Addressing and Destigmatizing Adolescent Mental Health

Rates of depression and suicide among youth have steadily increased over the past 15 years. The need to appropriately identify youth struggling with mental health concerns and connect them to resources and treatment at every level of care is clear. Everyone, from front desk staff and social workers to emergency room doctors are first responders in this crisis. This workshop will center youth perspectives about mental health and provide resources for adults to be the vital lifeline young people need. Participants will learn how to be an “askable adult” around mental health issues, practice strategies to provide developmentally responsive care, gain youth-friendly and culturally responsive screening/support strategies, and acquire two new resources to support adolescent mental health.