SAANYS is proud to partner with the Mental Health Association of New York State to provide a special one-day pre-conference training to become a certified NYS Mental Health First Aid Provider. This in-person training will be held from 8:30am-5:00 pm on October 28 at the Otesaga Resort in Cooperstown the day before the SAANYS annual conference. Youth Mental Health First Aid is designed to teach adults how to help an adolescent age 12-18 who is in crisis or experiencing a mental health or addiction challenge. It is particularly suitable for school leaders. YMHFA training is not meant to duplicate or replace the roles of counselors, psychologists, or other mental health professionals, but rather to help adults (school leaders as well as teachers, school staff, parents, health and human service workers, and other caring community members to be more knowledgeable, well informed, and helpful as a first line of support to young people in crisis). There is a high demand and need for mental health literacy training.
This certification is beneficial to school leaders. Here is what you will learn:
- Common signs and symptoms of mental illness in this age group, including: anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and ADHD.
- Common signs and symptoms of substance abuse.
- How to interact with a young person in crisis.
- How to connect the young person with help.
- Expanded content on trauma, addiction and self-care and the impact of social media and bullying.
Facilitators:
Brandon Beachamp, Ed.M., LMHC, is the director of the Mental Health Association in New York State’s (MHANYS) School Mental Health Resource and Training Center. He oversees a statewide project aimed at supporting K-12 schools in mental health education development and integration, professional development for school and mental health professionals, and establishing community partnerships for integrated supports for students and families.
Susan Fisher is the assistant director of the School Mental Health Resource and Training Center at MHANYS. She is an active PTA member in her local community and participates in her school district’s Mental Health Committee and Mental Health Consortium. She is currently an associate director for Nassau Region PTA and resolutions coordinator for NYS PTA and sits on the NYS PTA Mental Health Task Force. Susan is a former educator, last working as an NYC HS biology, chemistry, and earth science teacher.
- Space is limited to 35. Register NOW to ensure a spot. Availability is on a first come, first serve basis.
- This is a certification course. You must be present all day. Only register if you plan to attend the training in full.
- Registrants will have some pre-work to complete online prior to the training itself.
- A non refundable registration fee of $149 to cover costs is required.
Light breakfast, lunch, and refreshments are provided. - You will need to arrange your own accommodations, either at the Otesaga or at a nearby hotel.
Register using the website link below. You may choose the pre-conference option only when using this conference registration link.