teen Mental Health First Aid (tMHFA) is an evidence-based program developed in Australia that teaches young people in grades 10-12 how to identify and respond to signs of mental health challenges and crisis among peers.

Recognizing the growing adolescent mental health crisis in the United States, the National Council for Mental Wellbeing in partnership with a Johns Hopkins University research team used a mixed-methods participatory research approach to culturally adapt the program from Australia to the U.S. The goals of the study were to engage adolescents, MHFA instructors, and content area experts (N=171) in a process to determine: how to retain the elements of the course that were evidence-based and effective while adapting the program for U.S. students; what topics to add so U.S. students have the essential information and skills teens needed to help a friend experiencing a mental health challenge or crisis, what changes to make to curriculum materials to ensure the style and delivery resonate with U.S. students; and what tools to include so the program is implemented safely and with fidelity in diverse U.S. schools.

This presentation will discuss the adaptation process including engaging participants, identifying key recommendations for modification, and making changes to the tMHFA program. The findings demonstrate the types of adaptations that may be needed to facilitate implementation and maintenance of program effectiveness as tMHFA is introduced to new populations of students in the U.S. In addition, the process outlined can be replicated towards this purpose as the program continues to expand in both in the United States and other countries.