Roundup of Mental Health News and Resources From Seattle Children’s

OCD Intensive Outpatient Program Now Has Openings for New Referrals

Seattle Children’s Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) is once again being offered in person and is open for referrals. Offered at Seattle Children’s Magnuson building across from Magnuson Park, the program offers evidence-based cognitive behavior treatment for children and teens ages 11 to 18 (or older if they are still in high school). Participants must already be diagnosed with OCD and anxiety and not been able to make progress in regular outpatient treatment. To refer a patient, please write “OCD IOP evaluation” for the quickest routing within Psychiatry.

For more information, view the OCD-IOP program flyer, which includes detailed referral criteria.

4 FAST Trainings in April and May

The First Approach Skills Training (FAST) team is offering live, interactive trainings for managing common youth mental health conditions. FAST programs are designed to provide brief, evidence-based behavioral therapy for youth and families in primary care clinics and other settings where long-term treatment is not usually offered. The training is free.

• April 4: 9 to 11 a.m. – FAST-Depression (learn more and register)
• April 18: 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. – FAST-Trauma (learn more and register)
• May 9: 9 to 11 a.m. – FAST-Parenting Teens (learn more and register)
• May 16: 9 to 11 a.m. – FAST-Early Childhood Concerns (learn more and register)

Providers can learn more about FAST and access free assessment tools for initial screening, treatment planning and progress monitoring on the FAST website. Program materials were developed by a team of child and adolescent psychologists with funding support from the Washington State Healthcare Authority. Please direct any questions to FAST@seattlechildrens.org.

4 Free “Finding Mental Health” Classes for Families, April–July

Nationally, one in five children and teens has a treatable mental health disorder, and half of these are not receiving help from a mental health professional. “Finding Mental Health Care in Washington State” is a free two-part class series from Seattle Children’s focused on educating families about resources outside of Seattle Children’s to help families connect to care as quickly as possible. Classes are 30 minutes. Families do not need to take Part 1 to take Part 2. Registration is required. Video recordings of the classes, without Q&A, are available on our website in English and Spanish.

• April 19: Part 1 – Outpatient Services (English)
• May 17: Part 1 – Outpatient Services (Spanish)
• June 21: Part 2 – Higher-Level Services (English)
• July 19: Part 2 – Higher-Level Services (Spanish)

Please share this class information with any families who may be interested. More information is available on our website.

“You Are a Miracle”: One Patient’s Journey With an Eating Disorder

Read the inspiring story of 19-year-old Emme’s personal experience at Seattle Children’s, in her own words — from diagnosis to ongoing recovery and the lessons she learned along the way.

Emme’s story reminds us that early intervention and treatment are effective, recovery is possible and many people live healthy, fulfilling lives when they get the right help.

Seattle Children’s Eating Disorders Recovery Program diagnoses and treats children and teens with anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and other eating disorders. All patients referred to the program will receive a one-time telehealth visit with either a medical provider, psychologist or mental health therapist depending on their needs. If you are referring a patient, please review our eating disorder referral guidelines.

New Handout for Families: “5 Most Common ADHD Questions Asked by Parents”

The 5 Most Common ADHD Questions Asked by Parents, written by Seattle Children’s Erin Gonzalez, PhD, addresses common questions from concerned caregivers and parents. It discusses ways to support children with ADHD, school resources and answers common questions about medications. Gonzalez provides links to many ADHD resources for parents and caregivers, including Seattle Children’s videos and classes.

We encourage providers to share this article with patient families who may be concerned about their child with ADHD.

Reminder: Seattle Children’s Mental Health Hub Is a Resource for Providers and Families

Additional resources on common pediatric mental health concerns are available at Seattle Children’s mental health resources hub. To let patients and families know about these resources, print and share our Mental Health Hub flyer, available in both English and Spanish.