Growing Minds, Growing Challenges in Youth Mental Health (Recorded Webinar)
Presented by Melissa Sevestre
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This course is a recording of a previously hosted live webinar event. Polling and question submission features are not available for this recording. Format and structure may differ from those of standard Medbridge courses.
Rehabilitation practitioners are encountering more youth with both diagnosed and undiagnosed mental health concerns, yet clear guidance on their role in addressing these needs is often lacking. This webinar bridges that gap by equipping occupational therapy practitioners, physical therapy practitioners, and speech-language pathologists with evidence-based insights and practical strategies. Participants will learn how to recognize early signs of mental health challenges in pediatric practice, apply effective techniques to support mental well-being, and put these skills into action through a case study analysis. Whether you work in schools, clinics, or community settings, you’ll leave with greater confidence and tools to make a meaningful impact.
Learning Objectives
- Determine common mental health diagnoses in youth and their implications for rehabilitation practice
- Choose appropriate therapeutic responses when engaging youth with suspected but undiagnosed mental health concerns
- Determine the environmental and personal factors influencing mental health and their impact on occupational performance in pediatric clients
- Analyze a case study to identify appropriate therapeutic interventions for a youth presenting with mental health concerns
Meet your instructor
Melissa Sevestre
Melissa Sevestre, PhD, MOT, OTR/L, has been an occupational therapist for over 18 years. She earned her bachelor’s degree in special education with a focus on intellectual disabilities from the University of Central Florida. She spent three years teaching individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and…
Chapters & learning objectives
1. Youth Mental Health by the Numbers: Latest Data and Insights
Mental health diagnoses are increasing among youth, and understanding the data is important for rehabilitation experts. Signs and symptoms for common mental health disorders, as well as signs for those diagnosed with common pediatric disorders (e.g., autism, cerebral palsy) will be discussed.
2. Addressing Emotional Well-Being in Rehab Therapy
Rehabilitation practitioners can be key players in addressing mental health concerns within the rehabilitation setting despite being in a medical or school setting. Participants will learn methods to identify and help youth within the typical rehabilitation session.
3. Applying the Lens: A Case Study in Youth Mental Health and Therapy
A case study will be reviewed and analyzed to determine signs and symptoms and to determine appropriate treatment options that can be integrated into the treatment session. Follow-up care and referral processes will also be discussed.
4. Question and Answer Session
This chapter is a viewer-submitted question and answer session facilitated by Melissa Sevestre.