Youth Mental Health First Aid USA is an eight-hour public education program which introduces participants to the unique risk factors and warning signs of mental health problems in adolescents, builds an 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.

WHO SHOULD TAKE THE COURSE? The course is designed for adults who regularly interact with youth (teachers, school staff, coaches, church and youth group leaders, childcare workers, parents, social workers, hospital staff, law enforcement, employers, etc.).

WHAT WILL PARTICIPANTS LEARN? 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 of harm; LISTEN nonjudgmentally; GIVE reassurance and information; ENCOURAGE appropriate professional help; ENCOURAGE self-help and other support strategies

There is no charge for the course thanks to our generous donors, but RSVP is required.

SEATING IS LIMITED. IF YOU SIGN UP AND YOUR PLANS CHANGE, PLEASE LET US KNOW SO WE CAN GIVE YOUR SEAT TO SOMEONE ON THE WAITING LIST. THANK YOU!

A workbook for you to keep is included and you will receive verified training hours for continuing education. You will also receive a certification in Mental Health First Aid from the National Council on Behavioral Wellbeing. THE CERTIFICATION IS GOOD FOR THREE (3) YEARS.

ABOUT THE TRAINERS & VHBG THERAPEUTIC RESOURCES Virginia Home for Boys and Girls (VHBG) has been helping children in crisis since 1846. Our Therapeutic Resouce Center, located on our 30+ acre campus in Henrico's west end, is directed by Karen Rice, LCSW. She has more than 30 years of experience counseling youth and their families. She is certified at the national instructor level in Mental Health First Aid-Youth and Mental Health First Aid-Adult. Karen holds a Master of Social Work, Mental Health from Virginia Commonwealth University and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Virginia.

If the event is full and you want to be put on a waitlist, please email lfrancis@vhbg.org or call 804-270-6566 ext. 1590.