Youth Mental Health First Aid

Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) is a skills-based training that teaches adults (and teens, through a separate program) how to recognize, understand, and respond to signs of mental health challenges and substance use issues in young people (ages 6-18), helping them connect to appropriate professional help using a 5-step action plan. Light refreshments will be provided.

Objectives:

– Identify signs: Recognize warning signs and symptoms of mental illnesses (like depression, anxiety, psychosis) and substance misuse in youth
– Understand youth: Learn about typical adolescent development and the specific mental health challenges young people face
– Learn the ALGEE Action Plan, a practical 5-step plan to help:
Assess for risk of suicide or harm,
Listen nonjudgmentally,
Give reassurance and information,
Encourage appropriate professional help,
Encourage self-help and other support strategies.
Feel confident connecting to care: Guide young people toward therapists, counselors, support groups, and other resources