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Wellness and Mental Health

Teen mental health

Teen mental health

DVHS PTSA is proud to offer Teen Mental Health First Aid (tMHFA) and Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) certification and training through the National Council for Mental Wellbeing.
These evidence-based programs help students, parents, educators, and community members recognize signs of mental health and substance use challenges, respond appropriately, and connect someone to trusted adults and professional support. Participants who successfully complete the training receive a nationally recognized Mental Health First Aid certification.
Together, we are building a more supportive, informed, and mentally healthy DVHS community.

Interested in Learning More?

Click here to learn more, express your interest, and join an upcoming information session.
 
 

Teen Mental Health First Aid

Teen Mental Health First Aid teaches teens how to help a friend or peer who may be experiencing a mental health or substance use challenge.
Designed for students in grades 9–12, or ages 14–18, the program helps teens recognize warning signs, start supportive conversations, and know when and how to involve a parent, guardian, or trusted adult.

What Teens Learn

Teens learn how to:
  • Recognize signs and symptoms of mental health and substance use challenges.
  • Support a friend who may be struggling.
  • Use the Teen MHFA Action Plan.
  • Know what they can and cannot do during a mental health crisis.
  • Connect a peer with a parent, guardian, or trusted adult.
  • Reduce stigma and make it easier to talk about mental health.
Topics include anxiety, depression, eating disorders, bullying, social media, substance use, ADHD, and mental health crises.
The interactive curriculum can be delivered in eight 30-minute sessions or four 60-minute in-person sessions.
Upon successful completion, participants become certified Teen Mental Health First Aiders through the National Council for Mental Wellbeing, with certification valid till they turn 18 years old.

Youth Mental Health First Aid

Youth Mental Health First Aid teaches adults how to recognize and respond when a young person ages 12–18 may be experiencing a mental health or substance use challenge.
The course is designed to give adults the confidence and practical skills to listen without judgment, provide initial support, and connect a young person with appropriate professional and community resources.
The blended course includes approximately 2 hours of online pre-work followed by 6 hours of instructor-led training. Upon successful completion, participants become certified Youth Mental Health First Aiders through the National Council for Mental Wellbeing, with certification valid for three years.

Who Should Take Youth MHFA?

  • Parents and guardians
  • Family members and caregivers
  • Teachers and school staff
  • Counselors
  • Coaches
  • Camp counselors
  • Youth group leaders
  • Adults who work or volunteer with teens

What You Learn

Participants learn how to:
  • Recognize signs and symptoms of mental health and substance use challenges.
  • Use the MHFA Action Plan (ALGEE).
  • Talk with and support a young person who may be struggling.
  • Respond when a young person is experiencing a crisis.
  • Connect youth with professional and community resources.
  • Reduce stigma and reinforce that recovery is possible.
  • Encourage healthy coping and self-care.
Topics include anxiety, depression, eating disorders, bullying, social media, substance use, and ADHD.
 
 

Interested in Learning More?

Click here to learn more, express your interest, and join an upcoming information session.