Youth Mental Health First Aid

Youth Mental Health First Aid consists of 2-hours of self-paced content followed by 5.5 hours of instructor-led training. It is designed to teach parents, family members, caregivers, teachers, school staff, peers, neighbors, health and human services workers, and other caring citizens how to help an adolescent (age 12-18) who is experiencing a mental health or addictions challenge or is in crisis.

Youth Mental Health First Aid is primarily designed for adults who regularly interact with young people. The course introduces common mental health challenges for youth, reviews typical adolescent development, and teaches a 5-step action plan for how to help young people in both crisis and non-crisis situations. Topics covered include anxiety, depression, substance use, disorders in which psychosis may occur, disruptive behavior disorders (including AD/HD), and eating disorders.

By the end of the course, participants will be able to: 

* Describe the purpose of Mental Health First Aid and the role of the Mental Health First Aider.

* Identify the impact of mental health challenges on the well-being of adults in the U.S.

* Explain that recovery from a mental health challenge is possible.

* Describe the principles of safety and privacy for both the Mental Health First Aider and the person receiving first aid.

* Explain the 5 steps of the Mental Health First Aid Action Plan (ALGEE).

* Recognize the signs and symptoms of mental health challenges that may impact adults.

* Evaluate the impact of early intervention on mental health challenges.

* Apply the appropriate steps of the Mental Health First Aid Action Plan (ALGEE) when a person shows early signs of a mental health challenge.

* Apply the appropriate steps of the Mental Health First Aid Action Plan (ALGEE) when a person shows worsening signs of a mental health challenge.

* Apply the appropriate steps of the Mental Health First Aid Action Plan (ALGEE) to crisis situations.

* Choose appropriate methods for self-care following the application of Mental Health First Aid in a crisis or non-crisis situation.

Host or Publisher Equipped with Joy