Class offered in mental health first aid for youth

Jan. 22--NEWTON -- Twenty percent of youth experience mental disorders in a given year. Prairie View is offering a tool to help adults better help those youth in the form of Youth Mental Health First Aid courses. This course is designed for adults who regularly interact with young people.

Brad Schmidt, director of adult residential services at Prairie View, and Chris Zuercher, director of vocational services at Prairie View, will facilitate the courses.

The course introduces common mental health challenges for youth, reviews typical adolescent development, and teaches a five step action plan to help young people in crisis and non-crisis situations. Topics covered include anxiety, depression, substance use disorders, disruptive behavior disorders (including AD/HD) and eating disorders.

Course content is designed for the general public, including teachers, coaches, parents, college staff and social workers, as well as church pastors and Sunday school teachers. Participants who complete the training will be certified in Youth Mental Health First Aid.

One of the great benefits of Youth Mental Health First Aid is that it greatly improves chances of early intervention for those who need help.

YMHFA instructor Brad Schmidt says, "Early intervention is critical to positive outcomes for youth experiencing these issues. Youth Mental Health First Aid can provide anyone the skills necessary to make a difference is a young person's life. It is practical, understandable and effective."

The course is scheduled from 1 to 5 p.m. over two evenings, Jan. 27-28 at Prairie View in Newton. Cost is $50 per person which includes course materials. Space is limited, so online pre-registration is recommended. Visit www.prairieview.org to register online.

A Mental Health First Aid class targeted at helping adults will be offered in March.

To learn more about Prairie View or to schedule an appointment with a mental health professional, phone 800-992-6292. For more information, see www.prairieview.org.

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