The 8 hour course can be taught in 2 sessions.

Session 1

* Welcome to Youth Mental Health First Aid

* Mental Health and Mental Illness in Youth

* Typical Adolescent Development

* Signs and Symptoms of Mental Health Challenges

Session 2 - Skill Building

* YMHFA Action Plan (ALGEE) in a non-crisis scenario

* YMHFA Action Plan (ALGEE) in a crisis scenario

* Self-Care for the Youth Mental Health First Aider

After the course, participants will be able to:

• Recognize common signs and symptoms of mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, eating disorders and attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD).

• Recognize common signs and symptoms of substance use challenges.

• Understand how to interact with a young person in crisis.

• Know how to connect a young person with help.

• Better understand trauma, substance use, self-care, and the impact of social media and bullying.

AFTER THE COURSE, YOU’LL BE ABLE TO: • Recognize common signs and symptoms of mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, eating disorders and attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD). • Recognize common signs and symptoms of substance use challenges. • Understand how to interact with a young person in crisis. • Know how to connect a young person with help. • Better understand trauma, substance use, self-care and the impact of social media and bullying

In-Person - 7 hours of instruction, in-person.

Virtual - This delivery option includes a 2-hour online self-paced course and a virtual Instructor-led session through Zoom.

Blended - This delivery option includes a 2-hour online self-paced course and a face-to-face instructor led session in a classroom setting.

Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) teaches how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges among adolescents. Participants will build the skills and confidence needed to reach out and provide initial support to struggling young people