Supporting Mental Health in our Schools Youth Mental Health First Aid Training

Cultural Bridges (CB): What is YMHFA or the Youth Mental Health First Aid training? Who gets this training in the Issaquah School District?

Miriam Corlett, LICSW (MC): The YMHFA training teaches adults how to recognize and respond to the signs and signals of a youth in crisis. The training empowers adults to engage in crucial conversations with our youth. Having a conversation with a young person about harm and suicide can be scary, but this training gives us the tools and confidence to feel equipped to have these conversations. The training reminds us how critical active listening, validation, and reassurance skills are for the adults who are on the front line with students. This training is essential for anyone in direct contact with young people, i.e., before and after care staff, bus drivers, coaches, teachers, parents, neighbors, community members, and volunteers. The training teaches us the difference between a mental health challenge and a mental health crisis. It gives us the tools to triage accordingly.

CB: Why do we need this training? What’s the purpose of this training?

MC: In order to show up and be the best versions of ourselves for the students and families we serve, we must do our part to care for our own wellness. This means not only taking care of ourselves but having access to information and trainings vital to our interactions with students. The training helps adults gain skills to assess safety and risk and connect youth to resources.

There are many factors that lead to a student disengaging from learning. However, fostering inclusive communities, intentional connections, and authentic relationships sets the stage for trust and safety, leading to fewer symptoms of anxiety and depression and more student engagement and success.

This training reminds us of the importance of being seen and available to our youth. Being in the present moment with our students, attuned to their needs, and listening to learn rather than to solve or fix is essential in helping students build trust and connection.

CB: What approaches did the teachers or staff learn from this training?

MC: Mental Health First Aiders are taught to observe changes in behavior and offer a nonjudgmental listening ear. The training teaches us a simple approach that can save lives through “ALGEE” – Approach, Listen, Give reassurance, Encourage professional help, and Encourage self-help!

CB: What benefits or impacts will our students get from this training?

MC: Foundation-funded professional development like Youth Mental Health First Aid makes a huge difference to the staff and can save lives! In many ways, this training takes some of the pressure off needing to be a mental health specialist. Staff can engage in student conversations, identify risks, and direct students to resources & support. It's a proven fact: One positive, safe adult in a student's life can make all the difference & transform a youth’s mindset!

CB: In your opinion, what’s the value and impact of this training?

MC: The Mental Health First Aid training outlines a straightforward and highly effective approach to supporting youth who are experiencing emotional distress. Trusted adults aware of and responsive to the signs and signals of Mental Health challenges are proven to save lives.

CB: Tell us a little about your position and what you do on a daily basis as a Behavior Specialist teacher.

MC: I am the Behavior Specialist at Issaquah School District – Special Services. In my role, I have worked with students from age 3-21 in every District building, including riding school buses. Every day, I work directly with students and staff, spending most of my time in classrooms, hallways, playgrounds, and lunchrooms. In short, I partner with ALL staff around designing and delivering evidence-based interventions (including crisis responding) for students receiving special education services. This is mostly with behavior concerns, mental health, and trauma-related symptoms. I observe firsthand the positive impact that trusting and available adults have on students' mental and behavioral health needs. When we stay curious and meet our students where they’re at, this nurtures resilience and hope, and it helps kids believe they belong and matter!

Youth Mental Health First Aid® training is funded by Issaquah Schools Foundation and is for ALL the Issaquah School District staff. In the 2022-23 academic year, four Foundation-funded training sessions were held district-wide. They included teachers, para-professionals, nurses, and counselors. There was high attendance and praise for the training.

The Youth Mental Health First Aid® (YMHFA) training program builds knowledge, skills, and awareness of resources to help support students experiencing mental health challenges, such as anxiety, depression, and eating disorders. Since 1 in 5 youth will experience a mental health challenge, it is crucial that adults know how to recognize, understand, and respond to young people showing signs of mental health or substance use concerns. The Issaquah Schools Foundation provides district staff training sessions in this program with a wonderful YMHFA instructor in our community, Michelle Brode, who is passionate about bolstering kids by supporting the adults around them.