Strengthening Mental Health Awareness Across El Paso
Since 2020, Big Brothers Big Sisters of El Paso (BBBSEP) has become a leader in delivering Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) across our region. With the support of schools, government agencies, nonprofits, and community partners, we have trained thousands of people to better recognize and respond to mental health challenges.
OUR IMPACT
- 4,000+ participants trained in MHFA
- 1,500+ teens certified in Teen MHFA (tMHFA)
- Trainings offered in both English and Spanish
- Certified instruction across Adult, Youth, and Teen MHFA
OUR PARTNERS
BBBSEP is proud to collaborate with partners across El Paso County and beyond, including:
- El Paso County – county staff and community trainings
- UTEP social work department- in which UTEP is now making the MHFA trainings part of the curriculum in specific classes.
- Canutillo Independent School District (CISD) – Teen MHFA for every junior and senior, plus all faculty and staff
- Loretto Academy – Teen and staff trainings
- Boost Network – youth-serving professionals and mentors
- United Way of El Paso County – staff and partner trainings
- Juvenile Probation Department (JPD) – new partnership supporting youth justice programs
- Military base partners – expanding MHFA to service members and families
- Community Public Trainings – open MHFA courses for parents, mentors, and local residents
- Additional collaborations with organizations such as the Borderland Rainbow Center, Grief Center of El Paso, Texas Tech Medical School, Sunflower Bank, and Evolve Federal Credit Union
WHY IT MATTERS
Together, BBBSEP and its partners have created a strong community of trained youth and adults who are equipped to:
- Recognize early signs of mental health and substance use challenges
- Provide initial support in times of crisis
- Connect peers, students, and families to professional care
- In just five years, BBBSEP has trained more than 4,000 people — building a safer, more supportive El Paso for youth and families.
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
Adult Mental Health First Aid (MHFA)
An 8-hour training that teaches adults how to recognize, understand, and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges in other adults. Participants learn a five-step action plan (ALGEE) to provide support until professional help is available.
Who it’s for?
Community members, employers, faith leaders, first responders, and anyone who wants to support adults in need.
Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA)
A 6–8 hour training designed for adults who interact with youth. This course equips parents, caregivers, teachers, school staff, and coaches with the skills to identify, understand, and respond to young people facing mental health or substance use challenges.
Who it’s for?
Adults supporting youth ages 6–18.
Teen Mental Health First Aid (tMHFA)
A course tailored for high school students (ages 15–18). Delivered in three 90-minute sessions, it teaches teens how to support their friends with mental health challenges, connect peers to trusted adults, and reduce stigma around help-seeking.
Who it’s for?
Students in grades 10–12, delivered in schools and youth-serving organizations.
JOIN A MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID TRAINING SESSION
Learn to support YOUTH Mental Health – Trainings open to ADULTS ONLY
- Sessions coming soon
Learn to support ADULT Mental Health – Trainings open to ADULTS ONLY
- Sessions coming soon
Learn to support TEEN Mental Health – Trainings open to TEENS ONLY
- Sessions coming soon