Youth Mental Health First Aid teaches a 5-step action plan to offer initial help to young people showing signs of a mental illness or in a crisis and connect them with the appropriate professional, peer, social or self-help care. It will review the unique risk factors and warning signs of mental health problems in adolescents ages 12-18. It emphasizes the importance of early intervention and covers how to help an adolescent in crisis or experiencing a mental health challenge.
This course is ideally designed for adults who work with young people, ages 12-18 – teachers, coaches, leaders of faith communities, social workers and other caring citizens. College Students and High School Seniors are also encouraged to take the course. This 8-hour course is typically scheduled twice a year. Stay tuned for more information.
Mental Health First Aid Teaches:
- Risk factors and warning signs of mental health concerns.
- Information on depression, anxiety, trauma, psychosis, and substance use.
- A 5-step action plan to help someone developing a mental health concern or in crisis.
- Available evidence-based professional, peer, and self-help resources.
4 Reasons to Become a Mental Health First Aider:
- To be prepared: Just as you learn CPR, learn how to help in a mental health crisis.
- Mental illnesses are common: 1 in 5 adults in any given year.
- You care: be there for a friend, family member, or colleague.
- You can help: people with mental illnesses often suffer alone.
