How virtual care is expanding youth mental health treatment

How virtual care is expanding youth mental health treatment

[https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/11ab224/2147483647/strip/false/crop/1462x847+0+0/resize/792x459!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F1d%2Fa4%2F021184374d048edb6117446d9d3e%2Fcharlie-health-youth-mental-health-image.png](Image courtesy of https://www.charliehealth.com/how-it-works ) Young people are facing growing mental health challenges, and long wait times for care can make it harder to get help when it's needed most. Mike Pazzini, an outreach specialist with Charlie Health [https://www.charliehealth.com/], says the organization is designed to serve people whose mental health needs are greater than traditional weekly therapy can address but who do not require inpatient hospitalization. "Most importantly, we are a mental health provider designed to help save people’s lives," Pazzini said. Charlie Health provides intensive outpatient treatment through a virtual platform, allowing people to participate from home. Pazzini said the program combines individual therapy with peer group sessions tailored to specific needs, including anxiety, depression, eating disorders and maternal mental health. The virtual format also helps expand access for people in rural communities, where specialized mental health services can be difficult to find. Pazzini said family involvement is another key part of treatment, with many participants taking part in family therapy alongside individual care. He said early intervention can help prevent mental health challenges from escalating into a crisis. GUEST * Mike Pazzini, Charlie Health Outreach Specialist [https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/07ed2ec/2147483647/strip/false/crop/2500x1400+0+0/resize/792x444!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F99%2Ff8%2F4e67641d41b59109bec44e76c607%2Fmental-health-matters-episode.jpg]

Efforts aim to stabilize youth mental health in Jackson County

[https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/21a7db9/2147483647/strip/false/crop/980x352+0+0/resize/792x284!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fa3%2Fbc%2F09d09d7d4bb2a0421f5961327bb7%2Fjackson-county-youth-mental-health-youth-in-crisis.jpg]( Jackson County Youth Mental Health) As youth mental health needs continue to rise, knowing where to turn during a crisis can make a major difference for families. On this episode of Mental Health Matters, host Andra Hollenbeck speaks with Heather Siewell of Youth Stabilization Services at Jackson County Mental Health about the challenges facing local youth and the crisis intervention services available to support them. Siewell explains how Jackson County Mental Health crisis intervention specialists work with young people and their families to reduce immediate stressors, stabilize crisis situations and develop safety plans. The conversation also explores how crisis teams connect families with school-based resources, youth-focused community organizations and longer-term mental health care. GUEST * Heather Siewell, Youth Stabilization Services at Jackson County Mental Health [https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/07ed2ec/2147483647/strip/false/crop/2500x1400+0+0/resize/792x444!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F99%2Ff8%2F4e67641d41b59109bec44e76c607%2Fmental-health-matters-episode.jpg]

