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Free class about first aid for mental health
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CopyYouth Mental Health First Aid USA is an eight-hour public education program that introduces participants to the 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.
The course teaches participants the risk factors and warning signs of a variety of mental health challenges common among adolescents, including anxiety, depression, psychosis, disruptive behavior disorders and substance use disorder.
Participants do not learn to diagnose, nor how to provide any therapy or counseling — rather, they 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 course is designed for adults who regularly interact with adolescents, such as teachers, school staff, coaches, youth group leaders, parents, etc.
Spectrum Healthcare offers the class free of charge. The next class is scheduled for Friday, March 27, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 8 E. Cottonwood St. in Cottonwood. To register, contact Richard Dehnert at 634-2236 or richardd@spectrumhealth.caregroup.org.
Mental Health First Aid uses 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.
Mental Health First Aid is included on the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's National Registry of Evidence-based Programs and Practices.
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