Mental Health Support - Alliance For Youth

Mental Health

Alliance for Youth is a valuable resource that can make a difference in the lives of these youth and save lives!

33.6%

Of every Montana Youth Aged 12-18 struggles with mental illness.

24.8%

Have considered suicide

19.7%

Have made a plan

11.3%

Have made a suicide attempt

Red Flags of Depression Infographic

#LetsTalk App

The purpose of the Alliance for Youth #LetsTalk app is to provide youth with useful and relatable information about mental health and suicide prevention… all at their fingertips. Whether the user be the person at risk, a friend or family member, through a custom app we can make sure the information they receive is accurate, relevant and trustworthy. It also provides additional resources such as safe spaces for those who might be in a vulnerable state. Click on the download buttons below to get the free app for your mobile device.

Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA)

Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) is available to adults in the community FREE of charge. It builds understanding of the importance of early intervention and teaches individuals how to help an adolescent in crisis or experiencing a mental health challenge.

The course teaches participants the risk factors and warning signs of a variety of mental health challenges common among adolescents and symptoms of a mental illness or 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

The course is designed for adults who regularly interact with adolescents (teachers, school staff, coaches, youth group leaders, parents, etc.), but is being tested for appropriateness within older adolescent groups (16 and older) so as to encourage youth peer to peer interaction. Contact Kristy Pontet-Stroop for more information at [email protected], 406.952.0018.

Mental Health First Aid for Adults

Mental Health First Aid for Adults teaches people how to recognize signs of mental health or substance use challenges in adults ages 18 and older, how to offer and provide initial help and how to guide a person toward appropriate care if necessary. Topics covered include anxiety, depression, psychosis, and addictions. This 8-hour training 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. Contact Kristy Pontet-Stroop for more information at [email protected], 406.952.0018.

Question, Persuade, and Refer (QPR)

QPR stands for Question, Persuade, and Refer — the 3 simple steps anyone can learn to help save a life from suicide. Just as people trained in CPR and the Heimlich Maneuver help save thousands of lives each year, people trained in QPR learn how to recognize the warning signs of a suicide crisis and how to question, persuade, and refer someone to help. QPR can be learned in our Gatekeeper course in as little as one hour. The course can be customized and be delivered for up to four hours with practice scenarios. Contact Kristy Pontet-Stroop for more information at [email protected], 406.952.0018.