- Behavioral HealthGeneral Page Tier 3BlogIf you have a teenager, no doubt the world is much different than your childhood. Social media apps have made it easy for teens to communicate with strangers—and sometimes, the people they interact with online are actually scammers. Parents should prioritize monitoring their children’s online activities, especially their interactions with others. It’s crucial to engage in open and meaningful conversations about the potential risks of living in a social media obsessed world. You may be surprised to learn social media scams are far-reaching, impacting teens around the world. While anyone can fall victim to these sexting scams, teenage boys are often targeted by scammers using blackmail tactics. What exactly are sexting scams? Sometimes referred to as sextortion, sexting scams are meant to scare victims into handing over money. While the details can vary, scammers gain the trust of victims before tricking them into sharing compromising photos. The predator threatens to share the photos with the victims’ family and friends unless they pay money. Strangers pose as interested girls and convince unsuspecting boys to send naked photos of themselves showing their face. After sending the photos, they are immediately blackmailed for money. The frequency of this scam has prompted federal law enforcement to issue warnings, cautioning that scammers are targeting children as young as ten years old. If our kids aren’t equipped to recognize it as a scam — or don’t feel comfortable coming to their parents when it happens — it can be dangerous. Ranging from anxiety and depression to thoughts of suicide, these scams can have troubling and long-lasting effects on their mental health. What are the signs my teen may be in trouble? There are many signals to help you determine if your child may have been victimized. Parents should start asking questions if they discover their teen: Becomes unwilling to talk about their online interactions with you or anyone else Exhibits sudden changes in behavior, like moodiness or isolating themselves Expresses fear or discomfort about someone they met online Grades suddenly drop Loses interest in activities Receives messages from strangers asking for personal information Uses electronic devices to the point of ignoring things going on around them Withdraws money from bank accounts or purchases gift cards How can I help if my teen falls victim to sexting scams? If your child is in this kind of situation, you should take the following steps: Let the blackmailer know parents are now involved, you are not afraid, and the harassment needs to stop immediately. Keep proof of all conversations and make backups. Don’t send any money. Even if the harasser has potentially damaging photos of your child, there’s no guarantee that sending them money will end the blackmail. Report the scam to the social media platform. Contact the police. You can call the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) at (800) CALL-FBI or report the harassment online at fbi.gov. You can also report the incident to the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force at icactaskforce.org. Talking to your teen openly and often is your best defense The more you and your child talk about these situations, the less likely they are to become a victim. Before your child gets a cell phone, talk to them about the importance of keeping personal photos and personal information private, even if they are in a mature relationship. Sharing compromising photos is never a good idea. But if your teen shares nude photos, they should know that they can come to you, or another trusted adult, for help. The Luminis Health Behavioral Health Clinic in Lanham is a safe space for teens. The urgent care offers services for those needing non-emergency, non-life-threatening behavioral health care. It’s open from 8 am to 5:30 pm, Monday-Friday, for adults and children 4 years of age and older. Author Dr. Jesselina Curry is Luminis Health’s regional medical director for Ambulatory Behavioral Health Services PC: Maureen Porto Photography
- Behavioral HealthGeneral Page Tier 3BlogSocial workers are often recognized for the important work they do with children, people with disabilities and the elderly, but they also play a vital role in behavioral healthcare. There are social workers involved with every step of the patient journey, from evaluation to advocacy. They work in a variety of settings, including emergency rooms, inpatient care, outpatient care, substance use programs and more. Here are a few examples of the crucial services social workers provide: Assessment and Evaluation: Social workers conduct initial assessments to understand patient’s behavioral health needs, strengths, and challenges. They may use standardized tools and techniques to assess the severity of symptoms and the impact on the individual’s daily life. Counseling and Therapy: Social workers provide counseling and therapy to individuals, families, and groups to address mental health issues. They may utilize different therapeutic approaches such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), or interpersonal therapy to help clients manage symptoms, develop coping strategies, and improve overall well-being. Advocacy: Social workers advocate for behavioral health patients’ rights and access to appropriate services and resources. They may work with healthcare providers, government agencies and community organizations to ensure that patients receive the support they need. Crisis Intervention: Social workers are trained to provide crisis intervention services for individuals experiencing acute behavioral health crises or emotional distress. They may offer immediate support, assess risk, and facilitate referrals to emergency services or psychiatric care as needed. Supportive Services: Social workers offer ongoing emotional support and encouragement to mental health patients and their families. They provide a compassionate and nonjudgmental presence, helping clients navigate challenges, build resilience, and maintain their recovery journey. For those who are interested in becoming a social worker, there are several steps involved, including: A Bachelor’s Degree A Master’s Degree in Social Work Supervised Experience Licensure Exams Maintaining a License Becoming a social worker offers the opportunity to have a meaningful impact in the well-being of others. If you are looking for a career in social work, please visit Luminis Health Careers. Author Joy R. Hudson, LCSW-C, LICSW is the Clinical Director for Luminis Health Behavioral Health at Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center.
