Free Retreat Teaches Mental Health First Aid
Walden Sierra is teaming up with Camp Maria Retreat Center to offer a free Youth Mental Health First Aid USA Training Retreat at Camp Maria Dec. 16 at 1 pm and Dec. 17 starting at 2 pm. The retreat participants will receive certification in youth mental health first aid, good for three years.
Youth Mental Health First Aid teaches participants the risk factors and warning signs of a variety of mental health challenges common among adolescents, including anxiety, depression, psychosis, eating disorders, AD/HD, disruptive behavior disorders, and substance use disorder. Participants do not learn to diagnose, nor how to provide any therapy or counseling – rather, participants learn a core five-step action plan to support an adolescent developing signs and symptoms of mental illness or in an emotional crisis.
The course is designed for adults whom regularly interact with adolescents, but may also be appropriate for older adolescents (16 and older) so as to encourage youth peer-to-peer interaction. Anyone who regularly works or interacts with youth – teachers, athletic coaches, mentors, juvenile justice professionals – may find the course content useful. The core Mental Health First Aid course has been successfully offered to a variety of audiences, including hospital staff, employers and business leaders, faith communities, law enforcement, and the general public.
The December training is offered in a retreat format, Laura Webb of Walden says, to help trainees connect to their own wellness in a beautiful, serene setting. “This training usually is not offered for free. We are grateful to Camp Maria Retreat Center and the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth for making this possible.” Overnight accommodations and meals are included in this free retreat.
Trainers are certified trainers of Youth Mental Health First Aid and represent local organizations Walden, Cove/D.F.Z. Youth Recovery and Wellness Center of Walden, and On our Own of St. Mary’s.
To register or get more information about attending the retreat, please contact Laura Webb at 301-997-1300 ext 804 or e-mail [email protected]. To learn more about Youth Mental Health First Aid, you may also visit www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org.
