Coming Soon, Virtual Training
**Update on 4/22 – The National Council will be rolling out a virtual option for the course this summer. We will update this site when we have more information. If you would like to be notified by email please reach out to Suzanne Petersen at suzannep@youtheastsidesevices.org
Youth Mental Health First Aid Training
The Youth Mental Health First Aid course is designed to teach parents, family members, caregivers, teachers, school staff, peers, neighbors, health and human services workers, and other caring citizens how to help a youth who is experiencing a mental health or an addiction challenge or crisis.
The training introduces common mental health challenges for youth, reviews typical adolescent development, and teaches a five-step action plan for how to help young people in both crisis and non-crisis situations. We will use role-playing and simulations to demonstrate how to recognize and respond to the warning signs and symptoms of specific illnesses like anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and substance use disorders.
Please note: This course is most appropriate for those who have not already taken introductory mental health courses. All participants must be over the age of 18.
The course cost is $75 which includes a training manual and lunch.
If you have any questions, issues with registering or would like to apply for a scholarship in order to attend, please contact Suzanne Peterson at suzannep@youtheastsideservices.org
*Mental Health First Aid training is certified by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) National Registry of Evidence-based Programs and Practices.
Facilitators
Michelle Brode, LASW, SUDPT- YES Behavioral Health Support Specialist. Michelle’s main role is at Kirkland Middle School where she provides one-on-one counseling to students, leads groups, and offers classroom presentations. Michelle also leads two parent groups at YES.
Michelle lives on the Eastside with her partner, and two children (one in middle school and the other in high school). She finds parenting to be a journey with never-ending challenges, joys, and opportunities for growth.
Suzanne Peterson, LMHC, CDP– Youth Eastside Services Open Access Supervisor and Co-Occurring Disorders Therapist.
Suzanne manages the intake office at YES (Open Access), supervises clinical staff towards licensure, and has a caseload of clients with co-occurring substance use and mental health concerns. She has specialized training in Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy. Suzanne specializes in individuals struggling with self-harming and suicidal behaviors, substance use, and trauma.
Suzanne lives in Seattle with her partner and enjoys playing volleyball and visiting family in Portland.