Mental Health Matters: Mental Health and Youth

The first session of Peace River Center's Mental Health Matters kicks off with the topic of youth mental health. Our panel of youth mental health experts will dive into the most pressing challenges facing today’s children and teens, as well as ways to build resilience and coping skills. The panel includes: • Dr. Simon Chamakalayil who specializes in Child/Adolescent Psychiatry at Lakeland Regional Health • Tiffani Fritzsche, LMHC, CBHCMS, Children’s Services Director at Peace River Center • Christy Olson, EdD, LMHC, Sr. Coordinator of Mental Health Services for Polk County Public Schools Attendees will learn more about Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), mental illness age of onset, and how behavioral health and mental health challenges compare. The panel will also address suicide prevention and intervention as well as mental health support resources. There is also a Zoom option. Breakfast is provided for in-person attendees. Those interested can learn more and register at https://www.peacerivercenter.org/mhm2022/. About Mental Health Matters Peace River Center is partnering with Polk Vision’s Behavioral Health Committee, to host “Mental Health Matters.” This series of panel discussions are aimed at educating and equipping the community with resources to address mental health issues. A moderator will lead subject-matter experts through key issues and then take audience questions. The sessions are free thanks to sponsors Florida Blue Foundation and Sunshine Health.