Safe2Say South Dakota home
Safe2Say Home
Mount Rushmore with the Safe2Say South Dakota logo

Youth Mental Health First Aid

Youth Mental Health First Aid is designed to teach administrators, teachers, and school staff how to help a youth who is experiencing a mental health or addiction challenge or is in crisis.  YMHFA is primarily designed for adults who interact daily with youth.  The course introduces common mental health challenges for youth, reviews the typical adolescent development, and teaches a 5-step action plan for how to help youth both in crisis and non-crisis situations. 

https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/population-focused-modules/youth/

Youth Mental Health First Aid flyer. A 6-hour training that teaches adults who work with youth ages 6 to 18 to recognize and respond to signs of mental illness and substance use. Offered blended (2-hour online class plus 4-hour in-person class) or fully in person (6.5 hours, recommended; DOE CEUs and a suicide prevention certificate available). For teachers, para-professionals, coaches, secretaries, cooks, bus drivers, SROs and anyone who works with youth in schools. To hold or attend a course, contact Angela Waldner, SD School Safety Center, angela.waldner@state.sd.us or 605.400.3832.

For more information and details on how you can provide Youth Mental Health First Aid training to your school, call the South Dakota School Safety Center at 605-773-3450, or email School Safety Specialist Angela Waldner at angela.waldner@state.sd.us

Get In Touch

South Dakota Department of Public Safety (opens in a new tab)

call us at: 605-773-3450

P.O. Box 2474, Rapid City, SD 57709