What is YAM?
Youth Aware of Mental Health (YAM) is an interactive universal mental health promotion program for 8th through 12th graders that encourages increased discussion and knowledge about mental health, suicide prevention, and the development of problem-solving skills and emotional intelligence. YAM uses various learning methods to present the fundamental components of the program in five interactive sessions over 3 weeks.
YAM was tested in a European study with over 11,000 students in 168 schools, across ten European countries. When compared to two others programs, the YAM program was more effective in significantly improving adolescent mental health. Learn more about the SEYLE Study.
What do students learn in YAM?
YAM fosters the development of skills and knowledge about mental health without overwhelming students with complicated information, and allows each participating group to influence the content by bringing their perspectives to the forefront. With the help of a trained facilitator and each other, adolescents explore 6 key topics through cognitive, emotional, and experiential learning.
- What is mental health?
- Self-help advice
- Stress and crisis
- Depression and suicidal thoughts
- Helping a friend in need
- Who can I ask for advice?
YAM Training Academy
Since the program began in 2016, the CDRC team has reached over 20,000 youth in over 1,100 classrooms with the YAM program. Due to the program’s success, the CDRC team has transitioned to training new facilitators to reach more students and create more sustainable school-based mental health programming.
All of the CDRC Training Academy opportunities will be available throughout the year, with ongoing consultation provided to those trained in any of the programs.
- effectiveness of and satisfaction with the training will be evaluated
- ongoing assessment of additional training needs for each school and/or school district will be conducted
- based on feedback gathered from participants, new trainings will be developed as needed
For additional information about our Training Academy opportunities, email us.
For more information about YAM or to learn how you can get involved, visit the YAM website or email yam.texas@utsouthwestern.edu.
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