Youth Mental Health First Aid & Tackling Safety Together
July 31 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm CDT
Gain the confidence, tools, and knowledge to support youth mental health and promote safety in your home and community. This free training combines Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) and Tackling Safety Together (TST)—two evidence-based programs designed to help adults recognize warning signs, respond to mental health challenges, and take proactive steps during moments of crisis in adolescents ages 12–18.
Through interactive instruction and hands-on safety planning exercises, you’ll learn to navigate difficult conversations, reduce risk, and offer meaningful support. The training covers typical adolescent development, common concerns such as anxiety, depression, and substance use, and introduces a proven 5-step action plan to guide your response—whether in a crisis or everyday situation.
Please note: This training includes 2 hours of required self-paced pre-course work prior to the live session.
What You’ll Gain
- A 5-step action plan (ALGEE) to recognize and respond to youth mental health and substance use challenges
- Practical tools to create personalized safety plans and reduce access to lethal means during high-risk moments
- Greater confidence to step in with care and support someone in emotional distress or crisis
About Youth Mental Health First Aid
Youth Mental Health First Aid is a skills-based training that teaches adults how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental health or substance use challenges in adolescents in adolescents ages 12–18. Using a 5-step action plan (ALGEE), you’ll learn how to assess risk, listen without judgment, and connect youth to professional help. YMHFA helps you build the confidence to step in when someone may be struggling. Scenarios and exercises make the learning practical, so you leave ready to help in real-life situations.
About Tackling Safety Together
Tackling Safety Together focuses on Safety Planning Intervention, an essential and effective strategy for suicide prevention. This training explores the psychological and social aspects of safety and teaches you how to develop a collaborative, personalized plan that reduces risk in high-stress situations. Whether you’re supporting a loved one or preparing for future challenges, TST gives you the tools to promote safety and respond proactively in moments of crisis.
About Suicide Prevention Training
Suicide prevention trainings help prepare individuals to respond to someone in crisis. You’ll learn how to recognize risk, offer support, and take meaningful steps to keep someone safe. Learn more about suicide prevention trainings. Download our Suicide Prevention Toolkit for practical tools, resources, and guidance to support someone in crisis.
This Event is Open To
This event is open to individuals nationwide. Eligibility varies by session. Check Eventbrite for details on other offerings.
Take the First Step Toward Suicide Prevention–Sign up Today!
Looking for one-on-one support? Peer 2 Peer Connect pairs you with a trained VSN Peer Leader for personalized guidance. For more resources and updates, follow @veteranspousenetwork and subscribe to the VSN Newsletter.
