Mental Health First Aid Instructor
Why Youth Mental Health First Aid?
Youth Mental Health First Aid teaches you how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges among children and adolescents ages 12-18.
10.2% of youth will be diagnosed with a substance use disorder in their lifetime.
Source: Youth Mental Health First Aid**
1 in 5 teens and young adults lives with a mental health condition.
Source: National Alliance for Mental Illness*
50% of all mental illnesses begin by age 14, and 75% by the mid-20s.
Source: Archives of General Psychiatry***
Who Should Know Mental Health First Aid?
- Teachers.
- School Staff.
- Coaches.
- Camp Counselors.
- Youth Group Leaders.
- Parents.
- Adults who Work with Youth
What Mental Health First Aid Covers
Common signs and symptoms of mental health challenges in this age group, including anxiety, depression, eating disorders and attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD).
Common signs and symptoms of substance use challenges
How to interact with a child or adolescent in crisis.
How to connect the youth with help.
Expanded content on trauma, substance use, self-care and the impact of social media and bullying.
As part of our commitment to strengthening youth mental health, the MJK Foundation covers 100% of the certification cost, allowing you to focus on gaining the tools to make a difference.
Learn how to respond with the Mental Health First Aid Action Plan (ALGEE)
A
Assess for risk of suicide or harm.
Listen nonjudgmentally.
Give reassurance and information.
Encourage appropriate professional help.
Encourage self-help and other support strategies.
Ways To Learn
In-person (2nd Edition)
Learners receive their training during a 6.5-hour, Instructor-led, in-person session.
Blended
Learners complete a 2-hour, self-paced online course, and participate in a 4.5- to 5.5-hour, Instructor-led training. This Instructor-led Training can be:
- A video conference.
- An in-person class.
By the end of the course, learners will be able to
Describe the purpose of YMHFA and the role of the Mental Health First Aider.
Recognize the signs and symptoms of mental health or substance use challenges that may impact youth.
Explain the impact of traumatic experiences and the role of resilience on adolescent development.
Apply the appropriate steps of the MHFA Action Plan (ALGEE) in noncrisis and crisis scenarios.
Practice appropriate methods for self-care following the application of YMHFA in a noncrisis or crisis situation.
The following is an overview of the course topics.
Welcome to Youth Mental Health First Aid
- Learn the purpose of YMHFA and the roe of the First Aider.
Mental health and illness in youth
- Learn facts about the prevalence of mental health and substance use challenges in youth and the importance of early intervention.
- Identify risk and protective factors for mental health and substance use challenges.
- Explore barriers to treatment in your own community.
Typical adolescent development
- Use prior knowledge to describe typical adolescent development.
- Identify the impact of social media on youth.
Signs and symptoms of mental health challenges in youth
- Learn signs and symptoms that are common to a variety of mental health and substance use disorders.
- Differentiate between typical behaviors and potential warning signs.
The MHFA Action Plan (ALGEE) in a noncrisis scenario
- Learn the five steps of the MHFA Action Plan and apply them to a noncrisis scenario.
The MHFA Action Plan (ALGEE) in a crisis scenario
- Learn important considerations for using the five steps of the MHFA Action Plan in a crisis.
- Apply the skills to a crisis scenario.
Self-care for the Mental Health First Aider
- Learn how to choose appropriate methods for self-care following the application of YMHFA.