A scoping review of Youth Mental Health First Aid for adolescents in school, community, and healthcare settings

TL;DR

This review examines how Youth Mental Health First Aid is implemented in schools and communities, highlighting its benefits and challenges for adolescent mental health support.

Contribution

The study provides a recent synthesis of post-2019 evidence on YMHFA implementation and effectiveness in youth-serving settings.

Findings

Most studies showed short-term improvements in adult participants' mental health literacy and confidence.

Barriers included scheduling conflicts and limited mental health infrastructure.

Few studies assessed long-term outcomes or direct impacts on adolescents.

Abstract

Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) is a training program that prepares adults to recognize and respond to adolescents’ mental health concerns. Although widely used in schools and community organizations internationally, there has been no recent synthesis focused on post-2019 implementation and effectiveness evidence in youth-serving settings. This scoping review examined the extent, range, and characteristics of the predominantly U.S.-based evidence on YMHFA in youth-serving settings. We conducted a comprehensive scoping search of six bibliographic databases and relevant gray literature sources through February 2025. Thirty-one studies met the inclusion criteria. YMHFA was delivered in schools, libraries, youth nonprofits, and family networks through in-person, blended in-person, and virtual formats. Most studies reported short-term gains in adult participants’ mental health literacy, confidence, and stigma reduction. Barriers included scheduling conflicts, stigma-related reluctance, staff turnover, and limited mental health infrastructure. Facilitators included strong organizational leadership, funding, culturally tailored adaptations, and community partnerships. Few studies assessed long-term outcomes, implementation fidelity, or adolescent-level effects. Findings underscore the need for evaluations that address sustainability, equity, and the direct impact of YMHFA on youth.

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