Mental Health Awareness Training Program
Mental health challenges for youth and adults continue to grow nationwide. To address this issue, the RWJBarnabas Health Institute for Prevention and Recovery provides Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training to youth and adults throughout Ocean County. The trainings are designed to help participants recognize signs of mental health challenges in themselves, their peers or youth. During the training, participants learn practical steps for addressing mental health challenges and about available community resources.
The training is available for three age groups:
Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA)
Youth Mental Health First Aid teaches adults how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges among children and adolescents ages 12-18. The training is recommended for parents/guardians and adults who work with youth, such as teachers, school staff, coaches, camp counselors and youth group leaders.
teen Mental Health First Aid (tMHFA)
teen Mental Health First Aid prepares young people to provide support for their peers and better cope with mental health challenges themselves. The training is recommended for teens in grades 10-12 or ages 15-18.
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) for Adults
Mental Health First Aid teaches adults how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges in themselves and other adults. This training is available in four population-specific formats: Mental Health First Aid for Adults, Mental Health First Aid for Higher Education, Mental Health First Aid for Public Safety Professionals and Mental Health First Aid for First Responders, Fire and EMS.
Resources
- Youth Mental Health First Aid Action Plan (for adults)
- Youth Mental Health First Aid Action Plan (for adults) – Spanish
- teen Mental Health First Aid Action Plan (for teens)
- teen Mental Health First Aid Action Plan (for teens) – Spanish
- Box Breathing Technique
Program Flyers
- Mental Health First Aid for Adults
- Mental Health First Aid for Higher Education
- Mental Health First Aid for Public Safety Professionals
- Mental Health First Aid for First Responders, Fire and EMS
In the News
For more information or to schedule a training, please contact Brian Preiser, Manager, Training Institute, at brian.preiser@rwjbh.org.