Youth Mental Health First Aid is designed to teach parents, family members, caregivers, teachers, school staff, peers, 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 is in crisis. Youth Mental Health First Aid is primarily designed for adults who regularly interact with young people. The course introduces common mental health challenges for youth, reviews typical adolescent development, and teaches a 5-step action plan for how to help young people in both crisis and non-crisis situations. Topics covered include anxiety, depression, substance use, disorders in which psychosis may occur, disruptive behavior disorders (including AD/HD), and eating disorders.

These courses, led by expert trainers in the mental health field and certified by the National Council for Mental Well Being, will give you the skills you need to reach out and provide initial support to someone who may be developing a mental health or substance abuse problem and how to connect them to the appropriate care. You will also learn how to apply the ALGEE action plan: Assess for risk of suicide or harm; Listen nonjudgmentally; Give reassurance and information; Encourage appropriate professional help; and Encourage self-help and other support strategies. Check out this flyer detailing Mental Health First Aid.

The course is $25/person and includes training and materials; in-person classes includes refreshments. Limited to 30 participants.

The deadline to register for a certificate of completion has been extended to June 10th. 

COURSE FORMAT

• Activities: Participants will learn through involvement—working with the material and applying what they learn to real-life situations. Discussion topics, exercises, and other activities will keep attendees engaged in the course and give them an opportunity to practice helping skills.
• Environment: The instructors lead each course and follow a national curriculum and teaching standards, while emphasizing hope for recovery. Classes will consist of 30 people or less, and are offered in a respectful, comfortable environment.

COURSE INSTRUCTOR

Marguerite Keane Gibbons, LCSW-C
Marguerite is a Master Trainer in Mental Health First Aid, a licensed Psychotherapist, an Adjunct Professor at Anne Arundel Community College, and a Social Worker at Archbishop Spalding High School. She is the Spokesperson for the Youth Suicide Awareness Committee, Anne Arundel County, and a former long-term care committee member of the Mayor’s Health Policy Council. Her professional experience includes the Director of Social Work at The Washington Home and Hospice of Washington as well as many other social work and volunteer positions. She holds a B.A. in Sociology from Beloit College and a Master’s degree in Social Work from Catholic University.

OTHER COURSES TAUGHT IN THIS SERIES

The Adult Mental Health First Aid course is appropriate for anyone age 18 and older who wants to learn how to help a person who may be experiencing a mental health related crisis or problem.

VIRTUAL VIA ZOOM – Taught in TWO 3-hour courses (one hour of on-line prep work is required)

Dates:  Tuesday, September 17, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. – Register by September 4 and Tuesday, September 24, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Instructor: Naeemah Staggs

Virtual events will not be recorded.

Having Trouble Registering? Chrome is the recommended browser, you can also email ashley@cfaac.org.