TEEN MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID
Empowering Teens to Support Each Other
Teen Mental Health First Aid (Teen MHFA) – Building confidence and MHFA skills in young people
Empowering Teens to Support Each Other
Teen Mental Health First Aid (Teen MHFA) – Building confidence and skills in young people
Since its launch in 2014, the Teen MHFA program has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from students, schools, and communities. Designed specifically for adolescents aged 15-18, the course covers core mental health first aid themes similar to those in adult MHFA programs—but tailored to be age-appropriate and relevant to teenagers’ unique experiences.
A key focus of Teen MHFA is teaching young people how to support their peers and importantly, how to help them connect with a trusted adult for further support. Research shows that Teen MHFA effectively increases adolescents’ skills, confidence, and willingness to assist friends who may be struggling with mental health challenges.
Like all MHFA programs, Teen MHFA is developed from rigorous, evidence-based research. For those interested in the program’s foundation, initial research findings and information sheets are available for download below.
Course Structure
The Teen MHFA course is delivered over 7 hours, typically in a single day or split across two shorter sessions to fit school timetables. It combines interactive teaching methods including:
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Engaging group discussions
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Role plays and scenario practice
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Video materials and presentations
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Activities designed specifically for teens
The course content covers:
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Recognising common mental health challenges in young people
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How to provide initial support to a peer
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Encouraging and assisting a peer to seek help from a trusted adult
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Understanding mental health stigma and ways to reduce it
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Crisis response skills, including how to manage suicidal thoughts or behaviours
A World-Leading Program with Global Reach
Our instructor, Mark Smith, proudly delivered the very first public Teen MHFA course worldwide in 2014. Since then, the program has expanded internationally and is now adopted by countries such as the USA, where it is implemented in schools through a partnership with Lady Gaga’s Born This Way Foundation.
Who Should Participate?
Teen MHFA is ideal for:
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High school students aged 12-18
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Youth groups and community organisations
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Schools looking to empower students with peer support skills
Why Teen MHFA Matters
Teenagers face unique pressures and mental health challenges. Equipping them with practical knowledge and skills helps build a supportive peer culture—one where young people look out for each other and know when and how to seek help from adults.
How the Teen MHFA program is delivered
The Teen MHFA program is available in two modules:
Maximum 30 students per group trained. Sessions cannot be on the same day for the same group, preferably not on consecutive days either. As an experienced school executive, Mark will work with schools to ensure a hassle free delivery with minimal disruption to school routines.
Safer Communities recommends targeting two year levels and repeating the program annually. This way a standard secondary school will have close to 100% of students trained in three years.
Years 10-12 Course -
3 x 75 minute sessions
Years 7-9 Course -
3 x 60 minute sessions
MHFA Australia Rules for teen-MHFA
1. Training is delivered to an entire year cohort in a school - no target groups within year cohorts. MHFA is for everybody and no individuals or groups of students should take the sole responsibility of MHFA in a peer group. Parent or student opt outs are absolutely permitted.
2. At least one staff member, preferably 3+ staff are accredited with the 14 Hour Youth MHFA Course before a school can offer teen-MHFA to students.
Program Cost
Price is dependant on numbers.
Our quote will includes an information package for students and parents prior to training and a 30 minute briefing with staff who are accredited Youth MHFAiders.
Rotary Sponsorship Opportunities
Safer Communities is able to approach Rotary in your community to advocate for support. Rotary Australia is a very big supporter of Mental Health First Aid Programs. Safer Communities has partnered with Rotary in Byron Bay to sponsor MHFA programs. Learn more>
A Historical Note...
Safer Communities has been with teen MHFA from Day 1!
In 2014 Mark Smith was in the first group of MHFA Instructors to become accredited to deliver the teen-MHFA course. Mark delivered a course to a group of nine Year 11 students at Byron Bay High School in May/June 2014, this was the very first open teen-MHFA program delivered for MHFA Australia (or in the world).