Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) recognizes the need for schools to support the whole child and acknowledges the importance of student health and wellness, which includes mental health. In order for states to provide equitable access to quality education and the conditions to support student learning, mental health is a key part for all this to happen. State education agencies are now charged with implementation of ESSA. This is critical piece to ensure that health and wellness is supported.
This course teaches skills for providing initial support to young people experiencing mental health challenges such as depression, anxiety disorders, psychosis, and substance use disorders. Each participant will receive a certification for completing the 8 hour course and will be certified in Mental Health First Aid USA from the National Council for Behavioral Health.
***NOTE: This course also meets the criteria for 19 TAC §228.30 (c)(3) Texas Education Agency requires educator preparation programs to provide all candidates seeking initial certification in any certification class
This session will take place virtually, it will require approximately 2 hours of independent work to be completed 3 days prior to the training date. The virtual session will last approximately 4/5 hours.
The national mental health organization guidelines state that there has to be a minimum of 5 participants in attendance in order for the session to take place.