Adolescent Consultation Services

Looking for tools to help address and improve youth mental health?
Check out Mental Health America’s 2024 Resource Guide for info and tools for adults to use in their work with young people!
Learn more at mhanational.org/young-minds

Did you know: LGBTQIA+ kids are significantly overrepresented in the juvenile justice system.

LBQ girls are 2 to 3 times more likely to be involved in the system than to their heterosexual peers.

When in the system, they are treated worse than their heterosexual peers.

Learn more at https://glma.org/docs/LBQ-Women-Mar-2021.pdf.

UPDATE: You may have seen us share Diego's story in December. Diego reached out to us recently to share some exciting new updates! He is THRIVING! Diego has been interning at various organizations, attending therapy, and is looking forward to continuing his education.

Way to go, Diego!

🚨🚨Resource Alert🚨🚨

LGBTQIA+ youth experience high rates of mental illness. Let's share some resources!

1. The Trevor Project: The Trevor Lifeline provides support to LGBTQ youths and allies in crisis or in need of a safe and judgment-free place to talk.
For assistance call: (800) 788-7386

2. 988 Su***de and Crisis Lifeline: This page offers information and resources for LGBTQ+ individuals who are struggling with suicidal feelings or mental health crises.
For assistance: call: 988 then dial 3 or text: “Pride“ to 988

3. Rainbow Labs: Rainbow Labs offers LGBTQ+ youth mentorship programs so youth can find their community, peers, and safe spaces earlier on while gaining a sense of empowerment to propel them into bright futures.
Website: https://www.rainbowlabs.org/

4. LGBT National Help Center: A national resource that provides LGBTQIA+ community with free & confidential support and referral resources via phone, text, and chat.
Website: https://lgbthotline.org/

Help is out there and things will get better! You’ve got this!

Today we honor Juneteenth: A Celebration of Freedom and Resilience!

On June 19, 1865, news of the Emancipation Proclamation finally reached Galveston, Texas, marking the true end of slavery in the United States. Juneteenth, now recognized as a federal holiday, commemorates this monumental day in our history.

At ACS, we celebrate the strength, resilience, and contributions of Black communities. We are committed to continuing the fight for equality and justice for all.

Join us in honoring Juneteenth by:
- Educating yourself and others about its history
- Supporting Black-owned businesses
- Participating in local Juneteenth events

Let's reflect on the past and work together towards a more just and equitable future!

💡 Did you know 💡 : Studies show higher rates of depression and an increased risk for depressive disorders among members of the LGBTQIA+ community?

Let's talk about it!

Depression is a common but serious mood disorder that causes severe symptoms that affect how a person feels, thinks, and handles daily activities, such as sleeping, eating, or working.

Symptoms of Clinical Depression include:
1. Persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” mood
2. Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism
3. Difficulty sleeping, waking too early in the morning, or oversleeping
4. Thoughts of death or su***de or su***de attempts
5. Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities
6. Becoming withdrawn, negative, or detached

Studies show that LGBTQIA+ youth are at a higher risk of having depression or depressive symptoms because of the increase in external stressors they face, such as discrimination and homophobia.

Let's turn awareness into action!

We can make a difference by:
- Creating safe spaces where everyone feels accepted and supported
- Educating ourselves and others on the unique challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ individuals.
- Advocating for inclusive policies and resources to combat discrimination and promote mental health support.
- Showing compassion to those struggling with depression or other mental health issues.

Sources:
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression
https://www.psychiatry.org/psychiatrists/diversity/education/lgbtq-patients
https://www.healthline.com/health/depression/gay #:~:text=LGBTQIA%2B%20adults&text=Depression%20in%20LGB%20adults%20is,out%20of%20fear%20of%20discrimination.

🚨 🚨 Attention! ACS is now accepting referrals for treatment! 🚨 🚨

Who can make a referral?
Referral sources include the District Attorney’s Juvenile Diversion program, probation officers, assistant clerk magistrates, judges, attorneys, school adjustment counselors, clinicians, parents/guardians, community-based organizations, and state agencies.

Who can be referred?
Children and teens that:
- Live in Middlesex County
- Currently court-involved or at risk for court involvement
- Youth up to age 21 are eligible for individual treatment
- Teens ages 13-17 are eligible for THRIVE group treatment

How do you refer someone?
You can make a referral online on our website at https://acskids.org/treatment. There, you will find an online form to fill out or a PDF, if you prefer.

Have a child or teen to refer to our programs?
Want to find out more about our services and referrals? Visit us at https://acskids.org/services.

Our main mission is to support youth in the juvenile justice system. Here are some other ways you can help:

1. Support mental healthcare: About 1/3 of youth detained pretrial had identified feelings of depression/anxiety. This is almost 2 times the rest of the Massachusetts youth population!

2. Fund diversion programs: In Michigan, youth who entered a juvenile justice system had a 25% increase in their likelihood of being arrested as an adult.

