Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a psychiatric condition characterized by obsessive and distressing thoughts that leads compulsive rituals that may lower one’s stress level (1). The prevalence of pediatric OCD has been noted to be between 1-3% (2) and in US adults, the lifetime prevalence of OCD has been noted to be 2.3% (3). Although OCD […]
Author Archive: Shirley Fett
Partnering with American Indian and Alaska Native Youth and Families in Healthcare Settings
In our ever-evolving multicultural society, it is critical for providers to engage with patients and their families with sensitivity and empathic awareness of their social and historical backgrounds. While the specifics of each group’s experiences and needs will vary, providing effective quality care should reflect congruence with the practices described herein. Partnering with American Indian […]
Stressors Experienced by Immigrant Youth and Their Families: Overview of Mental Health & Practical Recommendations 2/2/23
According to the American Immigration Council, there are approximately 44.9 million immigrants in the United States, representing 14% of the US population1. This large body of immigrant population has nearly tripled since 1970 and more than 1 million immigrants are still arriving yearly2. Although the United States is often regarded as the “land of opportunity”, […]
Mental Health among Asylum-Seeking Migrants: A Critical Topic of Discussion and Suggestions for Improvement
At over 45 million people, the United States houses the largest number of immigrants in the world1. Specifically, according to the US Department of States, there are over 3 million asylum-seeking migrants with more than 300,000 estimated new arrivals in 20212. These immigrants face a multitude of stressors throughout their migration experience. Pre-migration stressors can […]
Vista Hill to Operate Center for Child & Youth Psychiatry in 2023 In San Diego!
TO OUR FRIENDS IN THE PEDIATRIC COMMUNITY: The clinical and administrative staff of SmartCare BHCS’ not-for-profit parent organization, Vista Hill, are happy and honored to have been chosen to further promote integrated system of care services with a County-funded grant to run the Center for Youth & Child Psychiatry (CCYP) in 2023. CCYP provides services […]
Social Media Safety: Suggestions for Families 11/29/22
Our last newsletter, “What Kind of Screen Time Parent Are You?”, offered an opportunity to consider the impact of screen time on our personal and family life. This edition offers some guidance taken from the professional literature about how parents can address the issues. Social networking sites (SNS) have flourished with the advent of technology […]
Screen Time Questionnaire: A Reality Check for Parents and Your Patients 11/11/22
The following is a lightly tongue in cheek, non-judgmental inquiry into how parents deal with their kids’, and their own, screen time. Although not an evidence-based tool, reviewing the questionnaire can help parents find better ways to manage the challenges of screen time. The questionnaire was written by Anya Kamenetz, an NPR journalist who covers education […]
What Kind of Screen Time Parent Are You? Handout
What Kind of Screen Time Parent Are You? Are you strict on-screen time, or do you feel overwhelmed trying to set limits? What about actually enjoying media with your kids? Take this quiz to learn more about your parenting style when it comes to digital media. My kid(s) use screens…. Never, we’re Luddites For a […]
Nonsuicidal Self-Injury 10/13/22
Also known as self-injury and self-harm, non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) refers to the deliberate and direct alteration or destruction of healthy body tissue without suicidal intent. This can range from skin cutting or burning to amputation of body parts. There can also be a significant cultural component to the self-injury. While NSSI acts are done without […]
Signs of a Sensory Processing Disorder 9/14/22
Case Presentation 7-year-old boy with chief complaint of “frequent meltdowns”. Additional history: daily meltdowns (crying, hitting) with loud sounds or when asked to wear certain clothing; wants to make friends but poor boundaries and accidentally hurts peers at school when he is playing with them; hard time sitting during seat work at school and prefers […]