A family spending time reading books in the library

About tMHFA

Teen Mental Health FIrst Aid is an evidence-based training program for teens in grades 10-12, or ages 15-18, that teaches teens how to identify, understand and respond to signs and symptoms of suicide risk, substance use, and mental health challenges among friends and peers.

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The Need

Suicide is the second leading cause of death among adolescents and young adults in New Jersey, and the State faces a growing youth mental health crisis. Mercer County has experienced an alarming trend of increasing youth suicides, self-harm, and suicidal ideation and attempts.

In our work providing therapy for children and youth in crisis, PEI Kids routinely screens for suicide risk and makes crisis referrals for youth needing immediate intervention due to suicide risk; and we, too, have experienced increasing numbers of youth disclosing suicidal ideation. Suicide remains the third leading cause of death for youth in New Jersey and Mercer is among the top 3 NJ counties with the highest rates of suicide attempts and self-inflicted injuries.

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*Sources: Suicide Report by NJ Division of Children & Families, NJ
Senate Bill No. 4050

Strategic Approach

PEI Kids’ programs help children at a crossroads work through some of the most critical and tumultuous times in their lives. Consistent with our role as a community leader in child safety and well-being, PEI Kids views the tMHFA initiative as a strategic fit within our program offering.

Through this project, we hope to address emerging mental health needs by proactively addressing the mental health challenges and social-emotional needs our youth may be facing as they navigate school, the social environment, and the stressors of adolescence and everyday life.

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Kind Words

“The quality and support of counseling my children received from PEI Kids has been wonderful. I was so impressed the way the counselor was able to accommodate my Sam’s special needs throughout therapy. (Sam is autistic.)”

“PEI Kids is a great place to take your child for counseling, the staff has been very polite and understanding. The counselor has done an excellent job counseling my daughter, and my daughter was able to turn things around. I thank her very much.”

“Without this program, I do not feel we would have been able to work through my daughter’s issues. Let’s hope PEI Kids continues for years to come. The staff has been helpful, supportive of both my child and me.”

“PEI Kids has been a wonderful asset to myself and my daughter. God bless you.”

“Thank you so much Dr. Brooks for helping my daughter. I am so grateful for this place.”