- News & Press ReleasesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogHealth System will partner with Prince George’s County Public Schools to Offer Services and Training at High Schools (Lanham, Maryland) February 20, 2024- In response to the increasing demand for mental health services among young people, Luminis Health has been awarded a $1.6 million grant from the Maryland Community Health Resources Commission. The non-profit regional health system will collaborate with Prince George’s County Public Schools by implementing comprehensive support services at six high schools. As part of the grant, Luminis Health will hire and deploy mental health providers directly to the schools, collaborating with school counselors to offer vital support to students and parents. These embedded providers will rotate through the schools, providing education and training to students, parents, and teachers, ensuring access to evidence-based screening tools for identifying individual needs and strengths on an ongoing basis. “Our mental health matters, and today’s teenagers are grappling with a mental health crisis of unprecedented proportions,” said Dr. Aliya Jones, executive medical director of Behavioral Health at Luminis Health. “By partnering with school counselors, teachers, parents and students, we can build strong bonds and connect with teenagers, fostering an environment of support for their mental health well-being and facilitating their growth.” In addition to placing mental health providers with expertise in adolescents within the schools, Luminis Health plans to implement a multifaceted approach to support students’ mental well-being. This includes training teachers to recognize warning signs of mental health issues and equipping them with the tools to provide appropriate support and referrals. Furthermore, students themselves will receive training on how to identify signs of distress in their classmates and provide effective peer support. Luminis Health has forged a strategic partnership with Prince George’s County Public Schools to ensure equitable access to care where it’s needed most. Through close collaboration with administrators, six high schools have been identified as priority locations for this initiative: Parkdale High School in Riverdale Park DuVal High School in Lanham Eleanor Roosevelt High School in Greenbelt Northwestern High School in Hyattsville Bowie High School in Bowie Chesapeake Math and IT Academy North High School in Laurel Over the next few months, Luminis Health will recruit team members to support the services funded by the grant, including clinicians, therapists, addiction counselors, nurse practitioners, and registered nurses. The health system will begin working directly with school personnel in June, with plans to roll out the comprehensive services for students in the upcoming school year. “Over the past 4 years, Luminis Health has invested $110 million at Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center (LHDCMC) in Lanham, including opening a new Behavioral Health Pavilion to provide comprehensive mental health services,” said Tori Bayless, CEO of Luminis Health. “We extend our sincere appreciation to the State and County for their support in advancing our mission of enhancing the health of people we serve. These communities will benefit directly from this grant by expanding mental health options in Prince George’s County and enhancing accessibility by bringing programs directly into our schools.” The grant will additionally cover extended hours at the Behavioral Health Urgent Care walk-in clinic at LHDCMC, offering treatment for non-life-threatening mental health needs for individuals of all ages. The Maryland Community Health Resources Commission approved 129 grant awards totaling $111 million to expand access to comprehensive behavioral use services for children, kindergarten through high school, in every jurisdiction in Maryland. Funding to support these new programs was made available by the Maryland General Assembly under the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future.
- Behavioral HealthGeneral Page Tier 3BlogWhen someone is experiencing depression, anxiety or substance misuse, it doesn’t just impact them – it impacts their family and their community. We all can do our part to watch for signs of mental health struggles in family and friends. But how do you know when you or a loved one is in a mental health crisis and needs to see a professional? Let’s take a look at the signs and symptoms that can indicate a need for treatment. Here are a few symptoms that indicate depression and substance use: Persistent sadness: A prolonged period of feeling sad, empty or hopeless. Loss of interest: Diminished interest or pleasure in previously enjoyed activities. Change in sleep patterns: Insomnia or lack of energy. Fatigue: A constant feeling of tiredness or lack of energy. Difficulty concentrating: Reduced ability to focus, make decisions, or remember details. Appetite changes: Significant weight loss or gain due to changes in eating habits. Irritability: Unexplained mood swings, increased irritability, or restlessness. Isolation: Withdrawing from friends, family, and social activities. When it comes to substance abuse, there are several signs that indicate a person needs help: Changes in behavior: Sudden and unexplained shifts in personality or actions. Neglecting responsibilities: Failing to fulfill work, school, or family obligations. Social withdrawal: Isolating from friends and family, preferring to be alone. Tolerance buildup: Needing more of the substance over time to achieve the same effects. Withdrawal symptoms: Physical and psychological reactions when substance use is reduced or stopped. Loss of control: Inability to cut down or control substance use. Continued use despite consequences: Continued substance use despite negative impact on health, relationships, or job. Secrecy with use: Hiding substance use and being dishonest about its extent. Financial issues: Experiencing money problems due to spending on substances. Legal problems: Getting into trouble with the law related to substance use. It’s important to understand that each person’s experience is different, and you may not experience or see every symptom on these lists. But if you read these lists and think it sounds like something you or a friend or family member are going through, it could be a mental health crisis so please contact a behavioral health professional. A provider can give an accurate diagnosis and provide guidance on treatment options. At Luminis Health, we offer a wide range of mental health services, including: Behavioral Health Walk-In Urgent Care – for moderate to severe psychiatric symptoms that need to be addressed in less than 24-72 hours Outpatient Treatment for Mental Health or Substance Use – For those who are able to wait for a scheduled appointment. Telehealth options are available. Inpatient Treatment for Mental Health or Substance Use – For those who need 24 hour treatment Please visit https://Luminis.Health/BehavioralHealth to schedule care.
