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Stamford Offers Free Mental Health Training for Youth

  //health-fitness.news-articles.net/content/2026/ .. ffers-free-mental-health-training-for-youth.html
  Published in Health and Fitness on Wednesday, January 28th 2026 at 10:15 GMT by Patch
      Locales: Connecticut, UNITED STATES

STAMFORD, CT - January 28th, 2026 - The City of Stamford continues to demonstrate its commitment to the well-being of its youth with the announcement of free, comprehensive mental health training sessions, offered in partnership with the Child Health and Development Institute of Connecticut (CHD). These crucial programs are designed to empower residents with the tools to support young people facing mental health challenges, a growing concern nationally and locally.

The initiative responds to a documented increase in youth mental health crises in recent years. Data from the CDC, and mirroring trends observed by CHD within Connecticut, reveals a significant rise in rates of anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation among adolescents and young adults. Experts attribute this surge to a confluence of factors, including the lingering impacts of the pandemic, increased academic pressures, social media influence, and economic uncertainties. Stamford's proactive approach seeks to address these challenges head-on by equipping the community to act as a first line of defense.

Two key training series are being offered. The first, Youth Mental Health First Aid, is a nationally recognized program that teaches participants how to identify, understand, and respond to the signs of mental illnesses in young people. This isn't about diagnosing or providing therapy; rather, it focuses on recognizing when a young person is struggling and offering initial support until professional help can be accessed. Participants learn to approach conversations with empathy, de-escalate potentially harmful situations, and connect youth with appropriate resources. The course covers common mental health challenges such as anxiety disorders, depression, eating disorders, and substance use disorders.

The second training, QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) Suicide Prevention Training, is specifically focused on suicide prevention. This evidence-based program equips individuals with the skills to recognize warning signs of suicide, directly ask about suicidal thoughts (the 'Question' step), persuade the individual to seek help, and refer them to professional resources. QPR training aims to dismantle the stigma surrounding suicide and empower bystanders to intervene safely and effectively. The importance of direct questioning is often underestimated, as many believe that asking about suicide will cause someone to consider it. However, research demonstrates the opposite - open and honest conversations can provide a lifeline for those in crisis.

"We recognize the immense pressure our young people face today," stated Mayor Caroline Simmons in a press release. "These trainings are not just about equipping adults with skills; they're about fostering a community where mental health is prioritized and where young people feel safe seeking help. By increasing mental health literacy, we can reduce stigma, encourage early intervention, and ultimately save lives."

Beyond these specific training programs, CHD has been actively working within Stamford schools to provide mental health screenings, counseling services, and professional development for educators. The partnership highlights a multi-faceted approach to youth mental health, encompassing prevention, early intervention, and access to care. The city is also exploring expanding access to telehealth services for students and families, recognizing the convenience and accessibility of virtual mental health support.

Registration for both Youth Mental Health First Aid and QPR training is required and can be completed through the City of Stamford's website: [ https://www.stamfordct.gov/departments/health/youth-mental-health-training ]. Spaces are limited, and early registration is strongly encouraged. The city plans to offer these trainings on a regular basis throughout the year to ensure ongoing access for residents. This initiative builds on the existing community support networks and aims to create a more resilient and mentally healthy Stamford for all its young residents.