Across Washington, Communities In Schools (CIS) site coordinators and school-based staff play a critical role in the daily lives of students. They are often the first to notice subtle shifts—a drop in participation, changes in mood, or signs that a young person may be facing mental health challenges.
To meet those moments with confidence and care, many staff within the CIS network are trained in Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA)—an internationally recognized, evidence-based course designed for adults who work with youth. The training offers a foundational understanding of mental health and substance use issues, equipping participants to recognize warning signs, reduce stigma, and respond effectively when a student is in distress.
A Mental Health CPR for Schools and Communities
Youth Mental Health First Aid is often compared to CPR—but for mental health. The course helps school-based staff across CIS affiliates understand what to say (and what not to say), how to assess risk, and how to guide a student toward appropriate resources without stepping outside their role.
Each training includes:
- 2–3 hours of virtual pre-work
- One full day of in-person instruction
- Post-training engagement and reflection
Participants learn the ALGEE action plan, a five-step approach for supporting someone experiencing a mental health challenge or crisis. The training is relevant not only in professional settings, but often resonates personally for those working with youth—particularly those who are also caregivers themselves.
Youth Mental Health First Aid gave me practical tools to recognize when a student might be struggling and the confidence to approach those moments with empathy rather than hesitation. It’s not just something I use at work—I’ve also carried these skills into my personal life, where they’ve helped me show up better for friends and family.
– Francisco Espindola, Site Coordinator, Columbia Middle School, Communities In Schools of North Central Washington
Meeting Urgent Needs with Practical Tools
Mental health concerns among students have increased significantly since the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in rural communities where access to support is limited. The CIS Washington program team coordinates at least three Youth Mental Health First Aid trainings per year to keep staff certified and confident in their roles.
These trainings are timely and responsive, offering tools that can be implemented immediately at the school level. Early survey results indicate that participants report greater confidence, reduced fear of missteps, and an increased ability to support students in a nonjudgmental and affirming way.
“These were issues long before the pandemic,” notes Erica Limón-Trefielo, CISWA Interim State Director. “But the pandemic forced them to the forefront. This training is one way CIS is stepping in with tools that make a difference on the ground.”
A Ripple Effect: Supporting Systems and Families
The benefits of YMHFA are not confined to one student interaction or one classroom. When site coordinators are trained in mental health response, the positive impacts ripple outward—to school staff, families, and the broader community.
Site Coordinators trained in Youth Mental Health First Aid report stronger relationships with students, increased trust from school administrators, and even personal growth as they apply these principles at home.
This training also helps fill a systemic gap, particularly in schools that may lack mental health resources. CIS staff, equipped with the right tools, often become a key support for both students and educators navigating complex behavioral and emotional challenges.
Aligned with Broader CIS Values and Practices
Youth Mental Health First Aid complements a range of trauma-informed and student-centered practices already prioritized across the CIS Washington network. Alongside other professional development opportunities—such as Motivational Interviewing—YMHFA builds a consistent, values-aligned approach to youth development that centers empathy, voice, and agency.
Sustaining the Work Through Strategic Support
CISWA is committed to maintaining and expanding access to this vital training. While each in-person session costs approximately $170 per participant and is capped at 30 seats, the organization continues to offer it throughout the year. Ongoing certification, required every three years, is another investment needed to keep this resource widely available across the state.
“Sustaining this training is essential because mental health challenges don’t follow a schedule. Our students need us to be prepared every day. Ongoing access to Youth Mental Health First Aid ensures that staff like me can respond consistently, compassionately, and effectively—no matter when a student is in crisis.”
— Francisco Espindola, Site Coordinator, Columbia Middle School, Communities In Schools of North Central Washington
Help Expand Access to Mental Health Training
Youth Mental Health First Aid is just one-way Communities In Schools of Washington equips trusted adults to support the whole child. With expanded investment, more staff across rural and urban communities can gain this critical training—and more students can receive the care and understanding they deserve.
Partner with CISWA to help expand access to trauma-informed training like Youth Mental Health First Aid. Visit ciswa.org/partnership-opportunities to learn how you can invest in youth success.
To explore funding partnerships, contact Carina Raddatz, Development Director at carina@ciswa.org. To learn more about program impact, contact Nikki Ziegler, Program and Impact Director at nikki@ciswa.org.