3. Be trauma informed: In Massachusetts, about 1/3 of youth detained pretrial had previously experienced physical or sexual abuse or exploitation. Other forms of trauma are also more common amongst these juveniles.

Let's support these kids together!

🏳️‍🌈 June is Pride Month! 🏳️‍🌈 It’s a time to celebrate and uplift the LGBTQIA+ community, recognizing their resilience and the challenges they may face.

This Pride Month, we're shedding light on the vital connection between LGBTQIA+ identity and mental health.

Join the conversation: How can we best support LGBTQIA+ children and teens in their mental health journeys and reduce the barriers they face?



Let’s talk LGBTQIA+ identity and mental health!

LGBTQIA+ encompasses a diverse range of identities, including Le***an, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Q***r or Questioning, Intersex, and Asexual/Aromantic/Agender.

While many LGBTQIA+ people find joy and belonging within their community, they also face higher levels of discrimination and prejudice because of homophobia. This hate is bad for their mental well-being.

Get the facts:
- LGBTQIA+ teens are six times more likely to experience symptoms of depression than their non-LGBTQIA+ peers.
- LGBTQIA+ youth are over twice as likely to contemplate su***de compared to heterosexual youth.
- > 50% of LGBTQIA+ people reported that they or a friend or family member had been harassed or experienced violence because of their sexuality or gender identity.

Despite these challenges, there's resilience within the community. LGBTQIA+ individuals actively seek mental health support at a rate 2.5 times higher than their heterosexual counterparts!

Let’s stand together to create a world where every individual, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, can thrive mentally and emotionally!

Knowledge is power!⭐ Start off your week learning something new with this beginner's guide to understanding mental illness. Together, we can build a more supportive world!



Beginner's Guide to Mental Illness

1) Anyone can develop a mental illness - Everyone regardless of their race, gender, social standing, our identity is at risk of Developing a mental illness. the National institute of mental health estimates that 1 in 5 adults suffer from a mental illness.
2) Mental illness is NOT weakness - it is an illness just like the flu. Likelihood of developing a mental illness is shaped by factors like biological and environmental processes, which most people cannot control.
3) Therapy is for everyone - our life experiences shape our brains. Therapy helps change the structure of our brains for the better. It helps you feel better, even if you don't have a mental illness.
4) Talking about mental illness helps to reduce its stigma. This helps those with mental illnesses get better support and understanding from those around them!

Sources:
https://www.mass.gov/info-details/why-is-it-important-to-talk-about-mental-health
https://www.cdc.gov/mentalhealth/learn/index.htm #:
https://www.nami.org/mental-illness/dispelling-myths-on-mental-illness/
https://mhanational.org/science-behind-therapy #:~:text=Therapy%20helps%20you%20learn%20how,struggling%20with%20their%20mental%20healt

Today is the last day of Mental Health Awareness month, but ACS is committed to providing mental health services to kids in need all year round.
Join our circle of friends with a donation today. Your donation will help us to provide the mental health services kids need to heal, grow, and thrive. www.acskids.org/donate.

ACS provides mental health services to kids who are court involved or at risk for court involvement.
The most common question we get asked at ACS is, "What did the kids you serve do to get in trouble with the Court?"
Watch this short video to find out the answer and learn more about our work - https://youtu.be/vfFnPtXlkqw?si=48SXLyxW2D7bHJ3b

Our friends at PPAL compiled a list of children's mental health book recommendations. Check it out -https://ppal.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/CMHW-2024-PPAL-Reccomended-Reading.pdf

ACS serves around 300 children each year. Here are some of their stories -
https://acskids.org/impact/voices/ .

Don't forget to answer these 3 fundamental questions when your kids witness or hear about scary situations:
1) Am I safe?
2) Are you, the people who take care of me, safe?
3) How will this event affect my daily life?

The CDC defines Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) as potentially traumatic events occurring from 0-17 years of age, including (but not limited to): experiencing violence, abuse, or neglect; witnessing violence in the home or community; having a family member with substance use disorder.
1 is the median number of ACEs experienced by a child in the CDC study.
5 is the median number of ACEs experienced by a child served by the MA Juvenile Court Clinics
62% of ACS clients experience 4 or more ACEs
12% of children in the CDC study experience 4 or more ACEs
93% of youth in the juvenile justice system have experienced trauma
Child maltreatment increases risk of criminality by more than 50%
Sources: [1] The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), April 3, 2020.[2] CDC-Kaiser ACE Study.[3] Baglivio, M., et. al. 2015. The Relationship Between Adverse Childhood Experience (ACE) and Juvenile Offender Trajectories in a Juvenile Offender Sample. Journal of Criminal Justice.[4] Belinda Astridge et al, A systematic review and meta-analysis on adverse childhood experiences: Prevalence in youth offenders and their effects on youth recidivism, Child Abuse & Neglect (2023). DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2023.106055

Reduce Anxiety in 20 seconds
Slowly look around and find
5 things you see
4 things you hear
3 things you feel
2 things you smell
This is called grounding. It can help when you feel like you've gone too far in your head and lost control of your surroundings.

