According to the CDC, mental, behavioral and developmental disorders begin in early childhood with 1 in 6 U.S. children aged 2–8 years diagnosed. ADHD, behavior problems, anxiety, and depression are the most diagnosed mental disorders in children. Some of these conditions commonly occur together. For example:
- Having another disorder is most common in children with depression: about 3 in 4 children aged 3-17 years with depression also have anxiety and almost 1 in 2 have behavior problems.
- For children with anxiety, more than 1 in 3 also have behavior problems and about 1 in 3 also have depression.
- For children with behavior problems, more than 1 in 3 also have anxiety and about 1 in 5 also have depression.
Depression and anxiety have increased over time. Children aged 6–17 years diagnosed with either anxiety or depression increased from 5.4% in 2003 to 8% in 2007 and to 8.4% in 2011–2012.
For families in need of getting a child psychiatric help, having access to specialized treatment programs with skilled and experienced clinicians is essential. That is why Pennsylvania Psychiatric Institute is gratified to offer the following group programs to help the youth in our community.
Anger Management
Wednesdays at 5:30–7 p.m. | Ages: 14–18 (High School)
Members of the group will gain a better understanding of core skills such as opposite action, checking the facts and problem solving. They will explore a range of emotions and focus on problem emotions and behaviors associated with them. They will practice brainstorming, choosing a solution and evaluating the decision.
CBT Group
Wednesdays at 3:30–5 p.m. | Ages: 14–18 (High School)
In the Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) group teens will learn how to challenge and restructure their thinking in order to improve how they feel and behave on an everyday basis. Group members will participate in interactive activities and help each other to gain different perspectives, and new ways of thinking about their problems. CBT is geared towards teens with depression, anxiety, OCD, and ADHD.
Emotion Regulation for Social Situations
Mondays at 3:30–5 p.m. | Ages: 14–18 (High School)
Many adolescents face social, emotional and behavioral difficulties that impact their ability to create and maintain friendships with their peers as well as interact prosocially with adults in their lives. In this group, members will learn effective social and relationship skills that will help them navigate the process of peer connection and maintain positive relationships with adults. Group members will gain esteem, understanding of nonverbal communication and language, development of friendships and fostering assertiveness.
Interpersonal Skills Group
Tuesdays at 3:30–5 p.m. | Ages: 14–18 (High School)
Interpersonal skills are the skills we use every day when we communicate and interact with other people, both individually and in groups. They include a wide range of skills, but particularly communication skills such as listening and effective speaking. This can also include the ability to control and manage your emotions. Some examples are active listening skills, teamwork, dependability, leadership, motivation, flexibility with others, patience and empathy. Group members will gain self awareness.
Social Skills: Building strong relationships through effective communication.
Thursdays at 3:30–5 p.m. | Ages: 11-14
In a fast-paced technology savvy world, the art of communicating face-to-face is becoming a serious challenge for the younger population. This group will rely heavily on developing knowledge on the different communication types, styles and potential road blocks someone may encounter. This group will function as fluid as possible with daily tasks and a chance to an open forum in which group members can process and receive feedback from peers.
Call admissions to sign up or learn more at (717) 782-6493.
