Children's Research Triangle (CRT) provides Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA), a nationally recognized training program designed to equip adults with the skills to identify and respond to mental health challenges faced by youth. This evidence-based course introduces participants to unique risk factors and warning signs of mental health issues and substance use among children and adolescents. YMHFA training empowers parents, educators, caregivers, and community members to provide initial support and guide youth toward appropriate professional help. By fostering early intervention and reducing stigma, CRT's YMHFA sessions play a critical role in promoting youth mental wellness and resilience in communities across Chicago. The course teaches participants the risk factors and warning signs of a variety of mental health challenges common among children and adolescents, including anxiety, depression, psychosis, eating disorders, AD/HD, disruptive behavior disorders, and substance use disorder. Participants do not learn to diagnose, nor how to provide any therapy or counseling – rather, participants learn to support a youth developing signs and symptoms of a mental illness or in an emotional crisis by applying a core five-step action plan: Assess for risk of suicide or harm, Listen nonjudgmentally, Give reassurance and information, Encourage appropriate professional help, Encourage self-help and other support strategies. Participants will learn to recognize the symptoms of common mental illnesses and substance use disorders; strategies to deescalate crisis situations safely; and how to initiate timely referrals to mental health and substance abuse resources available in the community. This training is designed for individuals who have contact with youth ages six and over, who are at risk of developing mental health disorders. Participating organizations may include child protective agencies, faith-based organizations, gang violence prevention groups, youth mentoring agencies, teen parenting programs, schools and educational institutions, domestic violence shelters, juvenile and family court, and medical providers.