Commission on the Status of Children and Youth Sponsors Youth Anxiety Program

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 19, 2016

For more information, please contact:

Nancy Woolery, Staff Liaison, City of Bloomington Commission on the Status of Children and Youth, 812.349.3851, wooleryn@bloomington.in.gov

Commission on the Status of Children and Youth Sponsors Youth Anxiety Program

Bloomington, Ind. - The City of Bloomington Commission on the Status of Children and Youth will host a panel of experts to discuss youth anxiety and access to local resources on Thursday, September 22nd from 7:00 to 9:00pm. This event will take place in Meeting Room 2A at the Monroe County Public Library, 303 E. Kirkwood Avenue. Parents, educators, clergy, youth workers, and other interested adults are encouraged to attend. Children and teens are welcome to attend if accompanied by an adult. Light refreshments will be served at this free event.

Anxiety is a normal part of childhood, and every child goes through phases of temporary and usually harmless anxiety. However, children and teens who suffer from an anxiety disorder experience fear, nervousness and shyness and may avoid places and activities that for most children would be enjoyable. Anxiety disorders affect one in eight children. Research shows that children with untreated anxiety disorders are at higher risk to perform poorly in school, miss out on important social experiences, and engage in substance abuse.

Some of the questions that will be addressed in the program are:

• As a parent or caretaker, would you recognize the signs and symptoms of youth anxiety?

• Are you concerned that your child or teen may be experiencing anxiety?

• Should your child be evaluated by a therapist?

• How do parents or caretakers choose a therapist?

A panel of local mental health professionals specializing in children and teens will answer your questions and discuss local resources. This program is strictly informational. Individual therapy will not be available at this event.

Panelists will include Amy Makice, James Wiltz and Deb Mishler. Amy Makice is a licensed psychotherapist whose training includes Relational-Cultural Therapy, advanced training in Playful Parenting, and H. Stephen Glenn's Developing Capable Young People. James Wiltz, PhD, HSPP is Director of Milestones Clinical and Health Resources. He is a licensed psychologist with endorsement as a Health Service Provider in Psychology (HSPP). James also serves on Stone Belt's Program and Executive Teams. Deb Mishler, MSW, LCSW specializes in treating children, adolescents, families and groups. She also has specialized training in evidence-based treatment, including cognitive behavior therapy in depression, anxiety, parent training and treatment of disruptive behaviors. A representative from CenterStone Behavioral Health Clinic will also participate on the panel.

For questions or more information please contact Nancy Woolery at 812.349.3851 or wooleryn@bloomington.in.gov.

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