Mental health services available in NEPA
WILKES-BARRE, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Almost daily we see headlines of violence carried out by teenagers it’s a growing problem across the country. In just the last week a 13-year-old Wilkes-Barre girl was charged in the brutal stabbing death of her mother.
As part of our children’s first initiative, we asked the experts to discuss warning signs and resources. Early diagnosis and appropriate services for children and their families can make a difference in the hopes of preventing a tragedy.
While it may not have made a difference in the Wilkes-Barre case, psychologists say there are things parents should look out for.
The Children’s Service Center is a lifeline for many children, teens, and their families across Luzerne and Wyoming counties.
As a behavioral health care system, it offers assessment, crisis, and referral services staffed 24/7 by psychiatric professionals.
“I think children and adolescents are experiencing significant stressors just socially, emotionally, in public school settings, with social media, with bullying,” said Summer Krochta the vice president of programs at Children’s Service Center.
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All children can be sad, irritable, or anxious at times, or occasionally find it challenging to pay attention. In most cases, these are typical developmental phases, but certain behaviors may indicate a more serious problem,
“When you notice signs and symptoms that your child is not able to complete typical tasks such as their homework, extracurricular activities, socializing, those are really moments that you want to start asking some questions,” continued Krochta.
The Children’s Service Center outpatient mental health clinic helps those who might have difficulty functioning in their community, home, or school.
“Just gives them an avenue to have somebody for them to talk through, work on coping skills, come up with strategies so that they can manage their emotions effectively and be successful,” added Krochta.
Last year, the CDC found that anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts among teen girls are at the highest rates the country has seen in over a decade.
“A lot of times what people say is, oh that’s just typical teenage angst or that’s just normal. That doesn’t mean that they wouldn’t benefit or do better if they have some professional assistance or guidance to help them through a difficult time,” explained Dr. Tawnya Meadows a pediatric psychologist at Geisinger.
If your child’s behavior is unsafe, or if your child talks about wanting to hurt themselves or someone else, seek help immediately.
You can learn more about tips, resources, and programs available on the Children’s Service Center website.
The public defender who is representing Powell could not be reached for comment at this time.
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