Adolescent Mental Health Issues

Foster youth are at greater risk of having mental health and behavioral issues related to their backgrounds of abuse and neglect. Obtain an overview of mental health issues for adolescents in out-of-home care including the impact of trauma, range of conditions, and counseling and treatment guidelines. Mood, anxiety, behavior, and psychotic disorders are discussed including approaches for addressing specific conditions and behavior issues provided.

Instructor Paul Gibson, LCSW, is a Program Consultant with over 28 years of experience developing and directing programs for culturally diverse youth in residential, public health, mental health, and vocational services. He has more than 20 years experience as a licensed therapist and educator providing extensive trainings for youth service providers on working with vulnerable youth. He currently serves on the Mayor’s Transitional Youth Task Force in San Francisco.