On November 18th, thirteen new people became Youth Mental Health First Aid instructors in Montana. The new instructors will be delivering mental health awareness trainings to communities across the state.
Youth Mental Health First Aid teaches community members how to help adolescents (age 12-18) experiencing mental health issues, addiction challenges, or crises. The course introduces common mental health challenges for youth, and reviews typical adolescent development. Youth Mental Health First Aid utilizes a 5-step action plan for intervention with young people in both crisis and non-crisis situations. Topics covered in the training include everything from anxiety, to substance use, and more.
What is Instructor Training?
Instructor training is free of cost, and consists of a fast paced week of learning. The master trainers, Robert Wilson and Carrie Hill, came from outside Montana. Robert and Carrie thought highly of the group of new instructors. They consistently commented on how quickly and proficiently the group picked up the material. Carrie has trained instructors in Montana before, and expressed her excitement at coming back to the big sky state.
This year’s training had a unique session put together by Kathy Broere and Matthew Johnson of Browning. Kathy and Matthew are school counselors who have been Youth Mental Health First Aid instructors for the past three years. They gave the new instructors tips and perspective about what it is like to provide the training in Montana.
To learn more about becoming a trainer or attending a Youth Mental Health First Aid training in your area, go to our website or call us at 1-877-458-7022.
