Mental Health First Aid

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training is an evidence-based, early-intervention course that teaches participants about mental health and substance use challenges. This course is conducted and ran by The National Council for Mental Wellbeing and is an independent but recognized and encouraged by the National Council of Scouting America. The goal of this training is for adult leaders to be able to identify, understand, and respond to the mental health challenges that our Scouts face.

In this course, we will be taking Youth Mental Health First Aid which primarily focues on how to help an adolescent (age 10-20) who is experiencing a mental health or addictions challenge or is in crisis. Youth Mental Health First Aid is primarily designed for adults who regularly interact with young people. The course introduces common mental health challenges for youth, reviews typical adolescent development, and teaches a 5-step action plan for how to help young people in both crisis and non-crisis situations. Topics covered include anxiety, depression, substance use, disorders in which psychosis may occur, disruptive behavior disorders (including AD/HD), and eating disorders.

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Why Mental Health Matters for Youth

1 in 5 One in five youth will experience a mental health challenge at some point during their life.

17.1 m 17.1 million youth under the age of 18 have or have had a psychiatric disorder – more than the number of children with cancer, diabetes, and AIDS combined.

7.4% 7.4% of children in the United States have a mental health visit in a given year.

According to the U.S. Surgeon General, the leading cause of disability and bad life outcomes in young people is poor mental health. We have seen a significant increase in mental disorders in youth including depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts. It is important for us as Scout leaders to be equipped to recognize youth that are struggling with mental health challenges.

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How You Can Help

By taking Youth Mental Health First Aid, you can learn to recognize and respond to mental health challenges that our youth face. This includes learning about common mental health concerns, reducing stigma, and provides adults with skills to use a 5-step action plan to help a youth who may be facing a mental health problem or crisis. Register now for our upcoming course to become a trained "noticer".

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Our Next Upcoming Course

Date: Saturday, December 13, 2025

Location: Joseph A. Citta Scout Reservation (Barnegat, NJ)

Who: Adult leaders (21+) or approval from Course Director

Time: Approximately 8:30am - 5pm (with breaks and lunch)

Cost: $20 per person which covers the cost of a light breakfast, lunch, and facilities.

• [+$5 for out-of-council participants]
• [+$5 for registrations after 11/3//2025