News

Children’s Health Council and Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Celebrate 30 Years of Partnership

providing an APA-approved doctoral internship program in clinical and pediatric psychology

In 1990, the American Psychological Association (APA) accredited a consortium internship program between Children’s Health Council (CHC) and Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital at Stanford (LPCH). Thirty years later, the prestigious program receives well over 100 applications annually for just four spots, attracting the top doctoral students from around the country. Read more ›

CHC in the News: Mental Health Experts on Managing Back to School Anxiety Amid Pandemic

Dr. Vidya Krishnan, Head of Adolescent Mental Health Services and Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist at Children’s Health Council, appeared on KTVU News to discuss strategies for coping with the anxiety and stress many families are experiencing as children head back to school remotely.

Dr. Krishnan recommends partnering with your child.

“You aren’t going to walk this walk alone,” said Dr. Krishnan. “I am with you every step of the way. We will figure it out together.”

As for concerns with socialization, experts suggest adapting to socializing remotely and allowing for more video interaction and play. Kids can also do a joint activity.

“Maybe the two of them can watch a movie or watch a show and they can talk about something,” said Dr. Krishnan. “It can sometimes break the ice for kids who don’t do that well on a remote medium.”

Experts said it’s not a “one size fits all” approach. It’s best for parents to be aware of their children’s needs and what works best for their family.

Excerpted from “Mental health experts on managing back to school anxiety amid pandemic” on KTVU.com. Read the full article.

Source: KTVU | Mental health experts on managing back to school anxiety amid pandemic, https://www.ktvu.com/news/mental-health-experts-on-managing-back-to-school-anxiety-amid-pandemic | ©2020 FOX Television Stations

See the COVID-19 Information & Resource Center in CHC’s free, online Community Resource Library for helpful articles, videos, online learning materials, health information, and more.

CHC in the Press: Health Council CEO Spotlights Mental Health

Half Moon Bay resident Rosalie Whitlock is one person focused on the effects of the pandemic on the well-being of kids. She is the CEO of the Children’s Health Council, which operates schools to support kids with learning disabilities and offers mental health counseling.

Whitlock said that during the pandemic she’s seeing more kids who need help. Part of the impact of the pandemic is that inequality has become more stark, especially when it comes to access to resources. In education, larger families or those with parents who work multiple jobs are simply at a disadvantage when it comes to executing remote learning. And the same is true with access to technology.

Those inequalities, Whitlock said, heighten mental health problems. Many people are overwhelmed with anxiety about not finding work, having enough money to put food on the table or fear of the virus itself. She said it’s affecting kids’ mental health, and many don’t know where to turn for help they can afford.

Dr. Rosalie Whitlock, Executive Director, Children's Health Council “There are very few kids or adults that are not experiencing some kind of anxiety right now due to COVID, and they need help,” Whitlock said. “That needs to be addressed.”

Often, Whitlock said, resources available on the Coastside aren’t enough, so families turn to independent schools or sessions elsewhere in the county for greater support. She said driving students out of town isn’t a solution available to everyone.

Instead, telehealth is presenting new opportunities to reach patients — including Coastside kids — who previously may not have been able to travel far for treatment. Plus, Whitlock said, she can hire therapists who can’t afford to work in the Bay Area. And some kids actually feel more comfortable and are more open on a remote appointment even as others face challenges of finding a quiet, safe place to talk.

One effect of the pandemic Whitlock hopes does last is the heightened conversation around mental health issues. Whitlock predicts the anxiety from the pandemic won’t go away anytime soon, but she hopes the new conversations it has sparked won’t either.

“We’re never going to go back to the way we were,” Whitlock said. “This pandemic has changed how we’re going to do everything, and give us better access to those who are underserved.”

Excerpted from “Health Council CEO Spotlights Mental Health” in Half Moon Bay Review. Read the full article.

Source: Half Moon Bay Review | Health Council CEO Spotlights Mental Health, https://www.hmbreview.com/community/health-council-ceo-spotlights-mental-health/article_ac00642a-d756-11ea-9781-4b55f30a19da.html | © Copyright 2020 Half Moon Bay Review

July is BIPOC Mental Health Month

BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) Mental Health month creates awareness about the unique experiences and struggles individuals who identify as BIPOC encounter with respect to mental health. Read more ›

Stanford Children’s Health and CHC Now Enrolling Families for Fall/Summer Session of Intensive Outpatient Program

For young people who struggle with suicidal and/or self-harm urges and behaviors, Stanford Children’s Health in collaboration with Children’s Health Council, offers a specialized intervention program that is currently enrolling families for their summer/fall session. Read more ›

