Youth Mental Health First Aid- Virtual Class- Hosted by LRCC

A FREE course that will teach adults how to respond to signs and symptoms of mental health/substance use challenges and crises in youth.
About this Event

This is a FREE virtual class. Participants must be 18 years or older and be a Texas resident. This course is for anyone who interacts with youth professionally or personally. Parents, family members, teachers, caregivers, coaches, mentors, first responders, caring citizens, etc.

Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) is an early intervention training program that teaches participants the how to recognize and respond to mental health and substance use challenges or crises that are common amongst adolescents (ages 6-18). This evidence-based program has been specifically designed by individuals with lived experience to breakdown stigmas and improve participants knowledge and understanding of mental health and substance use challenges/crises.

This course will cover typical adolescent development as well as risks and protective factors for youth and the effects of social media and bullying. We will also cover mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, disruptive behavior disorders (such as ADHD), eating disorders, and psychosis. YMHFA also covers topics related to suicide, substance use, and overdose.

Participants will learn the 5-step MHFA action plan ALGEE for both crisis and non-crisis situations. The class will help build participants confidence in their new found ALGEE skills by applying them to different scenarios and group discussions/activities.

*This class requires completion of 2 hours of self-paced online prework before attending the Zoom based 5.5 hour instructor-led portion of the class.*

Steps to take the class:

1. Register for Your MHFA Connect Account: All participants will receive information to access their Connect account. From this account you will gain access to all materials needed for the class, evaluations and prework. You will also be able to access your certificate once successfully completing the course.

2. Pre-work: Participants MUST COMPLETE all evaluations and prework prior to attending your scheduled Zoom based instructor-led session.

3. Post Course Work: This includes a survey, final exam, and course evaluation.

*Participants will need access to a computer or smart device with video and audio capabilities. Attendees must have audio and video capabilities and be present on the screen for the duration of the class in order to receive their certification. Pre-work MUST BE COMLETED prior to attending the course.

If you are unable to attend after enrolling in the course, please notify us. Please note that any completed prework will not save if you are unenrolled from the course.

**If you have recently experienced trauma or loss to suicide it is advisable to attend Youth Mental Health First Aid at a later date. **