* This is a part of the Annual Convention

Fri., Feb. 2  4:00pm-5:30pm -  Session: 34 - Part I

 Sat., Feb. 3  8:30am-10:00am - Session: 38 - Part II

 Sat., Feb. 3  10:15am-11:45am - Session: 42 - Part III

 Sat., Feb. 3 12:00pm-1:30pm - Session: 47 - Part IV

According to the United States Department of Education, the mental health crisis for children and youth has reached a critical point. The national pandemic exacerbated existing alarming trends in mental health concerns. As schools and programs have returned to full in-person learning, there is an unprecedented need to equip speech language pathologists with resources needed to recognize and respond appropriately in the face of a possible mental health crisis.

This Mental Health First Aid Certification training is designed to teach Speech Language Pathologists how to help children and youth (ages 12-18) who are experiencing mental health or addiction challenges. The course introduces common mental health challenges for youth, reviews typical adolescent development, and teaches a 5-step action plan for how to help young people in both crisis and non-crisis situations. Topics covered include anxiety, depression, substance use, disorders in which psychosis may occur, disruptive behavior disorders (including ADHD), and eating disorders.

At the end of this certification, participants will be able to:

1. Define mental health
2. Define mental health crisis
3. Recall the steps required to assess risk factors related to suicide.
4. Recall the steps required to listen non judgmentally.
5. Define the nonlinear framework required to utilize in recognizing a crisis:
   • Assess for risk of suicide or harm.
   • Listen non judgmentally.
   • Give reassurance and information.
6. Encourage appropriate professional help.
7. Encourage self-help and other support strategies.
8. Recall the steps required to give reassurance and information.
9. Recall the steps required to encourage appropriate professional help.
10. Recall psychosis and substance abuse disorders
11. Recall the signs and symptoms of suicidal and non-suicidal injuries.
12. Recall resources available to help children and youth at risk for mental health crisis and/or suicidal behaviors.

This course will be offered during the convention in four parts. You can attend any sessions you would like, but if you would like the certification, you must attend all four parts. the times are listed below.