The Health District is offering a series of free, evening talks for parents on mental health and substance use topics. Dinner is included. The talks are 5:30-6:30 p.m., at the Health District, 120 Bristlecone Drive, Fort Collins, unless otherwise noted. They are organized by the Child, Adolescent, and Young Adult Connections (CAYAC) service at the Health District’s Connections program.

Topics include:

Tuesday, Sept. 25, 2018
"How to Talk to a Loved One about Eating and Body Issues"
Presenter: Rebekah Knight-Baughman, Ph.D., Licensed psychologist

Wednesday, Oct. 3, 2018
"What is Going On in Their Brain?"
Neurodevelopmental changes and societal perspectives affecting teenagers today
Presenter Megan Brice, MS, LPCC, NCC

Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2018
"You Deserve a Break"
Self care: taking care of yourself when you are taking care of others
Presenter: Stephanie Torres, Bilingual Victim Services Coordinator for SAVA (Sexual Assault Victim Advocate)

Tuesday, Oct. 16, 2018
"Play Therapy 101"
A parent's guide to play therapy and how it can help
Presenter: Heather Truschel, MC LPC, RPT
NOTE: Location for this talk will be the CAYAC office, 1302 S. Shields St., A1-3

Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2018
"Teens and Substance Use"
Education and resources for parents regarding substance use and lower risk factors
Presenter: Mark Grebener, LCSW, LAC, CHT

Participants can attend single sessions or the whole series. There is no charge, but reservations are required.

For more information or to reserve a space, contact Ana Pasini, 970-530-2842, or apasini@healthdistrict.org.

A partnership of the Health District and SummitStone Health Partners, Connections offers answers, options, and support to individuals and families looking for help with mental health or substance use concerns, such as depression, anxiety, and drug or alcohol use. Services include needs assessment, information and referral, assistance with coordinating and navigating care, brief therapy, and connection to reduced-cost counseling.

The Child, Adolescent, and Young Adult Connections (CAYAC) service helps young people (ages 0-24) and their families with the early identification, assessment/testing, and treatment of mental health and substance use concerns, and works closely with schools through a school liaison.