Welcome Back! Limited In-Person Services Now Available at CHC

Dear Friends,

We are excited to announce that, beginning this week, limited assessment and evaluation services will now be available in-person at CHC. Read more ›

Standing Strong

Dear Friends,

We are all struggling to process the upsetting events that are unfolding in our country right now. We stand with our communities to oppose racism, hatred and bigotry of any kind and we continue to work each and every day with our colleagues, friends and neighbors to realize a vision of hope for the future.
Read more ›

Community Education Sessions and Parent Support Groups Available Online

CHC is offering free online community education sessions and virtual parent support groups that address your challenges and concerns and provide strategies and resources to support your child, your family and yourself as we navigate this time of disruption and uncertainty.

We’re all in this together, and CHC is here to help. Read more ›

CHC Offers New Process Groups for Teens and Young Adults

Join us as we figure out how to cope in place. Read more ›

This Is Hard. Let Us Help.

Dear Friends,

Shelter in place. Be a perfect parent. Be an instant teacher. Be an outstanding employee.

Many of us are being expected to be all things to all people, all at once. Not surprisingly, the strain is taking a toll on our mental health. CHC can help you and your family wherever you are on this emotional and unpredictable journey. Read more ›

CHC’s Chris Harris Honored for Exemplary Service in Behavioral Health

Chris Harris, Chief Schools Officer for CHC and the Interim head of Sand Hill School, has been honored with a Community Hero Award for his exemplary service as a professional educator who “has taken the extra steps in providing behavioral health services by going beyond his job description.” Read more ›

May Is Mental Health Awareness Month

Mental Health Awareness Month is an opportunity to educate the community about mental and behavioral health issues, promote access to care and treatment, and reduce the stigma associated with mental health challenges. Read more ›

U.S. Department of Education Announces Grant Competition to Rethink K-12 Education Models

The United State Department of Education has announced a new grant program offering $307.5 million in funds for states to “create adaptable, innovative learning opportunities for K-12 and postsecondary learners in response to the COVID-19 national emergency.” Read more ›

Stanford Medicine National Daily Health Survey for Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Our partners at Stanford Medicine have recently launched an incredibly helpful initiative called the National Daily Health Survey. The information collected will help inform policymakers and public guidance as we work globally to fight the spread of COVID-19. Read more ›

CHC in the News: Addressing Children’s Negative Behavior During the COVID-19 Health Crisis

Dr. Ramsey Khasho, chief clinical officer at Children’s Health Council, appeared on KTVU News to discuss how parents can address children’s negative behavior during the COVID-19 health crisis. Read more ›

CHC in the Press: In the Time of the Coronavirus, Zoom and Skype Are the New Therapist’s Office

With local youth and families sheltering at home, counseling sessions and support groups that used to take place face-to-face in school wellness centers, clinics and private offices across Santa Clara and San Mateo counties have gone completely virtual. Read more ›

Openings for RISE Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)

Dear Friends,

As we continue to navigate the catastrophic physical tolls of COVID-19, there is growing concern about the impact of the crisis on our mental health. A recent Washington Post article states that “the pandemic has escalated into a nationwide psychological trauma,” adding, “if you’re scared, anxious, depressed, struggling to sleep through the night, or just on edge, you’re not alone.” Read more ›

California Superintendent of Public Instruction Says Schools Are Likely to Be Closed for the Rest of the Academic Year

California’s schools chief Tony Thurmond is recommending that the state’s public schools plan to provide distance learning to students through the end of their school year. Read more ›

California Department of Public Health Orders Individuals to Stay Home Except for Essential Needs

The California State Public Health Officer and Director of the California Department of Public Health is ordering all individuals living in the State of California to stay home or at their place of residence, except as needed to maintain continuity of operation of the federal critical infrastructure sectors, critical government services, schools, childcare, and construction, including housing construction.
Read more ›

California School Districts Learn More About What State Expects During a Long Shutdown

Gov. Gavin Newsom advised school districts on Tuesday that they should expect to be closed the rest of the school year. On Wednesday, a 75-minute webinar led by the California Department of Education, viewed by about 7,000 people, provided guidance on how to provide distance learning, meals for students and limited child care while schools are shut down because of the coronavirus. Read more ›

We Are in This Together

Our thoughts are with you and your families during this unprecedented time. We are all doing our best to slow down and care for one another while we navigate uncharted territory with patience, kindness and grace.

