About the Course

Across Canada, chronic absenteeism rates range from 20% to 80% in some regions, with Hamilton reporting a staggering 54% absentee rate. Behind these statistics are students struggling with school anxiety and phobia, avoidance, and chronic absence— and school engagement - issues directly linked to mental health challenges and increased suicide risk factors.

With the YMHC School Phobia Training Course, you gain the knowledge and skills needed to support students who are struggling with chronic school absenteeism. Register now and become a part of the solution.

Drawing on a wide evidence base, the course provides participants with a range of school-wide strategies for positively impacting the lives, health, education, and future potential of students.

The trainer draws on her 20 years of experience working on school phobia issues, in addition to the coordination of Stay-in-School programs, plus years of experience as an educator with elementary, secondary, postsecondary, and adult education students in Canada and Africa, and her membership and involvement in international organizations focused on youth mental health, suicide prevention, and school attendance.

2025 Registration

About This Training Course

Youth Mental Health Canada's comprehensive training course equips education and mental health professionals with evidence-based strategies to identify, support, and re-engage students experiencing chronic school absenteeism.

Youth Mental Health Canada's comprehensive training course equips education and mental health professionals with evidence-based strategies to identify, support, and re-engage students experiencing chronic school absenteeism.

Course Schedule: Wednesday, April 23 to Wednesday, May 28, 2025
Time: 7:00 PM to 9:30 PM Eastern Time
Format: Virtual sessions with interactive components
Professional Development: 12 hours plus discussion time

What You'll Learn

This specialized training course covers:

  • Understanding the complex factors behind and issues affecting school attendance challenges and school anxiety and phobia
  • Identifying the multi-tiered system of school support,  with strategies for each tier
  • Recognizing early warning signs for early intervention
  • Implementing effective school-wide support strategies
  • Building collaborative approaches between schools, families, and mental health services
  • Developing inclusive educational environments that support all students
  • Creating personalized support plans for students experiencing challenges in accessing and managing education
  • Exploring interventions that support student well-being and education 

What's Included

As a participant in this training course, you'll receive:

  • Two Valuable Resources: A photocopiable guidebook for schools and a photocopiable student workbook (digital and print formats)
  • Comprehensive Assignment Package: Practical tools you can implement immediately
  • Certificate of Completion: Document your professional development
  • Access to Expert Guidance: Led by YMHC Executive Director Sheryl Boswell, drawing on 20+ years of experience in education and mental health
  • Ongoing Support Community: Connect with fellow professionals addressing similar challenges

Who Should Attend

This course is designed for:

  • School administration 
  • Educators and educational assistants
  • School counselors and psychologists
  • Social workers and mental health professionals
  • Special education coordinators
  • Student success teams
  • Community support workers
  • Anyone working with youth experiencing school attendance challenges

Why This Training Matters

When a young person struggles to attend school, the impacts extend far beyond academic achievement:

  • Mental health challenges intensify
  • Social connections deteriorate
  • Future employment prospects and life potential diminish
  • Risk factors for suicide increase

What to Expect

  • Your needs and ideas are woven into a tailored presentation or workshop.

  • Increased reach and impact for your event via YMHC’s huge online reach of millions of followers

  • Guiding principles and new ways of thinking to inspire change.

  • Practical, high-impact ideas and strategies

  • An evidence-inspired presentation

  • Recommended resources to support your work.

Registration Information

Course Schedule: Wednesday, April 23 to Wednesday, May 28, 2025

Time: 7:00 PM to 9:30 PM Eastern Time

Format: Virtual sessions with interactive components

Professional Development: 12 hours plus discussion time

Two Registration Options:

Option #1: $950 - Training Course

  • Complete training course
  • Two valuable books (guidebook for schools and student workbook)

Option #2: $1250 - Training Course + Conference

Group Rate: Available for 5+ participants from the same organization

Registration Deadline: April 15, 2025

How to Register:

  1. Complete the registration form here
  2. Submit payment via credit card, e-transfer, or cheque
  3. Receive confirmation and pre-course materials

Alternative Payment Methods

  • E-transfer: Send to info@ymhc.ngo (include "Training Course Registration" in notes)
  • Cheque: Make payable to "YMHC Charitable Foundation" and mail to 51 Stuart St., Hamilton, Ontario, L8L 1B5
Online Registration

Schedule

  1. Education Matters: Education, Mental Health, and Disability Issues
  2. Understanding Chronic School Absenteeism Issues
  3. Emotional Regulation and School Phobia
  4. Building Mental Wellness Protective Factors: Sources of Support
  5. Building Sources of Strength and Resilience
  6. School-Wide Strategies to Support Students with School Phobia, Avoidance, and Non-Attendance

Questions?

Contact us at admin@YouthMentalHealth.ca or call (647) 952-9642 for more information about this training course or to discuss group registration options.

Policies

Course Pledge

  • By submitting this application, I hereby confirm my intention to attend the School-Wide Strategies to Support Students with School Phobia, Avoidance, and Chronic School Absenteeism Training Course delivered by Youth Mental Health Canada. 
  • By submitting this application, I agree to these terms and commit to uphold them to the best of my ability.

Code of Conduct

  1. By submitting this application, I agree to the following requirements for the YMHC School Phobia Training Course: 
  2. I will be respectful to all participants and the course trainer, creating a welcoming, respectful, and supportive environment that is free from discrimination, harassment, or any other inappropriate behavior. 
  3. I will attend all online sessions on time and participate actively in class discussions and activities, using the camera and chat feature. I have the ability to attend all six sessions of the course. I understand that there are no make-up sessions for the course.
  4. Completion of all course requirements, including assignments, is necessary to obtain a certificate of completion.
  5. I am committed to learning and applying the knowledge and skills presented in the course to support young people who are struggling with school phobia. I understand that though I might have training or knowledge of some of the areas covered in the course, I am open to learning and growing my knowledge and skill base. 
  6. I will contribute to a positive and meaningful learning experience for everyone involved.

Cancellation Policy

A fee of $500 is charged for cancellations received 4 weeks or more in advance of the course date. A fee of $600 is charged for cancellations received less than 4 weeks in advance. If notice is received after the course date or the registrant does not show up for the course, no refund will be issued.

Questions?

Send us a message