Youth Mental Health First Aid
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Wednesday, March 11, 2026
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10am-4pm
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Abe and Ida Cooper Center
6639 N. Kedzie Ave
Chicago, IL 60645
Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) is a skills-based training that teaches adults (and teens, through a separate program) how to recognize, understand, and respond to signs of mental health challenges and substance use issues in young people (ages 6-18), helping them connect to appropriate professional help using a 5-step action plan. Light refreshments will be provided.
JCFS employees can register via UltiPro.
Non-JCFS employees can register here.
Objectives:
- Identify signs: Recognize warning signs and symptoms of mental illnesses (like depression, anxiety, psychosis) and substance misuse in youth
- Understand youth: Learn about typical adolescent development and the specific mental health challenges young people face
- Learn the ALGEE Action Plan, a practical 5-step plan to help:
- Assess for risk of suicide or harm.
- Listen nonjudgmentally
- Give reassurance and information
- Encourage appropriate professional help
- Encourage self-help and other support strategies
- Feel confident connecting to care: Guide young people toward therapists, counselors, support groups, and other resources