WJCS Mental Health First Aid Trainings

The skyrocketing statistics for depression, anxiety, and suicide in the United States are frightening and necessitate that we do everything possible to increase knowledge and awareness about the signs and symptoms of mental health problems. WJCS is committed to this goal and conducts trainings in Mental Health First Aid to educate parents, teachers, coaches, camp staff, teens, first responders, case management workers, and others about how to recognize mental illness and get the appropriate help. Mental Health First Aid is a nationally recognized, evidence-based training. Below are the trainings WJCS offers:

For adults who work with and are connected to youth, including teachers, school staff, coaches, youth group leaders, parents, and first responders. It enables participants to know and recognize the warning signs of mental health problems and substance use disorders in adolescents. It does not teach adults to diagnose or to provide treatment to adolescents but instead arms them with the skills they need to reach out and give initial support to those who are developing a mental health or substance use problem and help them connect to the appropriate care.

A peer-to-peer training program specifically designed for teens in grades 10-12. This program was developed in response to critical mental health needs of young people and research indicating that young people have a preference for sharing problems with peers, but that their friends do not always have the knowledge or skills to help. It teaches young people how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders among their friends. It also gives them the skills to have supportive conversations with their friends and get a responsible and trusted adult to take over as necessary. This course is designed to be delivered in schools or community sites by a trained instructor in three interactive classroom sessions of 90 minutes each or six sessions of 45 minutes each.

Targeted to supporting adults who are experiencing mental health challenges or crises. The supportive first aid is given until appropriate help is received or until the crisis resolves.

Sign up for a training near you! Click here to view our upcoming events.

Schedule a Mental Health First Aid Training in your community!

Jessica Sansone

Coordinator, Mental Health First Aid & Trainings

[email protected]

training interest form

Since 2013, WJCS has been a driving force in the Mental Health First Aid initiative. Our expert trainers have trained more than 2,000 participants. WJCS has provided Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) trainings since 2022 to the following organizations, school districts, and communities:

  • Legal Aid/Legal Service of Hudson Valley 
  • The Vet Center in Valhalla 
  • Westchester Library Systems 
  • Yonkers VFW 
  • Non-Profit Westchester 
  • Youth Shelter of Westchester 
  • Westchester County Youth Bureau 
  • Mount Vernon Youth Bureau 
  • White Plains Youth Bureau 
  • Neighbor’s Link in Mount Kisco 
  • Child Care Council of Westchester 
  • Hudson Link 
  • Family Ties 
  • Westchester County Police Academy 
  • Yonkers Partners in Education 
  • Sister to Sister International 
  • Cluster Inc. 
  • Yonkers DPW 
  • Westchester County Department of Emergency Services 
  • Yonkers Fire Department 
  • The Guidance Center of Westchester 
  • Westchester Faith-Based Communities 
  • Union Baptist Church 
  • United Methodist Church 
  • Grace Baptist Church 
  • Star of Bethlehem 
  • Macedonia Baptist 
  • Larchmont Avenue Church 
  • Schools/School Districts 
  • White Plains Central School District 
  • Public Schools of the Tarrytowns 
  • Bronxville Union Free School District 
  • Ossining Union Free School District 
  • Elmsford Union Free School District 
  • Peekskill City School District 
  • City School District of New Rochelle 
  • Port Chester Public Schools 
  • Mount Vernon STEAM Academy 
  • The Leffell School 
  • J-Teen Leadership-UJA 
  • New Castle United for Youth 
  • Northwell Health-The President’s Junior Leadership Council 
  • PNW BOCES  
  • SW BOCES 
  • Mercy University 
  • Iona University 
  • Westchester Community College 
  • Boys & Girls Club of Mount Vernon 
  • Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle