Mental Health First Aid trains lay people to deal with mentally ill youth

Published: May 19, 2016, 4:26 p.m.

b'The earlier a mental health problem can be identified and dealt with, the better. That is part of the reasoning behind The earlier a mental health problem can be identified and dealt with, the better. That is part of the reasoning behind increased funding increased funding to expand to expand Mental Health First Aid Mental Health First Aid, a longstanding program in Central New York, say Seetha Ramanathan, MD, (at left in photo) a psychiatrist with the, a longstanding program in Central New York, say Seetha Ramanathan, MD, (at left in photo) a psychiatrist with the state Office of Mental Health state Office of Mental Health, and, and Stephen Glatt, PhD, Stephen Glatt, PhD, an Upstate associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences (at right). The program, used worldwide, trains lay people to recognize mental problems in young people and direct them to services, while fostering empathy and lessening the stigma of mental illness. an Upstate associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences (at right). The program, used worldwide, trains lay people to recognize mental problems in young people and direct them to services, while fostering empathy and lessening the stigma of mental illness.'