MENTAL HEALTH AMERICA OF THE MIDSOUTH


LIFELINE
Youth Series

Suicide Prevention Training for Youth Intervention

FREE Recorded Self-Paced Learning
*PAID CEs Available


In this online series you will navigate through pre-recorded trainings to learn more about becoming a lifeline of hope for preventing youth suicide. You will explore assessment tools, strategies, interventions, and additional resources that can be used in reducing pediatric suicide risk factors. This series is a useful tool for anyone working with youth to feel confident when crisis arises. This training track will provide the skills and education needed to save lives and mitigate harm while using best practices to provide the right care at the right time. 





Professionals wishing to use this course for continuing education will have the option to purchase a CE certificate at the end of the course. Professional Continuing Education Credit is available for $85.

Intermediate Level Continuing Education Credit Includes:

Social Workers: Approved for 8.0 CEs through the National Association of Social Workers, TN Chapter
Counselors: Mental Health America of the Mid South is an approved continuing education provider through the National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC)
PENDING: Nurses and Psychologist Level II


 

For accommodation requests and grievances or other questions about this course, please contact forinfo@MHAMidSouth.org.





In partnership with

OVERVIEW

COURSE
OBJECTIVES

Become a lifeline of hope through our engaging online training series designed to equip you with the tools to prevent youth suicide. In this video series, you’ll explore practical strategies, assessment tools, and interventions that can reduce suicide risk among young people. Whether you're a provider, caregiver, or work with youth in any capacity, this course will boost your confidence in responding to crises and provide you with the resources to save lives.
DEVELOP a thorough understanding of suicidal behaviors, including recognizing warning signs, risk factors, assessments, addressing means, safety planning, collaborative conversations and protective factors
IDENTIFY the impact of internet usage on high-risk youth, including it's relation to suicide risk identifying both positive and negative online behaviors
IDENTIFY strategies to implement safety planning towards mitigating risks, increasing protective factors, and improving long-term outcomes
GAIN insight into the unique challenges faced by justice-involved youth and other at-risk groups while learning assessment techniques, creating safety plans, and understanding the relationship between bullying and suicide
EQUIP providers and caregivers with the needed tools for navigating mental health crises, the impact of crisis, and the ethical guidelines that inform crisis intervention
Let's get started.

YOU could be someone's lifeline.

Our presenters

Youth 
Villages

Youth Villages is a private, nonprofit organization dedicated to helping children with emotional and behavioral problems and their families live successfully.

They provide direct help to thousands of children and families each year; partner with innovative states and high-performing nonprofit organizations that use our effective program models; and advocate for positive change to child welfare systems around the country.

Megan Gaylord, LPC-MHSP
Suicide Prevention Trainer
Megan is a seasoned mental health professional with extensive experience in crisis intervention and suicide prevention. Currently, she serves as a Suicide Prevention Trainer at Youth Villages and prior to this, Megan was a Program Supervisor for Specialized Crisis Services. Megan has built a distinguished career focused on mental health support and crisis management. She holds a Master of Science in Community Agency Counseling from The University of Memphis and a Bachelor of Arts in International/Global Studies from Rhodes College. Megan is also an Approved Supervisor and a Licensed Professional
Lisheena Clark, BA
Regional Community Liaison
Lisheena is a dedicated mental health professional at Youth Villages and serving as a Regional Community Liaison. With a background that includes leadership roles such as Site Director at the YMCA of Memphis & the Mid-South, Lisheena brings a wealth of experience in mental health advocacy, program coordination, and community outreach. She has also completed internships with SRVS and Memphis-Shelby County Schools, focusing on risk assessment, resource allocation, and youth mentoring. Currently pursuing a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Capella University, where she is active in the National Society of Success and Leadership and Chi Iota Sigma, Lisheena is committed to advancing her expertise and making a meaningful impact in the field of mental health and community service. 
Chelsea Jones, LCSW
Specialized Crisis Services Clinical Supervisor 
Chelsea Jones is an LCSW who has been working in the mental health field for the last decade of her career. She specializes in working with children in crisis settings and focuses on trauma informed care. Chelsea volunteers with the Tennessee suicide prevention network and works with the Region 3 policy and planning counsel helping to inform policies that impact children and families in the Chattanooga community. 
Dustin Putman
Program Coordinator
Dustin Putman is the Program Supervisor for North Middle Tennessee at Youth Villages Crisis, where over four years he has worked to meet the immediate mental health needs of youth throughout the region. He has dedicated his career to providing effective and compassionate support to young people in critical mental health situations. He earned both his Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Social Work from Indiana State University, where he developed a strong foundation in social work practices and theories. 
Charles Chapman
Specialized Crisis Services
Charles is a dedicated member of the Youth Villages Specialized Crisis Services Team. With a focus on providing critical support during times of need, he plays a key role in delivering compassionate and effective crisis intervention for young individuals. His commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of youth is central to his work in providing crisis services.
Dr. Andrea Sheffield, LMFT
Crisis Hotline Supervisor
Dr. Sheffield received her bachelor's degree from Tennessee State University and her master's and PhD in Clinical Counseling from Trevecca Nazarene University. She is a member of the Tennessee Department of Mental Health & Substance Abuse Services Planning and Policy Council – Region IV, and a listed Rule 31 mediator. Dr. Sheffield supervises a multi-state crisis hotline for youth in foster care with Youth Villages, and provides individual and marriage counseling at her private practice, Sheffield Counseling Services.
Stephanie Cole-Farris, LCSW
Clinical Services Program Manager
Stephanie Cole Farris has worked for Youth Villages in many different roles. She has served as a clinical supervisor, assistant director, and campus director. She received her Master of Social Work from The University of Tennessee Health Science Center. She has a commitment to fostering trauma-informed support systems and is dedicated to advancing mental health care through strategic leadership and continuous improvement.