Staff spotlight on Clinical Program Manager Elizabeth Zacher Burke, LCSW In her short time with Casa Pacifica, Ventura County native Elizabeth “Beth” Burke has used her experience working with LGBTQ+ youth in New York to strengthen our SOGIE (Sexual Orientation Gender Identity Expression) support on campus....
By Elizabeth Burke, LCSW Camino a Casa Clinical Program Manager While mental health challenges can occur at any age and in any population, LGBTQ+ youth are at greater risk of suffering from depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and even suicidality. A 2018 study published in Pediatrics, “Sexual Orientation...
The impact of COVID-19 on our daily routines and habits has been life changing. It’s led us into different ways of living, including how much time we spend together with some and how much time we spend apart from others. It’s especially impacted our time...
An effective (and adorable) therapeutic approach Dogs are often used in hospitals, mental health institutes, and rehabilitation centers where their presence diminishes feelings of fear, distrust, rage, and aggression and helps enrich interpersonal relationships. During a visit from therapy dogs, patients break from their monotony and...
When we think about mindfulness, a lot of different things come to mind – yoga poses, sitting cross legged on a pillow or sipping a steamy, organic tea, for instance. But mindfulness is the practice of focusing your awareness on the present moment. Of knowing...
There are four main types of child abuse; Physical abuse is any non-accidental physical injury caused by anything from punching, beating, kicking, shaking, burning, choking etc., inflicted by the parent or guardian responsible for the child’s care. Neglect is the failure of the parent or guardian to fulfill the...
Life can sometimes feel overwhelming. Luckily, there are many healthy ways to help deal with everyday stressors. However, teens and young adults that lack the ability to handle stress or anxiety may turn to self-harm as a soothing mechanism. While some parents may feel uncomfortable...
Does your teen have intense mood swings? Does his/her behavior change dramatically often? Does your teen go from extreme excitement to a heavy low? Are these variations in mood different from what you see in their friends and other teens you know? Frequent moodiness can...
Adolescence is a time of growth and change. As the brain is maturing and learning, teenagers begin to search for who they will eventually become. Not only can it be a confusing time, it can also be challenging. Social pressures and self-expectations often lead teenagers...
Valentine’s Day is one of the biggest holidays of the year. Each February, more than half of American adults celebrate the day of love with gifts, flowers, candy, or special outings. For many it’s a day to spoil a loved one or celebrate feelings for...