NE Youth Mental Health First Aid 1/22/26

Virtual - Zoom  
Thursday, January 22, 2026 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM   Export to iCalendar Eastern Standard Time

This is an 8-hour education program that teaches participants how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges among children and adolescents ages 12-18. Youth Mental Health First Aid uses group activity, role-playing, and simulations to demonstrate:

  • How to assess a mental health crisis
  • How to select interventions and provide initial help
  • How to connect young people to professional, peer, and social support, as well as self-help care.
The course covers:
  • Common signs and symptoms of mental health challenges and substance use challenges in this age group.
  • How to interact with a child or adolescent in crisis.
  • How to connect the youth with help.
  • Expanded content on trauma, substance use, self-care, and the impact of social media and bullying

Participants learn to support a youth developing signs and symptoms of a mental illness, or who are in an emotional crisis by applying a core five-step action plan. The Youth Mental Health First Aid USA curriculum is primarily focused on information participants can use to help adolescents and transition-aged youth, ages 8-18.

Participants do not learn to diagnose, nor how to provide any therapy or counseling.

*If applicable, register early to take advantage of early bird rates.

 Price LevelCost:
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Registration: NE YMHFA Registration
 Member$0.00
 Non-Member$0.00
Virtual - Zoom  

Additional Information

This course is designed for any adults who regularly interact with adolescents who are ACA, New England members or who work at camps located in Western Massachusetts. We are able to provide this course free of charge to ACA, New England members thanks to a SAMHSA grant.

Registrations are non-refundable, but may be transferred to another eligible individual prior to the start of the event (provided there is enough time for that individual to complete the mandatory pre-work). 

Use of Images in ACA, New England Publications: Through my registration, I give the American Camp Association, New England full rights and permissions with respect to any photographs, video, and audio recordings taken during the ACA, New England event. These images and recordings may be used by ACA, New England and its agents, in educational and promotional media. 

Contact Us

Questions, reach out Gillian Gold, Events & Logistics Coordinator at gillian@acanewengland.org or 781-541-6080 ext. 106.