What is Youth Mental Health First Aid?

Youth Mental Health First Aid 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.

Why enroll in Youth Mental Health First Aid?

Youth Mental Health First Aid teaches you how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illness and substance use disorders in youth. This training gives adults who work with youth the skills they need to reach out and provide initial support to children and adolescents (ages 6-18) who may be developing a mental health or substance use problem and help connect them to the appropriate care.

Who should enroll?

• Teachers
• School staff
• Coaches
• Camp counselors
• Youth group leaders
• Parents
• People who work with youth

What does Youth Mental Health First Aid cover?

• Common signs and symptoms of mental illness in youth, including anxiety and depression
• Eating disorders
• Attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD)
• Common signs and symptoms of substance use
• How to interact with a child or adolescent in crisis
• How to connect the individual with helpful resources
• Expanded content on trauma, addiction and self-care
• The impact of social media and bullying

Format

Participants must complete two hours of pre-work using a computer with an internet connection prior to the live session. After this pre-work is complete, participants will be able to attend their designated live training on Zoom from 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Register for Youth Mental Health First Aid.

To learn more about Mental Health First Aid, visit www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org.

Contact Prevention Services with questions or to learn more at 913-715-7880 or JCMHCevents@jocogov.org.