those who need them. This meets the promise to connect everyone with the support they deserve.

National Council for Mental Wellbeing

National Council for Mental Wellbeing: Identify. Understand. Respond.

The National Council for Mental Wellbeing is a leader in mental health and substance use support across the U.S. They work hard to make sure children, teens, and families get fair and equal access to high-quality care. Their goal is to help everyone live mentally healthy lives.

They are best known for their powerful training programs, especially Mental Health First Aid (MHFA).

What Is Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA)?

Just like CPR helps someone in a physical emergency, Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) helps adults support youth (ages 12–18) facing mental health or substance use challenges.

This program is for any adult who works with or cares for youth—including teachers, parents, coaches, and counselors. It was created by the National Council for Mental Wellbeing.

Why Is YMHFA Important?

Early Help Matters: Most mental health issues begin in the teen years. Learning the signs helps get support early.
Breaks Stigma: Understanding mental health makes it easier for teens to ask for help.
Gives Skills: You’ll learn a 5-step plan called ALGEE:
1. Assess for risk of harm or suicide
2. Listen without judging
3. Give support and facts
4. Encourage professional help
5. Encourage self-care and other support
Covers Key Topics: You’ll learn about common issues like anxiety, depression, substance use, eating disorders, and behavior problems.

For more info or to find a training, visit: MHFA.org