Are you considering joining our Youth Mental Health First Aid course but unsure what to expect? This blog will give you an overview of what the course entails and how it can benefit you and the young people you support.
Our Youth Mental Health First Aid course is a comprehensive, 2-day program designed to teach adults how to identify and respond to mental health problems in adolescents. The course is suitable for parents, carers, teachers, health professionals, sports coaches, and any adults supporting adolescents in various settings, including schools, community groups, organizations, and sporting clubs.
Participants can choose from different formats: face-to-face, blended face-to-face with online self-paced learning, and blended self-paced learning with videoconferencing. Regardless of the format, all sessions are led by Sarah, our experienced and licensed MHFA instructor. Sarah brings 18 years of experience in Psychiatry, Community Mental Health, Child and Youth Mental Health and Development, Pediatric Occupational Therapy, and more.
Throughout the course, you will learn about the signs and symptoms of common mental health problems in adolescents, such as anxiety, depression, psychosis, and substance use disorders. You will also gain practical skills to approach young people you are concerned about, initiate a supportive conversation, and provide initial help and information.
The course includes an evidence-based action plan that guides you through offering support, helping young people seek professional help, and utilizing available resources. By the end of the course, you will be a certified Mental Health First Aider, equipped with the knowledge, confidence, and skills to make a real difference in the lives of young people.
At Allay Occupational Therapy, we are passionate about mental health education and believe that this course is a valuable investment for anyone involved in the lives of adolescents. Join us and become part of a community dedicated to supporting youth mental health.