CHC remains committed to the children, teens and young adults with learning and mental health challenges throughout the Bay Area, today and always. Read more ›

Comcast’s Internet Essentials Helps Connect Low-Income Families to the Internet

Comcast’s Internet Essentials helps connect low-income families to the internet at home. New Internet Essentials customers will receive two free months of Internet service, which is available to all qualified low-income households for $9.95 per month plus tax. Read more ›

March 16 Coronavirus Update

Dear Parents, Clients and Friends of CHC,

The COVID-19 situation is changing rapidly and we want to keep you informed so you can make plans for your family. As you know, earlier today six Bay Area counties issued Shelter-In-Place orders: Santa Clara, San Mateo, San Francisco, Marin, Alameda and Contra Costa. You can access details about this order here. As a result, CHC’s Palo Alto, Ravenswood and South Bay offices will close at midnight on March 16. Most mental health services will be addressed via telehealth. Read more ›

March 13 Coronavirus Update

Dear Parents, Clients and Friends of CHC,

As we all make our way through the uncharted waters of COVID-19, the health and safety of our clients, students, families and staff are the top priority, so we are reaching out to you. The situation remains fluid. Guidelines have been changing on a daily/hourly basis. Our Emergency Response Team has been closely monitoring the rapidly-changing situation so we can make responsible decisions and keep you informed. Read more ›

Spring 2020 Community Education Sessions to Be Delivered Online

We are continuing to follow CDC guidelines for COVID-19 at CHC and as a result, we are planning to deliver the remainder of our Community Education sessions online. Read more ›

Reddit Teams Up With Crisis Text Line to Support Users Who May Be Suicidal or at Risk of Self-Harm

On Wednesday, March 4, Reddit announce that is has joined forces with Crisis Text Line, a text message based crisis support hotline, to provide counseling to users who might be at risk of self harm. Anyone on Reddit can now flag a fellow user who they think might be struggling with self-harm or suicide based on something they post on the site. Read more ›

March 2 Coronavirus Update

Dear Parents, Clients and Friends of CHC,

As you are no doubt aware, several cases of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID‐19) were diagnosed in Santa Clara County this weekend. Global circumstances suggest and experts recommend preparing for more widespread transmission. Read more ›

Michael Phelps Named PRWeek’s 2020 Communicator of the Year

Olympic swimming legend Michael Phelps is being honored as PRWeek’s Communicator of the Year in recognition of his work to reduce stigma around depression and mental health issues. Read more ›

Report: Special Education in California an ‘Urgent Priority’

One in eight students in California receives special education services, but the state’s schools are often “ill-equipped” to serve them, and funding for students with disabilities has not “kept pace with district costs,” according to a collection of research papers released Tuesday by Policy Analysis for California Education. Read more ›

CHC in the Press: ‘They Gave Us Our Child Back.’ How Nonpublic Schools Serve the Education System’s Neediest Students

For students with mental health challenges so severe that they become insurmountable barriers to learning and functioning, nonpublic schools can be life-saving. Read more ›

California Commission on Teacher Credentialing to Disseminate CA Dyslexia Guidelines to All Educator Prep Programs

California Commission on Teacher Credentialing commissioners will distribute the California Dyslexia Guidelines across the full spectrum of educator preparation programs in California including teacher preparation, induction, administrator preparation, and pupil personnel services programs. Read more ›

One in Four Children With Autism Goes Undiagnosed, Study Finds

As many as one in four children with autism go undiagnosed — and, the majority of those in whom the disorder is missed are black or Hispanic. Read more ›

Bay Area Doctors Target Health Consequences of Childhood Trauma

A screening tool developed by Bay Area pediatricians to identify adverse childhood experiences, ranging from homelessness and food insecurity to physical and sexual abuse, will now help doctors statewide address trauma affecting patients’ health. Read more ›

CHC Receives Community Partnership Award from Stanford University

On November 1, 2019, CHC was honored to receive a 2019 Community Partnership Award from Stanford University at a special ceremony held at the Garden Court Hotel in Palo Alto, California.

CHC in the Press: Three Organizations Receive Stanford 2019 Community Partnership Awards

Three community groups that focus on children’s health, welfare and education have won Stanford University 2019 Community Partnership Awards.

This year’s award winners are the Children’s Health Council, CrashCourse and Future Advancers of Science and Technology. Read more ›

California Pushes Back School Start Times for Middle and High School Students

Gov. Gavin Newsom signed legislation on Sunday that pushes school start times later. Under the new law, middle schools will start classes at 8 a.m. or after, while high schools will start classes at 8:30 a.m. or after. Optional early classes will still be allowed.