Meditation is a simple strategy that can promote calmness and relaxation. It has been shown to reduce stress, improve concentration, and promote emotional well-being.
There is no one-size-fits-all way to meditate. There are eight types of meditation practices. You can start with just a few minutes of practice, a few times a week.
Learn more at https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320392

Not all wounds are visible. Be kind to yourself and others. You never know what struggles someone is facing.

It's going to be HOT today! 89 degrees in Cambridge, 89 in Framingham, and 91 in Lowell!
Research shows that spending time in nature can improve your mood and reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. Take a walk outside today and soak in the beauty of the world around you. 🌳

In 2023, ACS reached a significant milestone, commemorating 50 years of providing critical mental health services to children and families. As we reflect on the remarkable journey of the past five decades, let us not only celebrate the achievements but also reaffirm our collective commitment to the mental health and well-being of children and adolescents.
The ACS Annual Report describes the challenges our kids face and how ACS services can make an impact during this critical window. Thank you for making this work possible.
Please enjoy reading the FY23 ACS Annual Report - https://online.pubhtml5.com/ripy/hffu/
Message us or comment below if you'd like us to mail you a hard copy.

🧠 A 2023 study shows that racism and poverty impact young minds. Childhood trauma, like exposure to racism and poverty, reshapes developing brains, potentially leading to lasting mental health challenges.🔬 Through analyzing thousands of MRI brain scans, researchers uncovered physical changes in the brains of children facing higher levels of adversity. Their findings highlight the urgent need to address systemic inequalities, with Black children disproportionately affected.
How can we support these children?
🌱 On an individual level, providing children with access to therapy and teaching coping mechanisms is crucial. 🤝 As a community and nation, it's imperative that we confront the deep-rooted structural injustices that perpetuate these disparities. 🌍 Let's work together to educate ourselves and create a future where every child has the opportunity to thrive.
2023 Study shows the effect of racism and poverty on kids' brains, PBS
- https://www.pbs.org/video/trauma-1676751825/
Racism and Mental Health, Mental Health America - https://www.mhanational.org/racism-and-mental-health
Mental Health Inequities: Racism and Racial Discrimination, NAMI - https://www.nami.org/advocacy/policy-priorities/supporting-community-inclusion-and-non-discrimination/mental-health-inequities-racism-and-racial-discrimination/

Art is healing! Arts activities are a key feature of our Treatment services. Face-to-face therapy can feel intimidating, especially for young clients. Allowing teens to engage in a hands-on activity typically helps lower defenses and enhances a young person’s willingness to talk and share more openly.
Teens in our group treatment program have created therapeutic tools that they can take home to practice new skills, such as a personal zen garden for mindfulness, a sensory jar for breathwork, and stress balls for tension release.
You can help by purchasing arts items from our Amazon Wishlist - https://www.amazon.com/registries/gl/guest-view/3W18GKOX8M9RX

Life can be challenging, and sometimes it’s hard to know when you’re experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition. You don’t have to start alone: take a free mental health test at mhascreening.org 📋

Fun Fact Friday: Did you know that practicing gratitude can boost your mental health? Try keeping a gratitude journal and write down three things you're thankful for each day.

Yesterday we told you how mental and physical health are linked. Today learn how and why improving areas of your physical health will boost your mental health.
Better sleep helps your brain work properly
Exercise releases the 'feel good' chemicals in your brain
Healthy nutrition can lower symptoms of depression and anxiety

The link between mental health and physical health is often misunderstood. They’re often thought of as separate entities, but the two go hand in hand.
Poor mental health can affect your ability to make healthy decisions and fight off chronic diseases. Neglecting your mental health can lead to more serious health complications such as heart disease, high blood pressure, obesity, gastronomical problems, and chronic fatigue.
Physical health problems significantly increase our risk of developing mental health problems. Nearly one in three people with a long-term physical health condition also has a mental health problem, most often depression or anxiety.

How can you make a difference in su***de prevention? Learn about what to do if you think someone might be at risk for self-harm by reading these 5 Action Steps for Helping Someone in Emotional Pain: https://buff.ly/3uy9tlh

Take the Self-Care Challenge! Try to do at least 8 of these activities this week to prioritize your self-care.
1) Do a random act of kindness
2) Do something creative
3) Stay off social media for a day
4) Spend a day alone in nature
5) Declutter your room/apartment
6) Spend time with animals!
7)Give yourself a compliment in the mirror
8) Spend a day alone in nature
9) Spend time with a loved one
10) Watch a comfort show or movie
11) Dance it out!
12) Dress up and take yourself out on a date

Breathe.
There is a reason that people say "take a deep breath" when you are feeling overwhelmed. Breathing is proven to lower stress in the mind and body. It turns off your fight or flight response. It reduces anxious or intrusive thoughts and increases focus. Take a moment today to practice the box breathing technique illustrated here.