2/21/20 Bend-La Pine Schools Youth Mental Health First Aid Training

Description:

Youth Mental Health First Aid USA is an 8 hour public education program which 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. 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.

The Youth Mental Health First Aid USA curriculum is primarily focused on information participants can use to help adolescents and transition-age youth, ages 12-18.

The 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:

• Assess for risk of suicide or harm

• Listen nonjudgmentally

• Give reassurance and information

• Encourage appropriate professional help

• Encourage self-help and other support strategies

Professional Development Units (PDU) Information:

Participants who complete the course will be given a certificate. The National Association of Social Workers has approved Youth Mental Health First Aid for CEU's. Contact your licensing board directly to inquire about CEU's. It is understood that outside commitments may require an attendee to leave a few minutes early. This can be arranged with the trainer the day of the training. However, if early departure of more than one hour is needed, attendees should consider either readjusting their schedule for complete attendance or to take a future training. Full day attendees receive a certificate of attendance and therefore, the declaration of being Mental Health First Aid Trained.

Instructors:

Whitney Schumacher, MPH, Suicide Prevention Coordinator, Deschutes County Health Services

Katie Plumb, MC, Prevention & Health Promotion Supervisor, Crook County Health Department

Contact information:

Whitney Schumacher, 541-322-7420, whitney.schumacher@deschutes.org