Legal Literacy: Navigating Educational Law and Mental Health

If you work with children and adolescents, you know that supporting mental health in an educational setting can be complex. Between Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), Section 504 Plans, and a shifting legal landscape, these systems can feel overwhelming. This month’s newsletter aims to break down key aspects of the laws that contribute to these services and provide you with the tools you need to advocate effectively for your clients and students.

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When The Going Gets Good: Is It Time To Refer Out?

We’ve all encountered the question: Is it time to refer this client out? It’s never an easy decision, and it comes with ethical, practical, and emotional considerations. We want to provide the best possible care, but sometimes that means helping a client transition to a different provider or a higher level of support. So, this month, we’re diving into when to refer out, how to do it ethically, how to collaborate with schools, and ways to support clients during long wait times.

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Shelbie Spearprofessionals
Unpacking the Inhibitory Learning Model

If you work with children and adolescents struggling with anxiety disorders, you know how crucial it is to keep refining your approach to treatment. Today, we want to highlight the Inhibitory Learning Model (ILM) — an evidence-based framework that offers a nuanced understanding of exposure therapy and its effectiveness. Traditionally, exposure therapy has been viewed through the lens of fear extinction, where the goal is to reduce a young person’s fear response over repeated exposure to a feared stimulus. However, the research has not always supported this perspective on why ERP is effective. Enter the Inhibitory Learning Model — a paradigm shift that focuses on helping clients develop new, non-fear-based associations with anxiety-provoking stimuli.

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Shelbie Spearprofessionals
Laying the Groundwork: The Importance of Parent Training

Recently, there’s been a growing focus on parent training and interventions aimed at supporting parents in the fields of psychology and education. Research keeps showing us just how important parents are in shaping their children’s behavior, emotions, and academic success. Effective parent training programs not only enhance parenting skills but also help us tackle behavioral challenges, anxiety disorders, and boost academic performance. In this article, we will discuss the ways in which professionals are using parent training to support children and adolescents.

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Shelbie Spearprofessionals
Sorting Fact from Fiction in ADHD Interventions

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders among children, leading to widespread interest in treatment options. However, amidst this interest lies a landscape filled with treatments that lack solid research backing or could potentially be harmful. As mental health professionals and consumers, it is critical to distinguish between evidence-based practices and those that are ineffective or could lead to negative outcomes. In this article, we explore some controversial treatments for ADHD in children and provide guidance on why these should be approached “with caution.”

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Strategies for Growing a Thriving Child and Adolescent Focused Private Practice in Today's Market

Starting a private practice in child and adolescent psychology is rewarding, blending therapeutic fulfillment with business independence. This guide helps navigate establishing a successful practice, from crafting a tailored therapeutic environment to managing business challenges. Key benefits include professional autonomy, specialization, and direct client impact. However, challenges like financial risk, isolation, and balancing personal and professional life must be managed. With careful planning and continuous growth, your practice can thrive, making a significant impact on young lives.

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Stay Informed and Connected: Join Online Workshops for Sleep Therapy Experts

Staying ahead of scientific advancements and new therapeutic techniques is a commitment to excellence in pediatric sleep therapy. As dedicated professionals, continuous learning is essential. Online workshops offer a dynamic space to learn, connect, and stay current with innovations in sleep therapy. These workshops provide flexibility, enabling you to expand your knowledge and refine your skills without disrupting your practice. Engaging in these interactive sessions immerses you in the latest research and trends, making them an invaluable resource for ongoing professional development. Embrace these opportunities to elevate your expertise and enhance patient care. At Thriving Minds, we support your journey with professional resources to improve patient outcomes and practice growth.

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Opening the Lines: Effective Communication Strategies for Professionals and Parents

In the complex landscape of child mental health, the bridge between professionals and parents is pivotal. Effective communication not only enhances therapeutic outcomes but also ensures a cohesive approach to supporting a child’s educational and emotional needs. This article delves into techniques that foster open, effective dialogue between educators, therapists, and parents.

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Becoming a Specialist: Advanced Training and Consultation for Selective Mutism

Selective mutism is a severe anxiety disorder visible in children who speak comfortably at home but not in social settings like school. It often coexists with other anxiety disorders, requiring specialized, multidisciplinary treatment to help each child effectively find their voice.

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