In response to the nation’s mental health crisis, Family Service Agency (FSA), Mental Wellness Center (MWC), and Youthwell have secured funding that will continue to bring Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) trainings to Santa Barbara County.
In the next five years, the coalition expects to train 2,800 adults to recognize the signs and symptoms of mental health challenges in youth, provide initial response, and safely connect youth with appropriate services.
The funding also includes training 2,000 high school students to recognize and respond to the signs of mental health issues in their peers.
Virtual YMHFA classes start in February and are offered at no cost to Santa Barbara County adults, thanks to funding from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. To register for a YMHFA training, visit BetheDifferenceSB.org or call 805-884-8440.
“The pandemic has dramatically increased depression and anxiety in youth, but many are reluctant to seek help or don’t know where to turn for care,” said YMHFA coordinator, Lyn Shirvanian. “Symptoms can be difficult to detect. Friends and family members often don’t know when to step in.
“As a result, youth in need of mental health services often don’t receive care until it is too late.”
Just as CPR helps even those without clinical training assist an individual having a heart attack, YMHFA teaches participants the skills to interact with a youth experiencing a mental health crisis. Mental Health First Aiders learn a five-step action plan that guides them through the process of reaching out and offering appropriate support.
Mental Health First Aid has become a full-blown movement in the U.S.; more than 2.5 million people are certified Mental Health First Aiders, and that number is growing. In the past three years, FSA, MWC and Youthwell have certified some 1,600 parents, mental health providers, educators, other school personnel in YMHFA.
To learn more about Mental Health First Aid USA, visit MHFA.org. For more about Family Service Agency, visit www.fsacares.org. Visit mentalwellnesscenter.org for more about the Mental Wellness Center. More about YouthWell can be found at youthwell.org.