[Archived] Options Available for Mental Health Training in Alexandria

For Immediate Release: June 1, 2016

For individuals in Alexandria looking to understand and assist those affected by mental illness, there are in-person and online training options available.

The Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS) offers Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training for laypersons and paraprofessionals. MHFA is an eight-hour training and certification on skills to help persons who are developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis.

The training demonstrates the initial help given to a person showing signs of mental illness or a mental health crisis. The course teaches risk factors, warning signs and symptoms of mental health and substance use disorders, the effects of the illnesses, an overview of treatments and a five-step action plan for helping someone with symptoms. More information about the training is available. Visit the online registrationfor class dates. Registration is open until filled. Limit 20 participants per class.

Another tool for adults in Alexandria, who work with youth, is Kognito mental health training in ‘gatekeeper skills’ through online at-risk training simulations. This short interactive training is designed for individuals with youth in their lives, including mentors, juvenile justice professionals, school staff, recreation professionals and human-service staff.

Nearly one in five teens suffers from a mental disorder, such as depression or anxiety, and suicide remains the third leading cause of death in this age group.

Access to the Kognito training modules is available at nova.kognito.com through June 30, 2016, and made possible by the Suicide Prevention Alliance of Northern Virginia, of which the DCHS is a member. Neither training is recommended for licensed clinicians.

The City of Alexandria is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, as amended. To request a reasonable accommodation, email Maurice Tomdio at maurice.tomdio@alexandriava.govor call 571.384.5244.