Health
Psychosomatic - Environmental
Through education, resource development and coordination
we are empowering and connecting people to build safe, healthy communities.
1 in 5
teens & young adults live with a mental HEALTH CONDITION. Source: National Alliance for Mental Illness
5.13%
of youth report having a substance use or ALCOHOL PROBLEM.
Source: Mental Health America
Youth Mental Health First Aid
Youth Mental Health USA is an 8-hour public education program which introduces participants to the unique risk factors and warning signs of mental health problems in adolescents, builds understanding of the importance of early intervention, and teaches individuals how to help an adolescent in crisis or experiencing a mental health challenge. Mental Health First Aid uses role-playing and simulations to demonstrate how to assess a mental health crisis; select interventions and provide initial help; and connect young people to professional, peer, social, and self-help care. The USA curriculum is primarily focused on information participants can use to help adolescents and transition-age youth, ages 12-18.
The course teaches participants the risk factors and warning signs of a variety of mental health challenges common among adolescents, including anxiety, depression, psychosis, eating disorders, AD/HD, disruptive behavior disorders, and substance use disorder. Participants do not learn to diagnose, nor how to provide any therapy or counseling – rather, participants learn to support a youth developing signs and symptoms of a mental illness or in an emotional crisis by applying a core five-step action plan:
Assess for risk of suicide or harm
Listen non-judgmentally
Give reassurance and information
Encourage appropriate professional help
Encourage self-help and other support strategies
About
1 in 5
adults lives with a mental HEALTH Illness.
Source: National Institute of Mental Health
On average, there are
123
suicides each day.
Source: American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
Adult Mental Health First Aid
Research shows nearly
1 in 5
university students is affected with ANXIETY OR DEPRESSION.
Source: The Conversation via the American College Health Association
In the spring of 2017, nearly
40%
of college students reported they had felt so depressed in the prior year that it was difficult for them to function.
Source: Time via American College Health Association
MHFA: Higher Education
Mental Health First Aid for Higher Education teaches you how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders. This 8-hour training — which focuses on the unique experiences and needs of college students — gives you the skills you need to reach out and provide initial support to someone who may be developing a mental health or substance use problem and help connect them to the appropriate care.
Mental illnesses and substance use challenges often present during adolescence and young adulthood, when many individuals are students at colleges and universities. College and university faculty, staff and students can learn how to help each other within a framework of their unique culture and set of resources. This curriculum module will help existing Adult Mental Health First Aid instructors reach this important population with updated prevalence data, a new film and scenarios.
The course will teach you how to apply the ALGEE action plan.
228
Police Officers died by suicide in 2019 compared to
132
who died in the line of duty.
Source: Blue H.E.L.P.
1.2 million individuals living with mental illness are in jail and prison each year.
Source: Mental Health America
MHFA: Public Safety
- Defusing crises.
- Promoting mental health literacy.
- Combating stigma of mental illness.
- Enabling early intervention through recognition of signs and symptoms.
- Connecting people to care.
- ALGEE action plan.
About
15%
of adults aged 60 and over have a MENTAL DISORDER.
Source: World Health Organization
More than
1 million
people aged 65 or older had a Substance Use Disorder IN 2014. Source: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
MHFA: Older Adults
Mental Health First Aid for Older Adults is an 8-hour public education program which introduces participants to the unique risk factors and warning signs of mental health problems in adults over the age of 65, builds understanding of the importance of early intervention, and teaches individuals how to help an older adult in crisis or experiencing a mental health challenge. Mental Health First Aid uses role-playing and simulations to demonstrate how to assess a mental health crisis; select interventions and provide initial help; and connect older adults to professional, peer, social, and self-help care.
What will participants learn?
The course is designed for adults who regularly interact with older people (caretakers, nursing staff, etc.). Since 2008, the core Mental Health First Aid course has been successfully offered to hundreds of thousands of people across the USA, including hospital staff, employers and business leaders, faith communities, law enforcement, and the general public.
Social Emotional Learning
Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) is how children and adults learn to understand and manage emotions, set goals, show empathy for others, establish positive relationships, and make responsible decisions.
With more than 20 years experience working in education, children's mental health and juvenile justice Echo understands the complex factors that impact the physical, emotional, mental and social/behavioral well-being of students and the burden placed upon teachers and schools. Through consulting, traditional and job-embedded professional development we integrate trauma informed social and emotional policies, procedures and practices into school and organizational climate and culture.
Trauma, Resilience & Community
Through education/professional development and consulting we help build trauma informed systems that can reduce the impact of trauma on individuals, families, communities and organizations, often expressed through physical, emotional, mental and social/behavioral disruption. In addition we help promote the adoption of protective factors that promote resilience and health.
Check out the video to learn more about the Adverse Childhood Experiences Study (ACES).
Individual trauma results from an event, series of events, or set of circumstances experienced by an individual as physically or emotionally harmful or life-threatening with lasting adverse effects on the individual’s functioning and mental, physical, social, emotional, or spiritual well-being. Trauma is highly prevalent, can impact a person at any time during their lifespan and may present as mental health, substance use or physical health conditions. (SAMHSA)
Who We've Trained
Echo and Willow Tree Counseling Center have partnered to expand professional development, resources and other supports throughout Maryland and surrounding states.
