As mental health challenges among young people continue to rise, Integral Care in Travis County is stepping up by offering a free Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) training program. This initiative, funded by the county, is aimed at equipping adults with the essential skills to recognize, understand, and respond to mental health struggles in adolescents.
Training Overview
The program is designed to help community members support youth aged 12 to 18, focusing on identifying signs of mental health difficulties and offering effective assistance in times of crisis. It provides flexible training formats, including blended virtual, blended in-person, and fully in-person options, ensuring that the training is accessible to as many individuals and organizations as possible.
Leylee Morris, a licensed professional counselor and program manager, emphasized the importance of creating a network of mental health advocates within the community. “Our goal is to increase mental health advocates so that no one falls through the cracks,” she explained. “We want to ensure that when people experience symptoms of mental health struggles or find themselves in crisis, they know where to turn for help.”
Key Features of the YMHFA Training
The training curriculum includes comprehensive coverage of various mental health issues, such as:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Trauma
- Psychosis
- Suicide and substance use disorders
Participants also learn the ALGEE action plan, which provides clear steps to help individuals in mental health distress:
- Approach and assess for risk of suicide or harm
- Listen to the individual’s concerns
- Give support and provide information
- Encourage appropriate help
- Encourage self-help strategies
Upon completion, participants receive a certification in mental health first aid, a take-home manual, and complimentary continuing education units.
Addressing the Mental Health Crisis Among Youth
The need for such programs is urgent, as over 1.2 million youth under 18 in Texas report struggling with mental, emotional, or behavioral health challenges. This staggering statistic highlights the importance of addressing mental health at an early stage, before crises escalate.
“These challenges are prevalent,” said Morris. “They are something that we can always address and build support around.”
The Power of Grassroots Movements
The impact of the YMHFA program became particularly evident after a tragedy struck a local high school, where a student died by suicide. In response, students, teachers, and community members rallied to bring awareness to the importance of mental health first aid training. This grassroots movement led to significant support from local education officials and culminated in 10% of the school’s staff being trained in mental health first aid within months.
Morris shared how students, with the backing of educators, advocated for the training to be incorporated into their schools, eventually garnering support from their local district trustee and the school board.
Legislative Support for Mental Health Training
The success of this initiative coincides with recent legislative changes. Texas House Bill 3, passed in 2023, mandates mental health training for school staff, with the goal of training 50% of school employees by the 2026-27 school year and 100% by the 2028-29 school year. Integral Care has partnered with local schools to provide free YMHFA training to staff, ensuring that there are always trained individuals available to support students in need.
Expanding the Reach of the Program
Looking ahead, Morris hopes to expand the program’s reach to more schools, youth organizations, and community groups. By creating a broader safety net for young people and improving communication between youth and adults, the program is fostering a more supportive and understanding community.
“There’s so much that adults and youth have in common with each other, but sometimes we don’t know how to access that language,” Morris explained. The YMHFA program bridges this gap, ensuring that both groups have the tools and understanding to support one another.
Empowering Change in the Community
Through the YMHFA training, Integral Care is empowering individuals to act with confidence in the face of mental health challenges. This initiative is not just about crisis intervention but is also about transforming how mental health is perceived and addressed within the community.
“This program can be the starting point for anyone who works with youth,” said Morris. “They can feel empowered to destigmatize conversations around mental health, which can help young people feel more comfortable expressing their feelings and seeking services.”
By offering this training, Integral Care is helping build a more compassionate, informed, and proactive community, ensuring that young people receive the support they need before they reach a crisis point.
