Youth Mental Health First Aid

Event date: This event has already passed.

Youth Mental Health First Aid USA is a training program which introduces participants to the unique risk factors and warning signs of mental health problems in adolescents, builds understanding of the importance of early intervention, and teaches individuals how to help an adolescent in crisis or experiencing a mental health challenge.
Mental Health First Aid uses role-playing and simulations to demonstrate how to assess a mental health crisis; select interventions and provide initial help; and connect young people to professional, peer, social, and self-help care.
This class is taught by Kristi Grems LPC, LAC, Mind Springs Health. Kristi holds a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology and Counselor Education from the University of Colorado at Denver. She joined the clinical staff at Mind Springs Health in 2005, and was promoted Program Director for Eagle County in 2014.  Kristi provides counseling for children, adults, and groups.
WHAT WILL PARTICIPANTS LEARN?
The course teaches participants the risk factors and warning signs of a variety of mental health challenges common among adolescents, including anxiety, depression, psychosis, eating disorders, AD/HD, disruptive behavior disorders, and substance use disorder. Participants do not learn to diagnose, nor how to provide any therapy or counseling – rather, participants learn to support a youth developing signs and symptoms of a mental illness or in an emotional crisis by applying a core five-step action plan:
 Assess for risk of suicide or harm

 Listen nonjudgmentally

 Give reassurance and information

 Encourage appropriate professional help

 Encourage self-help and other support strategies

 
The Youth Mental Health First Aid USA curriculum is primarily focused on information participants can use to help adolescents and transition-age youth, ages 12-18.

Where?
Town of Avon Council Chambers
1 Lake Street
Avon, Colorado 81620

When?
Wednesday, December 9th, 8:30 am-3:30 pm
RSVP

Carol Johnson
cjohnson@eagleyouth.org

Light refreshments will be served, but please plan bring your lunch.  There is no fee for ERYC members, $10 per person for all other attendees.