The REACH Institute Launches New Training for Pediatric Depression Care Amid Rising Youth Mental Health Crisis
In recent years, youth depression has emerged as a significant public health crisis, impacting approximately 4.1 million adolescents aged between 12 and 17 in the United States, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. Alarmingly, a mere 41% of these individuals manage to access any form of treatment. Recognizing this urgent issue, The REACH Institute, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving access to effective mental health care for children and families, has taken a proactive approach by announcing the launch of a new training program aimed specifically at primary care providers.
The REACH Institute is set to introduce the 'CBT for Depression in Pediatric Primary Care' course on January 24, 2025. This new offering will be part of a comprehensive training series aimed at equipping pediatricians, family physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants with the essential skills to address the growing mental health challenges faced by children and teenagers. Given the shortage of child mental health therapists proficient in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), this program serves as a critical resource for primary care providers who often act as the first line of defense against youth depression. The course expands on the previously established Child/Adolescent Training in Evidence-Based Psychotherapy (CATIE) series, which has been successful since its inception.
CBT is a well-documented approach that has proven effective in treating youth depression. The REACH Institute's CEO, Dr. Lisa Hunter Romanelli, emphasized the importance of this course by stating, 'CBT for child/adolescent depression works, but there aren't enough child mental health therapists with expertise in CBT to help the millions of kids suffering from depression.' This training will provide primary care providers with the tools needed to help young patients utilize established CBT techniques to manage their symptoms effectively while waiting for appointments with mental health specialists.
This hands-on workshop will center around developing practical competencies in using CBT to tackle youth depression. Participants will gain insights into identifying the core elements of youth depression, as well as learning how to appropriately screen and assess for depression and suicidality within a primary care environment. Importantly, primary care providers will also be trained in recognizing when it is necessary to refer patients to a mental health expert.
The program will not only deliver foundational knowledge but will also include four follow-up group learning sessions led by experienced faculty. These sessions will foster collaborative problem-solving and facilitate guided discussions, allowing participants to share experiences and challenges encountered while implementing the learned strategies.
The new pediatric depression training course will join the ranks of other courses within the REACH series, including 'CBT for Anxiety in Pediatric Primary Care,' 'Practical Behavior Management in Pediatric Primary Care,' and 'Addressing Trauma in Pediatric Primary Care.' Together, these programs enhance the organization’s flagship course known as the Patient-Centered Mental Health in Pediatric Primary Care (PPP), which develops preventive and responsive practices for common mental health disorders encountered in everyday clinical settings.
Pediatric nurse practitioner Avis Johnson-Smith, an alum of the REACH training, remarked on the impact of these courses by saying, 'From a mental health perspective, the REACH courses equip me with additional knowledge and skills that help ensure my practice remains transformational. Every day, I utilize the additional knowledge and skills to empower my children and families throughout many communities and give them a sense of hope for the future.'
Overall, The REACH Institute continues to demonstrate its commitment to improving the landscape of pediatric mental health care by equipping primary care providers with the essential skills and knowledge necessary to combat youth depression effectively. It stands as a vital effort in addressing the critical shortage of mental health services for children, particularly in underserved regions. For more details and to register for the upcoming course, visit their website.
The REACH Institute is set to introduce the 'CBT for Depression in Pediatric Primary Care' course on January 24, 2025. This new offering will be part of a comprehensive training series aimed at equipping pediatricians, family physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants with the essential skills to address the growing mental health challenges faced by children and teenagers. Given the shortage of child mental health therapists proficient in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), this program serves as a critical resource for primary care providers who often act as the first line of defense against youth depression. The course expands on the previously established Child/Adolescent Training in Evidence-Based Psychotherapy (CATIE) series, which has been successful since its inception.
CBT is a well-documented approach that has proven effective in treating youth depression. The REACH Institute's CEO, Dr. Lisa Hunter Romanelli, emphasized the importance of this course by stating, 'CBT for child/adolescent depression works, but there aren't enough child mental health therapists with expertise in CBT to help the millions of kids suffering from depression.' This training will provide primary care providers with the tools needed to help young patients utilize established CBT techniques to manage their symptoms effectively while waiting for appointments with mental health specialists.
This hands-on workshop will center around developing practical competencies in using CBT to tackle youth depression. Participants will gain insights into identifying the core elements of youth depression, as well as learning how to appropriately screen and assess for depression and suicidality within a primary care environment. Importantly, primary care providers will also be trained in recognizing when it is necessary to refer patients to a mental health expert.
The program will not only deliver foundational knowledge but will also include four follow-up group learning sessions led by experienced faculty. These sessions will foster collaborative problem-solving and facilitate guided discussions, allowing participants to share experiences and challenges encountered while implementing the learned strategies.
The new pediatric depression training course will join the ranks of other courses within the REACH series, including 'CBT for Anxiety in Pediatric Primary Care,' 'Practical Behavior Management in Pediatric Primary Care,' and 'Addressing Trauma in Pediatric Primary Care.' Together, these programs enhance the organization’s flagship course known as the Patient-Centered Mental Health in Pediatric Primary Care (PPP), which develops preventive and responsive practices for common mental health disorders encountered in everyday clinical settings.
Pediatric nurse practitioner Avis Johnson-Smith, an alum of the REACH training, remarked on the impact of these courses by saying, 'From a mental health perspective, the REACH courses equip me with additional knowledge and skills that help ensure my practice remains transformational. Every day, I utilize the additional knowledge and skills to empower my children and families throughout many communities and give them a sense of hope for the future.'
Overall, The REACH Institute continues to demonstrate its commitment to improving the landscape of pediatric mental health care by equipping primary care providers with the essential skills and knowledge necessary to combat youth depression effectively. It stands as a vital effort in addressing the critical shortage of mental health services for children, particularly in underserved regions. For more details and to register for the upcoming course, visit their website.
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