Voices Found: Teens Talk About Mental Health
Event Information
Description
Did you know that 1 in 5 children ages 13-18 have, or will have, a serious mental illness and that 50% of all lifetime cases of mental illness begin by age 14? Join us for an interactive and engaging presentation and panel discussion about teen mental health. During this presentation you'll learn firsthand what high school students have to say about stress and their mental health and what parents and educators can do to better support them.
This free event, organized in recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, is hosted by Maine Township's MaineStay Youth & Family Services and Chicago Behavioral Hospital in partnership with Mental Health America of the North Shore and NAMI Cook County North Suburban. It is appropriate for parents, community members, and professionals and includes 1.5 free CEUs for social workers, professional counselors, marriage and family therapists, psychologists, and nurses. Check in will be from 6:30-7:00 PM. Advance registration is requested as seating for this event is limited.
We will be collecting in-kind donations at this event to support the community programs offered by Mental Health America of the North Shore. Attendees are encouraged to bring paper plates, plastic silverware and cups, mindfulness coloring books, snacks (e.g. granola bars), or grocery store/Walgreen's gift cards (of any amount) to purchase healthy snacks for their events.
Program Agenda
- Presentation of research about what teens have to say about mental health
- Panel discussion with teens who have dealt with mental health issues, a parent, and a mental health professional
- Audience Q&A
About the Presenters
Dr. Josefina Alvarez
Dr. Josefina Alvarez is a professor in the department of psychology at Adler University in Chicago and board president of Mental Health America of the North Shore. Her interests include community-based mental health education, cultural competence in mental health and addictions treatment, and mental health advocacy. She received a BA in Psychology from Loyola University/Chicago and a PhD in Clinical Community Psychology from DePaul University.
Dr. Christine Somervill
Dr. Christine Somervill is a Mental Health Educator with experience in curriculum development, learning assessment, community engagement and planning. Prior to joining NAMI CCNS she served as Vice President at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Dr. Somervill’s interests include: senior mental health, adolescents, and trauma. She holds a BA in Psychology from Southern Illinois University, an MA in Counseling Psychology from the University of Northern Iowa, and a PhD in Education from Illinois State University. Dr. Somervill joined the National Alliance on Mental Illness Cook County North Suburban in June 2016. As Director of Programs, she oversees a volunteer corps of over 60 teachers and facilitators who provide education programs and support groups to 17 communities along the North Shore and west.
Dr. Cristina Ramirez
Dr. Cristina Ramirez is a School Psychologist at Maine West High School and board member of Mental Health America of the North Shore.
Mr. Chris Gillick
Chris Gillick is a NAMI CCNS Family Support Group facilitator.
