Mental Health First Aid Training

Youth Mental First Aid is designed to teach any caring adult how to identify and assist an adolescent (ages 12-18) who is experiencing a mental health and/or substance-use challenge. Participants are introduced to a 5-Step action plan to help young people in both crisis and non-crisis situations. 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 ADHD), and eating disorders. Mental Health First Aid is an evidence-based, early intervention public education program. It teaches adults how to recognize the signs and symptoms that suggest a potential mental health and/or substance use challenge, how to listen non-judgmentally and give reassurance to a person who may be experiencing a mental health and/or substance use challenge, and how to refer a person to appropriate professional support and services.

Denton County MHMR Center offers free training on Youth or Adult Mental Health First Aid to ISD, Charter School, Community College or Trade School staff in the Denton County Area. This is made possible through the Texas Schools Initiative Grant through the Texas Health and Human Services Commission. Community members not affiliated with the above are welcome to attend and the fee is $50. The SAMHSA Suicide Prevention grant that Denton County MHMR received may cover the cost for some community members. Please reach out for more information. All participants will receive a certificate from the training. Continuing Education units will be available for Licensed Social Workers. Most disciplines will accept MHFA as continuing education. Please contact your respective licensing entity for more information. Registration is required. Class minimum is 5 participants, maximum is 20 for Virtual/Blended courses and 30 for in-person courses. Classes are only being provided virtually at this time due to COVID-19. Virtual Classes involve 2 hours of self-paced pre-work and a Zoom Instructor-Led Portion (Adult 5.5 Hours and Youth 4.5 Hours). Contact Phyllis Finley MHFA Outreach Coordinator at phyllis@dentonmhmr.orgfor questions or more information.