Teen MHFA is an Evidence-Based Program that Teaches Young People to Help Each Other with Mental Health Challenges
WASHINGTON, DC (August 27, 2026) – As students return to school, Mental Health First Aid is reminding parents and educators that evidence-based programs are available to support the mental wellbeing of young people.
“Students will have a lot of information coming their way once classes begin,” said Tramaine EL-Amin, vice president of Mental Health First Aid (MHFA), provided by the National Council for Mental Wellbeing. “Their mental wellbeing is one subject we should not overlook.”
In preparation for the new school year, Teen Mental Health First Aid Version 2.0 has been completely revamped and updated to meet the needs of schools and youth organizations. Designed for students in grades 9-12, or ages 14-18, the training teaches teens how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges in their friends and peers.
The evidence-based program provides instruction on:
- How to start a conversation about mental health and substance use challenges.
- 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 wellbeing.
- How to connect a peer with a parent, guardian or trusted adult.
Teen MHFA Version 2.0 also introduces ROLE, a memorable action plan to help participants remember the steps to take when supporting a peer. ROLE stands for:
- Recognize signs that your friend may be going through a hard time.
- Open a conversation with your friend by asking how they are and listening.
- Link to a parent, guardian or trusted adult to provide support.
- Encourage your friend by staying connected and showing you care.
Youth mental health improved modestly last year, according to the 2025 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, released in July. Among adolescents aged 12 to 17 in 2025, about 18% (4.6 million) had moderate or severe anxiety symptoms in the past two weeks and 15.1% (3.7 million) had a major depressive episode in the past year. In 2024, 19% (4.9 million) reported moderate to severe symptoms of anxiety and 15% of adolescents (3.8 million) reported a major depressive episode in the past year. In addition, 50% of all mental health conditions begin by age 14, when most students are in the transitional period of starting high school and entering ninth grade.
“Data illustrates we are trending in the right direction, but there is more work to do to support young people,” EL-Amin said. “With students returning to school, juggling new courses, balancing extracurriculars and other demands on their time, this is the perfect opportunity to make sure young people have the resources they need to thrive.”
Teen MHFA also helps teens support one another, which is significant because research confirms teens tend to turn to each other first when they need to talk. Friends provide a safe, nonjudgmental space where teens can feel understood and less isolated.
Schools and organizations that implement Teen MHFA Version 2.0 begin by hosting informational sessions for parents and guardians. Those sessions provide adults with a chance to hear about the curriculum, ask questions, raise concerns and learn new ways to support their child’s mental health. All parents and guardians can opt their child out of Teen MHFA 2.0.
About the National Council for Mental Wellbeing
Founded in 1969, the National Council for Mental Wellbeing is a membership organization that drives policy and social change on behalf of over 3,200 mental health and substance use treatment organizations and the more than 15 million children, adults and families they serve. We advocate for policies to ensure access to high-quality services. We build the capacity of mental health and substance use treatment organizations. And we promote greater understanding of mental wellbeing as a core component of comprehensive health and health care. Through our Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) program, we have trained over 5 million people in the U.S. to identify, understand and respond to signs and symptoms of mental health and substance use challenges.
Media Contact
Sophia Majlessi
Media@TheNationalCouncil.org
202-621-1631