The law applies to public and charter schools, though rural school districts are exempt. The new start times go into effect by July 1, 2022, or when a school’s collective bargaining agreement with its employees expires, whichever is later. Read more ›

October is ADHD Awareness Month

The mission of ADHD Awareness Month is to educate the public about ADHD by disseminating reliable information based on the evidence of science and peer-reviewed research. Read more ›

U.S. Department of Education Announces New Grant Awards to Address School Safety and Improve Access to Mental Health Services

The U.S. Department of Education announced $71.6 million in new funding to enhance safety in schools and improve student access to mental health resources. The Depart of Education made the awards under four grant programs, which support recommendations identified in the final report issued by the Federal Commission on School Safety. Read more ›

Mental Illness Awareness Week

Mental Illness Awareness Week takes place from October 6 – 12, 2019. Every year during Mental Illness Awareness Week, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) works to educate the public, eliminate stigma and advocate for better access to mental health care. Read more ›

Autism CARES Act of 2019 Designates $1.8 Billion to Fund Research

An extension of the nation’s primary autism law was approved on September 30, 2019, authorizing $1.8 billion in spending on the developmental disorder in the coming years. Read more ›

October Is International Dyslexia Awareness Month

International Dyslexia Awareness Month was established by the International Dyslexia Association (IDA) to raise awareness and educate others about dyslexia. Read more ›

The State of Mental Health in America 2020

Mental Health America (MHA) released new state rankings in its most recent report, 2020 State of Mental Health in America. Read more ›

South Bay Spiritual Leaders Say Hate, Not Mental Illness, Is What Perpetuates Gun Violence

More than 80 clergy of diverse faiths unify to issue a proclamation to stand against hatred and to stand beside those with mental illness. Read more ›

Hate and Guns Are a Public Health Crisis Says American Psychological Association President

After the most recent mass shootings in El Paso, Texas and Dayton, Ohio, American Psychological Association President Rosie Phillips Davis, PhD, issued a statement in which she asserted that guns, racism, bigotry and hatred are fueling a “public health crisis” in the United States.
Read more ›

CHC Announces New Chief Advancement Officer — Sterrin Bird

Palo Alto, CA September 2, 2019 — Children’s Health Council (CHC) today announced the addition of Sterrin Bird, CFRE, as Chief Advancement Officer, beginning August 1. A nationally-recognized leader in the nonprofit community, Ms. Bird has more than 25 years of experience in service to philanthropy, with particular emphasis in capital campaigning and major gifts. Read more ›

CHC in the News: Finding Paths to Mental Health Support in the Bay Area

CHC’s Patrice Crisostomo and Meghna Singh, representing CHC’s Teen Wellness Committee, appeared on the September 7 edition of KCBS Radio‘s In Depth radio show on the topic of raising awareness around mental health. Read more ›

National Suicide Prevention Week

Every year, mental health organizations raise awareness about suicide and suicide prevention throughout the month of September. September 8 – 14, 2019, is National Suicide Prevention Week, a time to promote suicide prevention awareness, to share stories and resources, and to advocate for mental health care. Read more ›

California Law Puts a Suicide Hotline Number on School ID Cards

California high school and middle school students will have some lifesaving information at their fingertips as they go back to school this year. Read more ›

Dr. Rosalie Whitlock, Executive Director, Children's Health Council

Coping with Trauma from Gun Violence

Dear Friends,

We’re all struggling to process the tragic events and aftermath of the past days. Our clinical staff reminds us that in our roles as parents, friends, colleagues and family members, self-care is more important than ever before. This means taking care physically by resting, eating well and exercising, and taking care emotionally by spending time with safe and emotionally-supportive friends. Read more ›

CHC in the Press: ‘Mental Health Doesn’t Go Away Over the Summer:’ Local Organizations See Spike in Demand for Services

Sarah Pistorino saw a therapist through the end of her freshman year at Sacred Heart Preparatory School. Then summer came — and with it, the end of her academic stress and fatigue — so she pressed the pause button on her therapy. But when school started up again in the fall, she felt a decline in her mental health. She now continues therapy through the summer months. Read more ›

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News

providing an APA-approved doctoral internship program in clinical and pediatric psychology

Source: KTVU | Mental health experts on managing back to school anxiety amid pandemic, https://www.ktvu.com/news/mental-health-experts-on-managing-back-to-school-anxiety-amid-pandemic | ©2020 FOX Television Stations

Source: Half Moon Bay Review | Health Council CEO Spotlights Mental Health, https://www.hmbreview.com/community/health-council-ceo-spotlights-mental-health/article_ac00642a-d756-11ea-9781-4b55f30a19da.html | © Copyright 2020 Half Moon Bay Review

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