Below are some scary statistics: 26.9% of teens ages 12-17 have one or more mental, emotional, developmental or behavioral problem (NSCH, 2019). 36.7% of high school students reported feeling hopelessness or sadness in the past year (CDC, 202). Among college age students, 29.1% have been diagnosed with anxiety (NCHA, 2021). Suicide is the SECOND leading cause of death for teens and young adults (CDC, 2022) One of the main driving factors behind starting this podcast was my recognition that mental health disorders in our society were climbing rapidly. And our children are not exempt from this fact. But the good news, is that there is help. There are things we can do that can help prevent our children from suffering. And if they are already suffering, there are things we can do to help them get well. On todays episode I speak with Colleen Devlin. Colleen Devlin is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in New Jersey & Pennsylvania and owns a private practice in Medford, NJ. Prior to starting her practice, Colleen has worked with children, adults, families, and groups in a wide range of clinical settings including: outpatient, intensive in-home services, and  college and school-based settings.  Additionally, she has an extensive background working with youth suffering from various mental health diagnoses, behavioral difficulties, trauma, and crisis’.  . Colleen has received numerous trainings on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Nurtured Heart approach, mindfulness,  and positive behavioral support interventions as well as behavioral modifications.  She specializes in working with adolescents and adults who present with concerns such as Autism Spectrum disorders, social problems, depression, school difficulties, ADHD, self esteem issues, as well as mood and anxiety disorders. Colleen uses evidenced based techniques including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused, Mindfulness & Dialectical Behavioral Therapy strategies.   Colleen loves the work that she does  and has a true passion for helping others. It has always been her belief that when working with an individual, it is a partnership. We know life can get challenging and overwhelming at times, making the choice to ask for help is a powerful choice. Colleen believes  that all individuals  would benefit from having a therapist beside them through life so that they can live in accordance with their beliefs, values, and hopeful destinations. As a therapist Colleen's goal is to offer comfort, hope and healing in life's most difficult circumstances. We discuss how to recognize if your child may be struggling and what to do if you think they are. We also discuss how to help a child who is resistant to therapy, what factors contribute to mental health decline and what factors protect against it. Colleen also gives some great ideas on how schools can help and where and how to get plugged in with a mental health specialist. I hope you enjoy todays conversation. As always reach out to me about the show. You can find me at: momonthevergepodcast@gmail.com, on instagram instagram at katiemomandyogi and on Facebook at Katie Farinas Remember, the things that impact your kids mental health affect yours as well. So, stay connected, put down your phone, get some sleep and release judgement of yourself. And if you think you need help, reach out. Normalize mental health for yourself, your kids and the world. It's way overdue. How to find a therapist:Psychology Today- https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/psychologyOpen Path-https://openpathcollective.org/open-path-therapists/Therapy Den-https://www.therapyden.com/Mobile Response NJ for children:https://www.performcarenj.org/index.aspxResources/Books :The Teenage Brain (book)The Trevor Project- https://www.thetrevorproject.org/Teen Spectrum- is a great group for teens who have autism or ADHD. They meet once a month https://aspennj.org/camdenburlington-counties-nj-teen-spectrum-social-group