Teen Mental Health First Aid
At Herren Project, we are committed to empowering teens to be advocates for mental health and substance use prevention through our Youth Ambassador Program. By providing educational tools and offering training opportunities, we aim to build confidence, deepen understanding, and create a supportive peer network. Our goal is to strengthen prevention-based competencies in young people, promoting self-awareness and resilience, while helping them develop the self-assurance needed to effectively advocate for others. Evidence shows that teens often turn to their friends for support, which is why these peer networks are essential.
In recognition of World Teen Mental Wellness Day, we had the privilege of teaching teen Mental Health First Aid to our Youth Ambassadors, empowering them with the knowledge, courage, and tools to recognize and respond to the early signs of mental health and substance use challenges. This training equips teens with a 5-step action plan to support a friend in need while seeking help from a trusted adult, when necessary.
Herren Project’s certified instructors offer Teen Mental Health First Aid as a vital part of our prevention model, addressing a critical gap during a time when mental health and substance use challenges among teens are often underserved. The evidence-based course designed by the National Council for Mental Wellbeing covers topics such as stress, substance misuse, violence, bullying, suicide, self-harm, and how to seek help. With one in five teens experiencing mental health-related issues, it is essential to provide them with these life-saving skills.
By becoming certified Mental Health First Aiders, our Youth Ambassadors are better prepared to identify, understand, and respond to mental health and substance use challenges among their friends, offering compassion, understanding, and effective action. More importantly, they are helping to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health by normalizing conversations and encouraging peers to seek help from a trusted adult, when needed.
We recognize that the role of adults is crucial in supporting teens through mental health and substance use challenges. That’s why we provide Mental Health First Aid informational sessions for teens and their caregivers and train key adult figures in Youth Mental Health First Aid. This ensures that when teens reach out for support, there are trusted adults who are ready to help them navigate their challenges with the appropriate care and resources.
Encouraging teens to ask for help and incorporate self-love practices during teen Mental Health First Aid is essential to teen safety. We aim to establish open communication, build trust, and create a safe space by facilitating PeaceLove expressive arts workshops before delivering teen Mental Health First Aid. Through this integrated approach, teens learn practical strategies to nurture their mental well-being, express themselves, and build empathy. When teens learn to care for themselves, they’re better equipped to extend that care and support to others, creating a more compassionate and supportive environment for everyone.
Every action—no matter how small—can have a lasting impact. Whether it’s a simple check-in with a friend, offering a listening ear, or connecting someone to helpful resources, these moments can be transformative. Our Youth Ambassadors, certified teen Mental Health First Aiders, are already making a tangible difference in their communities. By using the 5-step teen Mental Health First Aid action plan they are creating a network of care and understanding.
As we continue to nurture and empower young leaders, we are shaping a future where mental health and substance use challenges are openly discussed, stigma is broken down, and every teen feels seen and supported.
Together, we are building stronger, healthier communities—one teen at a time. If your school or organization is interested in being trained in Mental Health First Aid (MHFA), please fill out this form.
