Thursday, March 28, 2024

Free youth mental health first aid training being offered

VIRGINIA BEACH – If you work with, or have an interest in, youth mental health, Virginia Beach Behavioral Health and Wellness Prevention Services has a free opportunity for you to learn.

The Youth Mental Health First Aid USA training is being offered Monday at the Virginia Beach Convention Center from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Although the course is open to anyone, seating is limited and the training is recommended for those who regularly have contact with young people ages 12-18 years, including teachers, coaches, social workers, and church youth workers.

The course focuses on risk factors and warning signs of a variety of mental health challenges that are common among adolescents, to include anxiety, depression, psychosis, eating disorders, AD/HD, disruptive behaviors, and substance use disorders.

Participants will learn how to be supportive of a youth showing signs and symptoms of any of these disorders using a five-step action plan involving assessing for risks; listening non-judgmentally; giving reassurance and information; encouraging appropriate professional help; encouraging self-help and other support strategies.

A free youth mental health first aid is being offered Monday at the Convention Center (Southside Daily photo/Courtesy of www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org)
A free youth mental health first aid is being offered Monday at the Convention Center (Southside Daily photo/Courtesy of www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org)

The training does not include therapy or counseling, nor does it teach diagnosis.

Reservations are required. For information or to register, call Vanessa Harvey at 757-385-0803, or contact her via email at vharvey@vbgov.com.

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