Mental Health First Aid & QPR Suicide Prevention Trainings in Santa Barbara
why mental health education matters
Our trainings empower teens, parents, educators, first responders, and caring adults with practical tools to build a safe, supportive community.
Knowledge builds confidence.
Participants learn what to say, what to do, and how to connect someone to help when they’re struggling.
Trusted adults make a difference.
The #1 protective factor in youth mental health is a trusted adult, and through our programs, both adults and teens learn to support one another.
Together, we’re saving lives.
In 2025, YouthWell and Family Service Agency (FSA) trained over 900 adults and students through 48 life-saving sessions, strengthening our community’s capacity for prevention and care.
training options in Santa Barbara County
QPR: Question, Persuade, Refer
(2-Year Certification)
FREE 2-hour suicide prevention training teaching you to:
• Recognize the warning signs of suicide.
• Ask direct, compassionate questions.
• Persuade someone to get help.
• Refer them to community resources in Santa Barbara County.
We can also customize a one-hour session for your group’s needs, covering active listening skills, self-care practices, and role-play scenarios.
Youth Mental Health First Aid
(3-Year Certification) • English & Spanish
FREE 6.5-hour course designed for adults (18+) who work or live with youth ages 12–18.
• Identify and respond to signs of mental health or substance use challenges
• Recognize warning signs and respond with a 5-step action plan.
• Support youth in both crisis and non-crisis situations.
• Topics include anxiety, depression, substance use, psychosis, disruptive behavior disorders (including ADHD), and eating disorders.
• Offered in-person or blended virtual
Spanish Trainings Available by Request
Formaciones en español disponibles bajo solicitud.
YouthWell offers Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) in Spanish upon request.
If your organization would like to host a Spanish-language session, please contact Ashley at MHTraining@YouthWell.org to schedule.
Formaciones en español disponibles bajo solicitud.
Comuníquese con Ashley at MHTraining@YouthWell.org para más información o para coordinar una capacitación para su grupo.
upcoming trainings
Santa Maria Joint Union High School District Wellness Peers
Santa Ynez Valley High School
CAUSE 805 & YAB
Santa Maria Joint Union High School District Wellness Staff
Community Training
AHA!
Community Training
Youth Advocacy Board
completed trainings & community partners
YouthWell partners with schools, agencies, and community organizations across Santa Barbara County to make prevention education accessible to all.
Thank you!
Through a SAMHSA grant, Family Service Agency (FSA) and YouthWell are able to provide more community education around mental health as a way to support youth in our community.