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Youth Mental Health First Aid
(HYBRID COURSE: Online pre-work and live in-person course)
This is an 8-hour education program and certification that introduces participants to the unique risk factors and warning signs of mental health problems in adolescents, builds understanding of the importance of early intervention, and teaches individuals how to help an adolescent in crisis or experiencing a mental health challenge. Youth Mental Health First Aid uses group activity, role-playing and simulations to demonstrate how to assess a mental health crisis; select interventions and provide initial help; and connect young people to professional, peer, social, and self-help care.
This course is offered in a two-part format and both components must be completed to earn your certification:
*Please only register if you can commit to completing both the pre-work and the full in-person session. Because this course results in a certification, attendees must fully participate in the entire program.*
The in-person component of this course will be indoors. Seating will be as distanced as possible, and all attendees are asked to wear a mask/face covering while indoors unless actively eating or drinking.
What will participants learn? This course teaches participants the risk factors and warning signs of a variety of mental health challenges common among adolescents, including anxiety, depression, psychosis, eating disorders, AD/HD, 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. The Youth Mental Health First Aid USA curriculum is primarily focused on information participants can use to help adolescents and transition-age youth, ages 8-18.
Who should take this course? The course is designed for any adults who regularly interact with adolescents who are ACA, New England members. *We are able to provide this course at a reduced charge due to a grant.*
Who created the course? The National Council for Mental Wellbeing was instrumental in bringing Mental Health First Aid to the U.S. Mental Health First Aid USA worked with experts at the National Technical Assistance Center for Children’s Mental Health at the Georgetown University Center for Child and Human Development to develop the youth program.
Instructor:
When: Tuesday, December 14, 2021, 9:30 am – 3:00 pm (pre-work must be completed by Friday, December 10 for participants to qualify to join the in-person portion of the course).
Where: Merrimack Parks & Recreation, 116 Naticook Rd, Merrimack, NH 03054
Cost: $30 for ACA, New England members/ $60 for non-members.
*We are able to provide this course at a reduced cost due to a grant.*
Register: Click here. You will register through ACA, New England, but additional communication about the course will come from the course instructor/ the National Council for Mental Wellbeing.
Registrations are non-refundable, but may be transferred to another eligible individual prior to the start of the event (provided there is enough time for that individual to complete the mandatory pre-work).
Once you register through ACA, New England, you will receive an email with additional details on how to access the pre-work through the Mental Health First Aid Portal. Please allow time to receive that email. All pre-work must be completed by Friday, December 10 to ensure you are qualified to attend the in-person component of the program.
A minimum of 6 and maximum of 30 registered participants is required for the program to run.
Questions, reach out to Kerry Salvo, Director of Education and Professional Development at kerry@acanewengland.org or 781-541-6080 ext. 104.
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