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Youth Mental Health First Aid Training

  • Pao Arts Center 99 Albany Street Boston, MA, 02111 United States (map)

BCNC Family Services will be providing a free in-person Youth Mental Health First Aid training in April.

Curriculum: Youth Mental Health First Aid

Format: In-person at Pao Arts Center (99 Albany St, Boston, MA 02111)(2 hour self-paced pre-work online required)

Language: English

Target: Anyone age 18 and older

Cost: Free! Lunch is provided, plus $25 gift card after completion of the training and post survey!

Optional reserach opportunity: You will receive $30 if you choose to participate in the research study ($15 for surveys and $15 for focus group) in compensation for your time and participation in the study.

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:

  • Depression and Anxiety

  • Substance use

  • Psychosis

  • Disruptive behavior disorders (including AD/HD)

  • Eating disorders

Youth Mental Health First Aid teaches about recovery and resiliency – the belief that individuals experiencing these challenges can and do get better, and use their strengths to stay well.

Interventions Learned:

When you take a course, you learn how to apply the Youth Mental Health First Aid action plan in a variety of situations, including when someone is experiencing:

  • Panic attacks

  • Suicidal thoughts or behaviors

  • Non-suicidal self-injury

  • Acute psychosis (e.g., hallucinations or delusions)

  • Overdose or withdrawal from alcohol or drug use

The opportunity to practice — through role plays, scenarios, and activities — makes it easier to apply these skills in a real-life situation.

Deadline for registration: 4/10/2023. Reserve your spot now — space is limited!

**This is an in-person training that requires you to complete a 2-hour, self-paced pre-work prior to the Instructor-led training. Please complete the pre-work prior to April 14, 2023.

Contact: Megan Fu | 617-249-2995 x1094 or Angel Chan | 617-249-2995 x1020