Youth Mental Health First Response Series

Registration is on a first come, first serve basis. You MUST attend both sessions in order to receive the training certificate.

Why Youth Mental Health First Response?
Youth Mental Health First Response is similar to the Youth Mental Health First Aid Training in that it teaches you how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illness and substance use disorders in youth. This 4-hour training gives providers who work with youth the skills they need to reach out and provide initial support to children and youth (ages 6 – 18), who may be developing a mental health or substance use problem and help them connect to the appropriate care.

What does the course cover?

• Common signs and symptoms of mental illness in this age group including: Anxiety, Depression, Eating disorders, Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Common signs and symptoms of substance use
• How to interact with a child or youth in crisis
• How to connect the person with help
• Expanded content on trauma and the impact of social media and bullying

NOTE: The general information provided by Youth Mental Health First Response is for general mental health knowledge and intervention only and is not intended to be and should not be relied upon as a substitute for specific professional medical advice. 

Intended audience: Front-line, Emergent and Seasoned Professionals 

Training is provided by Dr. Wanda Parker, EdD, CADC, CPPA, MAC, LCPC. Dr. Parker has over 20 years of experience in the behavioral health field and 10 years in higher education.  Dr. Parker has worked with many at-risk populations such as children/adolescents, pregnant women, veterans, addictions, the forensic population and those who were medically compromised.  Dr. Parker is a certified addiction counselor in the state of Illinois, holds a national Master Addiction Counselor Certification, is a Certified Professional Patient Advocate, and holds a Clinical Professional Counselor license in the state of Illinois.  Dr. Parker has also received certified training in the Seven Essential Ingredients of Trauma Informed Care, Seven Challenges for the Co-occurring Juvenile Justice Population, Integrated Care for Adults and pediatric patients, and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Currently Dr. Parker is the Vice President of Clinical and Therapeutic Services at Aunt Martha’s Health and Wellness. and has a private practice and consulting firm. 

NOTE: The general information provided by Youth Mental Health First Response is for general mental health knowledge and intervention only and is not intended to be and should not be relied upon as a substitute for specific professional medical advice.