Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA): Tools for Supporting Teens During this Challenging Time

Now more than ever, Jewish teens are in need of trusted adults in their lives who are actively engaged in their wellbeing. This moment in time is particularly difficult because existential challenges brought on by the war in Israel are piling on top of the day-to-day complicated lives of Jewish teens…creating a cumulative effect. If you are a Jewish youth professional who works with adolescents (12-18+ years old), this training is for you. 

Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) enables youth professionals to recognize signs of distress and guide a young person toward appropriate treatments and other supportive health care. Participants will learn how to distinguish between typical adolescent development and symptoms of mental health challenges most common to young people; anxiety, depression, eating or substance use disorders, and the impact of social media and bullying. YMHFA emphasizes the importance of early intervention, and teaches individuals how to help an adolescent who is in crisis or experiencing a mental health challenge. They will walk away with strategies for self-care and a 5-step action plan for how to help young people in both crisis and non-crisis situations. 

Please note: 

1. Participants who complete this course will earn a certificate that is valid for 3 years.
2. This program is the original YMHFA program, not a next phase or scaffolded program.
3. Are you local to the New York City area? If so, join colleagues for an in-person YMHFA at the JCC on Manhattan's Upper West Side on Wednesday, November 29th from 7:00 pm-9:30 pm and Thursday, November 30th from 6:30 pm-9:00 pm. Register for the in-person program here.

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