Youth Mental Health First Aid teaches adults how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders in youth. This training 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. 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.
Los Alamos JJAB normally provides 4 to 5 training opportunities per year. The training is free to participants and includes all materials. Currently sessions are being conducted in person and through remote learning. The are option to any person living in Los Alamos County or a surrounding Northern New Mexico community.
Classes are facilitated by certified trainer, Danielle Sutherland. With financial support from Con Alma Health Foundation, to date Los Alamos JJAB has provided training to over 545 individuals.
with major depression
that do not receive any
MENTAL HEALTH TREATMENT
-National Alliance of Mental Illness
lives with a
MENTAL HEALTH CONDITION
-National Alliance of Mental Illness
report having a SUBSTANCE USE
or ALCOHOL PROBLEM
-Mental Health America
What the participants say:
ALGEE action plan
The course will teach you how to apply the ALGEE 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
Check out our events page for upcoming training dates.