Youth Mental Health First Aid: October 2026

Designed to teach adults how to help youth who are experiencing mental health or substance use challenges. MUST register for both days. Instructor Name: Maria Suarez (she/her) - Program Director, YMCA of WNC Contact Info: [email protected]. Please note: The full training is spread out over two days. You must register for both days to receive the full training and three year certificate. Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) is designed to teach parents, family members, caregivers, teachers, school staff, neighbors, health and human services workers, and other caring citizens how to help an adolescent (age 12-18) who is experiencing a mental health or addictions challenge or crisis. YMHFA is an early intervention public education program. It teaches adults how to: • Recognize the signs and symptoms that suggest a potential mental health challenge. • Listen nonjudgmentally and give reassurance to a youth who may be experiencing a mental health challenge. • Refer a person to appropriate professional support and services. Topics covered include: • Anxiety • Depression • Substance use • Disorders in which psychosis may occur • Disruptive behavior disorders (including AD/HD) • Eating disorders A portion of the training will focus on: • Information on common substances used by youth. • Harm reduction strategies and the importance of reducing risks. • How to administer Naloxone to reverse opioid overdoses, with free Naloxone kits available for participants to take home. On the second day of the training, lunch will be provided by AmeriHealth Caritas, and we will host a working lunch where community mental health partners will discuss the services they offer and answer participants' questions. By the end of the course, participants will be able to: • Describe the purpose of Youth Mental Health First Aid and the role of the Youth Mental Health First Aider. • Recognize the signs and symptoms of mental health challenges that may impact youth. • Explain the impact of traumatic experiences and the role of resilience on adolescent development. • Understand substance use, the principles of harm reduction, and the steps to administer Naloxone effectively. • Apply the appropriate steps of the YMHFA Action Plan (ALGEE). • Choose appropriate methods for self-care following the application of Youth Mental Health First Aid.