Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA)

  • Why Youth Mental Health First Aid? 

    64.1% of youth with major depression do not receive any mental health treatment --Mental Health America

    1 in 5 teens and young adults lives with a mental health condition -- National Alliance for Mental Illness

    5.13% of youth report having a substance or alcohol problem --Mental Health America

    Youth Mental Health First Aid teaches you how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illness and substance use disorders in youth. This 6-hour training gives adults who work with youth the skills they need to reach out and provide initial support to children and adolescents (ages 6-18) who may be developing a mental health or substance use problem and help connect them to the appropriate care.

  • Who is This Training Designed For?

    • Parents
    • Teachers
    • School staff
    • Coaches
    • Camp counselors
    • Youth group leaders
    • People who work with youth

     

  • What YMHFA Training Covers

    • Common signs and of mental illness in this age group, including
      • Anxiety
      • Depression
      • Eating disorders
      • Attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD)
    • Common signs and symptoms of substance use
    • How to interact with a child or adolescent in crisis
    • How to connect the person with help
    • NEW: Expanded content on trauma, addiction and self-care and the impact
      of social media and bullying

    The course also teaches you how to apply the ALGEE action plan:

    • Assess for risk of suicide or harm.
    • Listen nonjudgementally.
    • Give reassurance and information.
    • Encourage appropriate professional help.
    • Encourage self-help and other support strategies.

  • YMHFA Parent Education Opportunity

  • Upcoming Training Dates

    All upcoming trainings will be done virtually. First Aiders will complete a 2-hour, self-paced online class, and then participate in a 5-hour, instructor-led videoconference. These trainings are provided free of charge and open to all parents, staff and community members. Space is limited for each session.

    • Saturday, February 26, 8:15 a.m. - 1:15 p.m. 
    • Saturday, March 19, 8:15 a.m. - 1:15 p.m.
    • Wednesday, March 30, 2:15 - 6:45 p.m.
    • Saturday, April 23, 8:15 a.m. - 1:15 p.m.

    Note: If you are interested in earning 1CEU through University of the Pacific, there is a $50 fee for the CEU.

    How to Register for a Training

    • Email Liisa Hanninen-Danner at LHanninen-Danner@lvjusd.org
    • Please indicate your name and the date of the training you would like to attend in your email.
    • An email will be sent to you to confirm your registration and will include further details about the 2-hour self-directed session you will need to complete prior to your training day.