Youth Mental Health First Aid Certification Training

Identity. Understand. Respond.

The Youth Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) certification course empowers participants to recognize, understand, and respond effectively to mental health and substance use challenges in youth ages 12–18. This valuable training supports staff, benefits the young people they serve, and promotes the well-being of the entire community.

In order to complete and receive credit for the training participants MUST adhere to the following guidelines:

* Participants must complete 2 hours of pre-work AHEAD of the start of the training. The date will be established by the trainer and made known to all participants

*Participants must attend BOTH days of the training

*Participants must have access via computer to a camera and microphone throughout the virtual training with the expectation that the camera will be on for the duration. If this is an issue, please contact the trainer, Patricia Pugliese, NJSACC Technical Assistance Specialist, at ppugliese@njsacc.org prior to registering for the course to determine what accommodations may be possible.

Youth Mental Health First Aid teaches you how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges among children & adolescents ages 12-18.  

The course will teach you how to apply the MHFA Action Plan (ALGEE): 

• Assess for risk of suicide or harm. 
• Listen non-judgmentally. 
• Give reassurance and information. 
• Encourage appropriate professional help. 
• Encourage self-help and other support strategies

Appropriate for all staff, ages 18 and over; led by Patricia Pugliese, Technical Assistance Specialist with NJSACC and Youth Mental Health First Aid Instructor.  

Virtual via Zoom: Tuesday, February 3,2026 10am - 1pm AND Wednesday, February 4, 2026 10am - 1pm

Save with Early Bird Registration! Register by January 2, 2026 for the $70 per person rate.

After January 2, the fee increases to $75 per person. Registration closes January 9, 2026.