A Comparative Evaluation of Two Youth Mental Health Trainings for Volunteers

Authors

Monica M. Lobenstein, University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of ExtensionFollow
Shannon Sparks, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Division of ExtensionFollow
Jennifer Park-Mroch, University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of ExtensionFollow
Danette Hopke, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Division of ExtensionFollow
Jayna Hintz, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Division of ExtensionFollow
Megan Suehring, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Division of ExtensionFollow
Kea Norrell-Aitch, Michigan State UniversityFollow
Karla Gearing, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Division of ExtensionFollow
Michelle Gobert, Wabeno School DistrictFollow
Sheila Michels, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Division of ExtensionFollow

Abstract

Adolescence is a critical period for developing social and emotional habits important for mental well-being (Kessler et al., 2005). Half of all mental health conditions start by age 14, and the average delay between onset of symptoms and intervention is eight to ten years (Wang et al., 2007). Youth with mental health conditions are particularly vulnerable to social exclusion, discrimination, stigma, educational difficulties, risk-taking behaviors, and worsening physical health. Youth often do not get the help they need due to ongoing stigma and barriers in accessing mental health treatment. For example, in Wisconsin, 30% of the population live in a county designated as a Health Professional Shortage Area (Health Resources & Services Administration, 2023).

Recommended Citation

Lobenstein, Monica M.; Sparks, Shannon; Park-Mroch, Jennifer; Hopke, Danette; Hintz, Jayna; Suehring, Megan; Norrell-Aitch, Kea; Gearing, Karla; Gobert, Michelle; and Michels, Sheila (2024) "A Comparative Evaluation of Two Youth Mental Health Trainings for Volunteers," Journal of Youth Development: Vol. 19: Iss. 2, Article 6.
Available at: https://open.clemson.edu/jyd/vol19/iss2/6