Live panel discussion: The Mental Health Crisis in Children & Teens

Children’s Mental Health Awareness Month, observed in May, aims to raise awareness about the importance of children’s mental well-being. It highlights the need for early intervention, access to mental health services, and reducing stigma around mental health issues in children and adolescents. Organizations, schools, and communities participate by promoting education, resources, and advocacy efforts to support children’s emotional and psychological development. The month also emphasizes the role of families, caregivers, and educators in fostl[ering a supportive environment for young minds. 

Additionally, each year we recognize National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day, which falls on May 7 this year. This day likewise seeks to raise awareness about the importance of children’s mental health and show that positive mental health is essential to a child’s healthy development. 

As part of these awareness days and Mental Health Awareness Month in May, AAMFT is excited to invite you to a LinkedIn Live panel discussion, “The Mental Health Crisis in Children & Teens: What Families, Therapists, & Communities Can Do,” happening May 8 at 12:00 p.m. ET. This timely event will explore rising youth mental health challenges and how we can respond with compassion, strategy, and support. 

From rising anxiety to the ongoing impact of social media, the mental health crisis among children and teens is growing—and it’s affecting families, schools, and communities everywhere. Our expert panelists will explore the root causes of this crisis—including social media, parenting pressures, exposure to violence, the long-term effects of COVID, and barriers to accessing care. We’ll also discuss solutions: how to help young people feel safe, seen, and supported in a world that often feels overwhelming. 

Hear from leading voices in family therapy and youth mental health including our moderator, Dr. Adrian Blow, LMFT, AAMFT Board President. Panelists include:
 

• Dr. Paul Hokemeyer, LMFT, AAMFT Member, Clinical Fellow designation
  A licensed marriage and family therapist, author of Fragile Power (Hazelden, 2019) and graduate of the Global Leaders in Healthcare Program at Harvard Medical School  

• Octavia Neal, LMFT, AAMFT Network Leader
  A licensed marriage and family therapist who focuses on somatic approaches for trauma-informed treatment for those of the global majority and navigating perinatal and postpartum journeys  

• Corine E. Lurry-Mabin, President & CEO of Andrus, AAMFT Member
  President & CEO of Andrus, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting children and families through trauma-informed care, resilience-building, and community-based mental health services 

• Ashley Graber, LMFT & Maria Evans, LMFT, Authors
  Licensed marriage and family therapists, globally recognized parent coaches, child and family psychotherapists, and the authors of Raising Calm Kids in a World of Worry  

What You’ll Gain: 

• Timely Insights: Understand how the youth mental health crisis is evolving and the systemic challenges families face today. 

• Practical Tools: Learn strategies for supporting children and teens, both in clinical settings and in the community. 

• Collaborative Solutions: Hear how therapists, families, and organizations can work together to foster resilience. 

Mark your calendar and make plans to join us for this meaningful discussion. 

[Register Here] 

https://www.linkedin.com/events/7313246935383986176/comments/