Youth Mental Health First Aid (Y-MHFA) Trainings for Educators: A Systematic Review

Abstract

There’s an increase in mental health concerns with youth, making it imperative to address developing educators’ capacity for identifying and delivering mental health supports. Youth Mental Health First Aid (Y-MHFA) aims to provide the tools for adults to offer aid to youth in need or in crisis. This review examined outcomes associated with Y-MHFA when implemented in school settings. Eight relevant studies were identified through a comprehensive systematic review of online databases, such as PsychINFO and ERIC, and related references. Published studies specifically about Y-MHFA written in English that report educator and/or college student outcomes were included. Overall, findings from the review illustrate promising gains in youth mental health literacy in educators and college students. However, there was a lack of control groups, long-term follow-ups, and cultural and diverse considerations to fully support Y-MHFA. Mental health awareness, strategies, and skills gained after Y-MHFA have implications for educators providing mental health supports to adolescent students and, therefore, increasing future student success. Further implications and areas for future research are discussed.