A Forum on Youth Mental Health by the LWVS - available on demand via SudburyTV soon.
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Press Release
February 2, 2023
LWV Offers Forum on Mental Health
And Sudbury Youth
Social media, pandemic effects, school pressures. These and other issues affecting the mental health of teens and children—and how to cope with them—are addressed as part of a series, “Are the Kids Okay?” sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Sudbury.
This forum, “Spotlight on: Youth Mental Health,” is part of a continuing effort to highlight children’s issues and resources. The forum will air Thursday, Feb. 9, at 8 p.m. on SudburyTV cable channel 8 (Comcast) and channel 31 (Verizon) and be available on the video-on-demand service on SudburyTV’s website, www.sudburytv.org. No cable subscription is needed for the on-demand service accessed through any computer
Five panelists approached the youth mental health issue from different vantage points.
Dr. Jamie Micco, co-director of the Concord Center and a licensed clinical psychologist, outlined some causes of the current mental health crisis for youth, including the impact of social media and the pandemic.
Sarah Greeley, wellness teacher at Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School, and Maia Proujansky-Bell, a parent representative of Sudbury Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC), discussed the role of the schools in identifying mental health problems and supporting students.
Sudbury Police Chief Scott Nix and Taylor Hayden, a clinician with Advocates who works with the Sudbury police, explained their joint response program for mental health calls, including how many of the calls in Sudbury involve teens and children.
The panelists also discussed how parents can identify problems and how to talk to children about stress and difficult topics. They outlined how and where to find help, what resources are available, and how to navigate the system.
The forum was moderated by Julie Dereshinsky of the League and was developed by the League’s education and healthcare committees.
Mental Health Resource Library - Winter 2023
988 is a nationwide three-digit number available for mental health crises, available to everyone in the U.S.
The Sudbury Police Department
Call the Sudbury Police Department non-emergency line at (978) 443-2121 and ask to get connected to a clinician.
A mental health and wellness referral helpline available Monday through Friday, 9 am-5 pm, at (888) 244-6843. This is a free, confidential referral service for residents of participating communities.
NAMI offers referral resources, education, advocacy, one-on-one support and leadership for individuals who are struggling with mental health issues.
Helpline: (800) 950-6264
Walk-in intake hours. Counseling and psychiatric services accept MassHealth and most private insurance plans. Please call (508) 628-6300 to determine insurance eligibility. Call (800) 640-5432 for 24-hour crisis support. Visit advocates.org for more information.
The Jed Foundation (JED) is a nonprofit that protects emotional health and prevents suicide for our nation’s teens and young adults.
Teen Mental Health Primer
Behavioral Health Partners of Metrowest (Referral assistance)