- Behavioral Health, PediatricsGeneral Page Tier 3BlogIt won’t be long before your kids are back to school, and while you’re making sure they have new clothes and all the supplies they need, be sure to take stock of their mental health. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) reports that one out of every six students ages 6 to 17 has a treatable mental health issue such as anxiety or depression. Like with physical health issues, early identification and intervention can help prevent mental health issues from affecting your child’s academic performance and personal development. What causes mental health issues in children? Various factors contribute to mental health issues among students, including: Academic pressure: High grades, tests, and college admissions can create anxiety and chronic stress, impacting emotional health. Some levels of stress are normal, but chronic stress can lead to burnout and emotional distress. Encourage your children to take a balanced approach to schoolwork. Social dynamics: Positive peer interactions boost self-esteem, while bullying can lead to severe consequences like anxiety, depression, and even suicidal thoughts. Promote healthy relationships for your child and take immediate action if bullying is suspected. Technology: Excessive screen time, especially on social media, can foster loneliness and cyberbullying, necessitating healthy digital habits. Monitoring online activities can help mitigate these risks. Home environment: Supportive families build resilience, while stress or conflict can magnify mental health issues. Overscheduling: Encourage free time for rest and creativity to prevent overscheduling, allowing your kids the space to rejuvenate and explore their creativity without constraint. Developmental changes Each academic phase presents unique challenges: Elementary school (kindergarten to grade 5). Younger children may experience separation anxiety, difficulty with social skills, and adapting to structured environments. Middle school (grades 6 to 8). Pre-teens face the pressures of puberty, identity formation, and increased academic demands. Social acceptance becomes more important to them, and bullying or peer pressure can significantly affect their mental health. High school (grades 9 to 12). Teenagers deal with the complexities of preparing for adulthood, including higher academic expectations, romantic relationships, and career planning. Mental health issues such as depression and anxiety often emerge during these years. Mental health resources Schools can’t do it alone. Luminis Health recently received a grant from the Maryland Community Health Resources Commission to partner with Prince George’s County Public Schools to implement comprehensive support services at six high schools. Beginning with the 2024-25 school year, Luminis Health is deploying mental health providers directly to the schools, collaborating with school counselors to offer vital support to students and parents. These embedded providers will rotate through the schools, providing education and training to students, parents, and teachers, ensuring access to evidence-based screening tools for identifying individual needs and strengths on an ongoing basis. Support Strategies Here’s how to bolster your child’s mental health: Regular check-ins. Talk regularly with your child about their feelings and experiences. Creating a safe space for those discussions can help you identify issues early. Mindfulness and relaxation techniques. Help your child explore the benefits of mindfulness, meditation, and relaxation techniques as ways to not manage stress and anxiety, but also to foster a deeper spiritual connection within themselves. Physical activity. Regular physical activity, such as sports, yoga, or even walks, can help improve your child’s mood and reduce stress. A healthy lifestyle. Make sure your child eats a balanced diet and gets enough sleep. Limiting their screen time can have a positive impact on mental health. Professional support. Do not hesitate to get professional help when needed. Mental health is a fundamental aspect of a student's overall well-being. Understanding the challenges K-12 students may face daily and implementing supportive strategies can help ensure they have the resources and resilience to succeed academically and personally. If you, or your children, need mental health support, the Luminis Health Behavioral Health Urgent Walk-In Clinic in Lanham is available for anyone ages 4 and older. It is open Monday-Friday, 8 am to 5:30 pm for non-life threatening behavioral health needs. No appointment is necessary. Joy Hudson is the clinical director of Behavioral Health at Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center.
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