$10 million in state funding available to offer New York Youth and Teen Mental Health First Aid program

ALBANY, NY- Authorities say $10 million in State funding is available to offer a statewide Youth and Teen Mental Health First Aid program.

The State Office of Mental Health will administer the funding to develop a training and certification program that helps New Yorkers identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders in young people who may be experiencing a crisis.

“By expanding Teen and Youth Mental Health First Aid training, we equip more teachers, caregivers, and youth themselves with the tools they can use to help recognize the signs of a behavioral health crisis and respond effectively,” said New York’s Office of Mental Health Commissioner, Dr. Ann Sullivan.

The program trains various members of society on how to help young people between the ages of 12 and 18 who are experiencing a mental health or addiction challenge or who are in crisis.

The training provides the skills to recognize common signs and symptoms of mental health and substance use challenges; the impact of bullying and school violence on mental health; how to have impactful conversations with classmates about mental health concerns or to seek help from an adult; formal and informal support, and self-care.

Previous state investments have resulted in more than 2,000 adults trained in Youth Mental Health First Aid. Likewise, roughly 5,000 young people have been trained in Teen Mental Health First Aid as a result of State funding.

Image via the office of New York Governor Kathy Hochul.