Mental Health First Aid is an evidence-based, public education program that introduces participants to risk factors and warning signs of mental health problems, builds understanding of their impact and overviews appropriate supports. This 8-hour course uses role-playing and simulations to demonstrate how to offer initial help in a mental health crisis and connect people to the appropriate professional, peer, social and self-help care. The program also teaches common risk factors and warning signs of specific illnesses like anxiety, depression, substance use, bipolar disorder, eating disorders and schizophrenia. Mental Health First Aid teaches participants a five-step action plan, ALGEE, to support someone developing signs and symptoms of a mental illness or experiencing an emotional crisis. Like CPR, Mental Health First Aid prepares participants to interact with a person in crisis and connect the person with help. First Aiders do not diagnose or provide any counseling or therapy. Instead, the program offers concrete tools and answers key questions like, “What do I do?” and, “Where can someone find help?” Certified Mental Health First Aid instructors provide a list of community healthcare providers and national resources, support groups and online tools for mental health and addictions treatment and support. All trainees receive a program manual to complement the course material.  Approved by the Nebraska Department of Education Early Childhood Training Center for 7.0 clock hours for child care providers.

To register email naomi@cncaa.info.

Your Trainer: Dr. Sarah Griess.  As a Nebraska native I feel honored to serve my community by helping members of our local communities to grow and heal. I enjoy being able to come alongside others, helping to make space for pain, healing, growth and ultimately, hope. It is a privilege to do this work and to offer a space where someone can come to find connection to who they truly are and were meant to be. In addition to counseling, I find it important to be an advocate for those who are unable to advocate for themselves. I serve as the co-chair for the Grand Island Area Coalition on Trafficking and serve on the board for the Diocese of Grand Island Child Protection Office. I also volunteer for Teen Reach, Inc., a program that serves local at risk teens. My educational training consists of the following:  University of Nebraska at Kearney,  MSEd. in Community Counseling and University of Northern Colorado, Doctorate of Psychology (Psy.D.)

I have taught as an adjunct professor at the University of Northern Colorado for Masters level students pursuing careers in the counseling field and held the position of Assistant Director and Director of Training at the University of Northern Colorado where I coordinated an American Psychological Association Accredited training program for Doctoral Interns in Psychology, while continuing my clinical work. I am an Instructor for Mental Health First Aid, an internationally recognized certification course that provides education around mental health and challenges stigma and an instructor for QPR, a program for suicide intervention. I have conducted group therapy for female survivors of sexual abuse and sexual assault since 2007 through the WINGS Foundation, the University of Washington, and through the University of Northern Colorado Counseling Center. I have also been a volunteer for local youth programs including Royal Family Kids Inc. and Teen Reach Adventure Camp (T.R.A.C.).  As a clinician who works with survivors of various types of trauma, I have become certified in EMDR. EMDR allows a person to work through trauma by facilitating the brain’s natural healing methods, allowing survivors to have comprehensive healing in thoughts, images, beliefs, emotions and addressing triggers.