Mental Health Adults Who Interact with Youth
Mental Health First Aid: Adults Who Interact with Youth
This course, from the Mental Health Commission of Canada, is most relevant in situations when it is first becoming apparent to an adult that a young person in their family, classroom, or other network is developing a mental health problem or in a mental health crisis. The course provides actionable information on how to assist a young person who has a history of a mental illness or longer-term mental health and/or substance use problems, as well as how to support a young person in crisis.
Develop key foundational skills in this two-day workshop, such as learning to recognize the signs and symptoms of common mental health issues, effective communication skills, intervention techniques, and community supports. Through this workshop, adults gain insight into how to support young people (Ages 12-24) experiencing mental health challenges.
Course Outline
The information in this course is designed to be sensitive to the unique nature of mental health problems experienced by young people. It empowers participants to provide initial support to a young person experiencing a mental health problem, intervene in crisis situations, and identify emerging issues in the workplace, community, youth groups, and home.
The following mental health problems are covered:
- Substance Use Disorder
- Mood disorders
- Deliberate Self-Injury
- Anxiety and Trauma-Related disorders
- Eating Disorders
- Psychosis
The following mental health crisis situations are covered:
- Suicidal behaviour
- Overdoses
- Panic Attacks
- Reactions to traumatic events
- Psychotic episodes
Course Details
Length: In-person, 14 hours over two days.
Certificate: Valid for three years.
Prerequisite: None
Cost: $200.00 + GST
Who Should Attend?: The course is designed for members of the public who have frequent contact with young people, for example, parents and guardians, educators, sports coaches, and youth workers. Participants will learn how to:
- Recognize signs that a young person may be experiencing a decline in their mental well-being, or a mental health or substance use crisis
- Initiate conversations that encourage a young person to talk about a mental health or substance use problem
- Discuss professional and other supports that could help with recovery to improved mental well-being
- Assist in a mental health or substance use crisis situation
- Check in with one’s own mental well-being and take action as needed