Youth Mental Health First Aid Course
(YMHFA)
Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA): Become a Vital Safety Net for the Next Generation
Navigating the Storms of Adolescence with Professional Support
In Hong Kong’s high-pressure academic environment and complex digital social landscape, youth aged 12 to 18 face unprecedented psychological challenges. From academic anxiety and school bullying to social media pressure, children often choose silence, leaving parents and teachers feeling helpless.
"Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA)" is more than just an internationally recognized certification; it is a practical set of communication and intervention techniques. It empowers you to identify crises early and provide support before professional medical intervention is required, potentially preventing a tragedy.
What You Will Master in 14 Hours?
Designed for those without a psychology background, this course uses the systematic ALGEE Action Plan to address common youth crises:
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Identifying Early Warning Signs: Differentiating between "normal teenage rebellion" and early symptoms of clinical depression or anxiety.
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Managing Youth-Specific Crises:
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Addressing Eating Disorders (Anorexia/Bulimia).
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Intervening in Non-Suicidal Self-Injury (NSSI) and suicidal ideation.
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Handling substance abuse, cyberbullying, and digital addiction.
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Barrier-Free Communication: Learning how to stay calm and provide effective initial support even when a child is emotionally deregulated.
Who Should Attend?
This course is essential for the "Guardians" of our youth:
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Parents & Guardians (Especially those with children aged 10-18)
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Educators (Secondary teachers, Heads of Year, SEN coordinators)
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Youth Workers (Social workers, sports coaches, youth mentors)
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Corporate HR (Supporting employee family wellness and "Working Parent" initiatives)
Program Detail
3.5
3.5 Hours per Session
14
14 Hours of Total Contact Hours
Course Details & New 2026 Certification Policy
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Duration: 14 Hours (Conducted in-person / weekend sessions)
Certification: 100% attendance grants an internationally recognized YMHFA certificate issued by the Mental Health Association of Hong Kong.
🎁 Exclusive Benefit: This YMHFA course (or our MHFA Standard Course) is complimentary for students enrolled in our "NGH & IHA Hypnotherapy Training" or "NLP Coach Certification."
⚠️ 【Important Policy Update: Effective April 1, 2026】
To ensure first-aiders stay current with intervention techniques, the MHAHK has announced that YMHFA certificates issued on or after April 1, 2026, will have a 3-year validity. Renewal is simple via a half-day refresher course. Mind Matters Academy fully supports this professional upgrade to ensure our students remain at the forefront of crisis intervention standards.
Latest Course Dates for Youth Mental Health First Aid
June 2026
Date & Time:
9, 11, 16, 18 June (Tue & Thur) 06:30pm - 10:00pm
Language of Instruction: Cantonese (Please contact us for English classes)
Tuition Fee (Special Offer for 2 persons/ Members of Partnering Organsiations): HK$1,050
Tuition Fee (Regular)：HK$1,150
Note: Your place will only be confirmed upon full payment.
📘 Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) FAQ
Q1: What is "Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA)," and how does it differ from the Adult version?
A1: YMHFA is an international certification course specifically designed to support adolescents aged 12 to 18. Because the adolescent brain is still developing, their emotional expression and behavioral patterns—such as withdrawal under academic pressure or intense mood swings—differ significantly from adults. This course focuses on youth-specific challenges like self-harm, eating disorders, academic anxiety, and the impact of social media, providing intervention strategies tailored to this age group.
Q2: With many organizations offering YMHFA in Hong Kong, what is the unique teaching approach at Mind Matters Academy?
A2: We deeply respect and value the foundational work laid by the Mental Health Association of HK and various NGOs. At Mind Matters Academy, our approach is to bridge the gap between "Official Curriculum" and "Frontline Clinical Reality." Lead instructor Vincent Yeung brings a unique perspective: in addition to his Cambridge and legal background, he serves as a Board Member of KELY Support Group, which specializes in youth drug awareness and mental health, and is a former Trainer for The Samaritans, where he specialized in suicide prevention and crisis intervention. Drawing from over 1,250 clinical cases, he teaches how to apply "Communication & Negotiation Logic" to rebuild trust with adolescents in high-pressure HK family and school environments.
Q3: Is this course too advanced for someone without a psychology background?
A3: Not at all. YMHFA is designed for "laypeople"—parents, teachers, and coaches. The course simplifies complex adolescent psychopathology into the actionable ALGEE 5-step Action Plan. Whether you are a parent or a school administrator, you will master a repeatable, effective process to stay calm and provide immediate support during a crisis.
Q4: Why will the YMHFA certificate have a "3-Year Validity" starting in 2026?
A4: This policy ensures that first-aiders stay current with evolving mental health trends. According to the new 2026 mandate from the MHAHK, certificates issued after April 1st will be valid for three years. Mind Matters Academy fully supports this professionalization—much like physical first aid, mental health intervention skills require regular "refreshing." After three years, a simple half-day refresher course is all that is needed to renew your certification and keep your skills sharp.
Q5: Does the course cover specific crises like "Refusal to Communicate" or "Self-Harm"?
A5: Yes, these are core components of the training. We explore how adolescents communicate distress through non-verbal signals. Through role-play and case analysis, we guide participants on how to safely open a dialogue, assess risks for suicide or self-injury, and effectively guide a youth toward professional help without breaking the bond of trust between the adult and the child.
Q6: Can we arrange private group training for School Faculty or Parent-Teacher Associations (PTA)?
A6: Absolutely. We frequently conduct tailored training for international schools and local education teams. Beyond the standard 14-hour certification, Vincent can adjust the case studies to address specific cultures within your school or organization, such as the specific stressors of the IB/DSE curricula or cross-cultural family dynamics.
For any enquires, please contact us via WhatsApp messages, at 9427 9247