Youth Mental Health First Aid Class 

Dates: October 16th and 23rd, 2017, 3:00 PM  -- 7:00 PM

Youth Mental Health First Aid USA is an 8 hour program which introduces participants to the unique risk factors and warning signs of mental health problems in adolescents. It builds understanding of the importance of early intervention and teaches individuals to help an adolescent in crisis or experiencing a mental health challenge.

What will participants learn?

The course teaches participants the risk factors and warning signs of a variety of mental health challenges common among adolescents (ages 12-18) including depression, psychosis, eating disorders, ADHD, disruptive behavior disorders and substance use disorder.  Participants do not learn to diagnose, nor how to provide any therapy or counseling.  Rather participants learn to support a youth developing signs and symptoms of a mental illness or in an emotional crisis by applying a core five-step action plan:

• Assess for risk of suicide or harm
• Listen nonjudgmentally
• Give reassurance and information
• Encourage appropriate professional help
• Encourage self-help and other support strategies       

Who should take the course?       

• All School staff;
• Sports coaches;
• Food services employees;
• School volunteers
• Individuals who regularly come in contact with youth;
• Anyone working for an organization that interacts with youth.

AS this training opportunity is outside of the regular work day, any individual registering for this course will be paid a $100 stipend. Space will be limited in each session to 25 participants.