Psychological first aid offers everyday tools for emotional crises

The authors of 'The Johns Hopkins Guide to Psychological First Aid' transfer their professional expertise into everyday use by ordinary people. [https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/13a2b05/2147483647/strip/false/crop/1273x854+0+0/resize/787x528!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F7d%2Fe9%2F171bcc844f08adb307865b3a6e03%2Fpsychological-first-aid.png]The authors of 'The Johns Hopkins Guide to Psychological First Aid' transfer their professional expertise into everyday use by ordinary people. (Mental Health America ) About one in three adults will face a fear-related disorder at some point, underscoring why emotional support is needed not just in therapy offices but in everyday life. In "The Johns Hopkins Guide to Everyday Psychological First Aid [https://www.press.jhu.edu/books/title/53937/johns-hopkins-guide-everyday-psychological-first-aid]," George S. Everly Jr. and Jeffrey M. Lating outline a practical framework for responding to emotional distress. The book draws a parallel to physical first aid kits, arguing that homes and workplaces should be equipped with tools to address moments of panic, grief, anger and fear. The authors present a step-by-step model designed to help stabilize people during emotional crises. Everly and Lating have decades of experience responding to disasters and public health emergencies. The book translates those professional techniques for use by parents, partners, teachers and managers. Lating said psychological first aid mirrors physical first aid, noting that non-clinicians can help someone feel calm, safe and supported. The approach aims to reduce acute emotional distress and restore a sense of safety rather than provide long-term therapy. [https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/11ffaab/2147483647/strip/false/crop/311x480+0+0/resize/311x480!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F12%2Fad%2F24c1f51b402ca8788dcddf64f2aa%2Fbook-the-johns-hopkins-guide-to-everyday-psychological-first-aid-by-george-everly-jr-and-jeffery-m-lating.jpg] EMPHASIS ON QUESTIONS AND STABILIZATION The model focuses on immediate stabilization and safety. Everly said research spanning neuroscience and philosophical traditions suggests questions can play a central role in recovery, helping people regain control and begin processing their experiences. The framework encourages supporters to ask simple, direct questions about what happened, what hurts and how severe the distress feels. The evidence-based approach also highlights when to connect individuals with professional care for more serious needs. The authors offer additional training through a free online course available on Coursera [https://www.coursera.org/learn/psychological-first-aid]. GUESTS * George S. Everly, Jr [https://icisf.org/everly-jr-phd-fapm-cts-george-s/?srsltid=AfmBOopQfoVKSWvJ3O4dxX3_S45KfJveuMTlNw3sahViOQkxuEV7yfOF]. * Jeffrey M. Lating [https://icisf.org/lating-phd-jeffrey-m/?srsltid=AfmBOooW7eRRtzzGDi5d4YSS1DLw9fz1_6iMpfp-P2rrvVBWJF30G5CD] [https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/07ed2ec/2147483647/strip/false/crop/2500x1400+0+0/resize/792x444!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F99%2Ff8%2F4e67641d41b59109bec44e76c607%2Fmental-health-matters-episode.jpg]

Efforts aim to stabilize youth mental health in Jackson County

[https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/21a7db9/2147483647/strip/false/crop/980x352+0+0/resize/792x284!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fa3%2Fbc%2F09d09d7d4bb2a0421f5961327bb7%2Fjackson-county-youth-mental-health-youth-in-crisis.jpg]( Jackson County Youth Mental Health) As youth mental health needs continue to rise, knowing where to turn in a crisis can make all the difference. On this episode of Mental Health Matters, host Andra Hollenbeck speaks with Heather Siewell of Youth Stabilization Services at Jackson County Mental Health about the challenges local youth face and how crisis intervention teams are supporting them. Siewell explains how Jackson County Mental Health Crisis Intervention Specialists work with young people and their families to reduce current stressors, resolve a crisis episode and collaboratively develop safety plans. The conversation also explores how these teams connect families with school-based supports, youth-focused community organizations and longer-term mental health services. GUESTS * Heather Siewell, Youth Stabilization Services at Jackson County Mental Health [https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/07ed2ec/2147483647/strip/false/crop/2500x1400+0+0/resize/792x444!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F99%2Ff8%2F4e67641d41b59109bec44e76c607%2Fmental-health-matters-episode.jpg]

Federal Medicaid cuts can have severe impact on mental health services

FILE - A sign points visitors toward the financial services department at a hospital, Friday, Jan. 24, 2014. More than a half million of the poorest Americans would be left without health insurance under legislation passed by House Republicans that would require people to work in exchange for health care coverage through Medicaid. The bill is unlikely to become law, though, with Democrats strongly opposing the idea. (AP Photo/David Goldman, File) [https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/f7110b0/2147483647/strip/false/crop/5184x3456+0+0/resize/792x528!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F01%2Fed%2F8c9821a64095b306888f71acbaab%2Fap23119794757127.jpg]FILE - A sign points visitors toward the financial services department at a hospital, Friday, Jan. 24, 2014. More than a half million of the poorest Americans would be left without health insurance under legislation passed by House Republicans that would require people to work in exchange for health care coverage through Medicaid. The bill is unlikely to become law, though, with Democrats strongly opposing the idea. (AP Photo/David Goldman, File)(David Goldman/AP / AP) Mental Health Matters host, Andra Hollenbeck, speaks with April Esry, a Licensed Professional Counselor with the Freedom Counseling Centre, about federal cuts to the Medicaid system, how the changes will impact mental health services, and what clients need to know to protect themselves. [https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/07ed2ec/2147483647/strip/false/crop/2500x1400+0+0/resize/792x444!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F99%2Ff8%2F4e67641d41b59109bec44e76c607%2Fmental-health-matters-episode.jpg]