Emergency Services: 540-373-6876

A growing number of American youth exhibit signs of mental illness or substance abuse, and it can be difficult for adults to understand the difference between teenage angst and behavioral health issues. Research shows that nearly three-quarters of American children with depression don’t receive treatment. When adults are trained to recognize the signs of mental health concerns and to respond appropriately, they can connect adolescents to life-saving treatment.  

We offer an eight-hour training to help adults who interact regularly with adolescents ages 12-18. The Youth Mental Health First Aid curriculum to local organizations and members is appropriate for parents, family members, caregivers, teachers, and coaches.

The trainings are open to the public, and the next one will be June 2 in Stafford County.

Through role-playing and simulations, participants learn to help in a mental health crisis. Participants will learn the common mental health challenges faced by youth, typical adolescent development and five-step action plans to help. Topics will include anxiety, depression, substance abuse, eating disorders, disruptive behavior disorders, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder.

The course will be offered June 2 from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Regester Chapel, 85 Bell Hills Road in Stafford. The $25 registration fee includes a workbook, a 3-year training certificate and lunch.

To register for the training, contact Jennifer Bateman, Prevention Specialist, at 540/374-3337, ext. 100 or jbateman@rappahannockareacsb.org. The deadline to register is May 25. 

We have offered this life-saving training since 2015. In that time, we have trained more than 330 people to recognize and respond to mental health crises in youths. So far this year, 156 people have been trained in Youth Mental Health First Aid. Join the ranks of area residents who have the tools and skills to help children and adolescents in crisis. 

Mental Health First Aid originated in 2001 in Australia and has since been replicated in 20 other countries worldwide.

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