Empowering Caregivers: Why You Should Engage with CCAMH's Parent Center

As a parent, watching your child struggle with mental health challenges can be distressing. However, arming yourself with the right knowledge and tools can empower you to provide effective support. The Center for Child and Adolescent Mental Health (CCAMH) offers two innovative programs specifically designed to equip parents to respond to youth mental health crises and challenges: Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) and Parent Drop Ins.

YMHFA: Equip Yourself with Skills to Support Your Child

The Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) is a comprehensive 7-hour training program designed to prepare adults to recognize and respond aptly to mental health challenges and crises in young individuals. Upon completing this training, participants receive a national certification valid for three years.

By the end of the 12-month grant period, CCAMH aims to reach out to a diverse group of parents across the county to offer YMHFA training, either in-person or online. Our goal is to train approximately 100 parents, equipping them with a detailed 5-point action plan and a variety of resources to use at home. We have already recruited three certified and experienced Youth Mental Health First Aid trainers, one of whom is bilingual, to conduct these sessions.

The primary outcome we anticipate from this initiative is that parents will feel more competent and confident in recognizing opportunities to approach their children, listen to them non-judgmentally, provide support, and access necessary resources.

Parent Drop In: Connecting with Therapists and Other Parents

The "Parent Drop In" program is a monthly 1-hour virtual session where parents can anonymously (if preferred) pose questions to a therapist specializing in a particular mental health disorder. This platform also provides opportunities for parents to connect with others experiencing similar challenges, fostering a supportive community.

These sessions will be hosted by clinical psychologists with expertise in areas such as anxiety, depression, eating disorders, suicidality, medication, and FirstGen mental health.

Through participation in the Parent Drop In sessions, parents will learn to implement condition-specific, evidence-based strategies to support their children. These strategies can be employed while waiting for treatment, during the course of treatment, and/or after treatment.

At CCAMH's Parent Center, we understand the importance of the caregiver's role in a child's mental health journey. Our programs aim to empower you with the knowledge and skills necessary to support your child effectively. Your active engagement can make a profound difference in your child's path towards mental health and wellness.