teen Mental Health First Aid
About teen Mental Health First Aid (tMHFA)
teen Mental Health First Aid (tMHFA) is a training program for teens brought to the United States by the National Council for Mental Wellbeing in partnership with the Born This Way Foundation. Certified instructors teach teens in grades 9-12 how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges in their friends and peers.
WHAT DO TEENS LEARN?
Common signs and symptoms of mental health and substance use challenges
Common signs and symptoms of a mental health crisis, particularly suicide
The impact of school violence and bullying on mental health.
How to open the conversation about mental illnesses and substance use with friends
How to seek the help of a responsible and trusted adult
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?
Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death in ages 15-19
Over 49% of teens live with a mental health disorder
50% of all mental illnesses begin by age 14
Teens are experiencing more mental health challenges than ever as they cope with the pandemic, gun violence, global warming, and many other stressors. Teaching them how to identify peers in trouble is an effective way to find help for those in need.
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS:
Must be a high school student
Must be willing to meet in person for all three 90-minute training sessions
Parental permission required
PERKS:
Become certified in teen Mental Health First Aid
Earn up to 15 service hours
No Fee - Gabriel’s Light funds the program
Are you interested? Sign up below!
Meet your instructors
Our teen Mental Health First Aid Instructors are dedicated Educators at Gabriel's Light and play a crucial role in advancing our mission. They work directly with teens in our tMHFA program, incorporating their own experience as moms of teenagers and young adults. They have a warm, knowledgeable, and empathetic approach that is well-received by program participants. These instructors have passed background checks to ensure the safety of all participants and possess extensive expertise in the mental health field, backed by their education and credentials. They create a fun and effective learning environment, fueled by their genuine passion for what they do!
Laura Friedlander
Credentials
Social Worker; L.C.S.W.
Certified Trainer, teen Mental Health First Aid
About Laura
Laura Friedlander joined Gabriel’s Light in September 2022 as a certified trainer of teen Mental Health First Aid and trainer of Bullying Prevention for schools, parents, and organizations. She has been working with children and teens as a social worker for over 30 years in a variety of settings, more recently as a school social worker.
Laura is committed to helping teens navigate the stressors of life and make healthy and positive choices for themselves. She is passionate about creating brave spaces for young people to strengthen their self-confidence and be role models for their peers, bolstering a peer support network.
In her free time, Laura enjoys poetry, photography, walking along the beach and spending time with her family.
Meghan Crisp
Credentials
MS, OTR/L, BS Psychology
Certified Trainer, teen Mental Health First Aid
About Meghan
Meghan is an occupational therapist with more than 20 years of experience focusing on mental health in both the hospital setting and academic arena. She has worked with clients of various ages, including children, teens, adults and older adults.
She currently works at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in the inpatient and outpatient behavioral health units. Meghan also taught at Rush University within the Department of Occupational Therapy, leading various classes across the mental health curriculum and researching the effects of movement-based practice on emotional health.
Meghan became certified as a Youth Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Instructor in 2019, an Adult MHFA Instructor in 2020, and a teen-focused MHFA Instructor in 2022. Megan enjoys working with Gabriel’s Light to help prevent youth suicide through outreach and education.
Curious about what it's like to attend a tMHFA Session?
Let's take a glimpse into the experience!
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Drew Wehrle for generously dedicating his time and exceptional talent to film this video for Gabriel's Light.