[chewzerita]

I may not have anything actionable to say, but I can at least tell my side of the story. I am a teen in the US mental health "system." It has been quite a ride to say the least. I was living with debilitating anxiety and depression going into a new school, but I didn't even know it. I am thankful for my parents for calling a crisis number to get someone to talk to. It has been a tough few years trying to regain the time I was left untreated. Medication and regular (individual and group) therapy has been a huge help with anxiety and depression, as well as my ADHD and schizophrenia. I am finishing up my time at a therapeutic high school and will be attending RPI in the fall (at least for now it looks like I will be going to campus, yay!). It has been a struggle, but because of the support I have received, I am in a much better place than I was.

During the whole quarantine, I have had no complaints about online therapy (unlike online school). I can say personally you do not lose out by going the online route. It is certainly more convenient, and because it is (mostly) one on one, you don't have the issues that come with a 50 person zoom call. I really appreciate that you get parents on board because having an open dialog is extremely important.

I have two specific questions though: (0) How will you deal with crisis situations? How are you planning to take on the legal responsibilities that come with that? (1) Any potential solutions to improving access to psychiatrists and medication? Therapy is just one piece of the puzzle to my ongoing recovery. Medication really helps, but I am concerned that these teens might miss out on that important part.

Thank you for doing what you are doing. If I did not get help, I probably would not be here leaving this comment today.

[alexalvarado]

Thanks so much for sharing your story. It is stories like yours that inspire us every day, and that will inspire more teens and parents to seek treatment. And I'm happy to hear that your treatment has put you in a better place, and you are headed off to RPI. To address your questions:

1) Crisis situations: safety is our #1 priority. We create a safety plan that includes coping skills, strengths, local resources and people to contact. If a crisis situation arises we have this in advance as a resource. We recognize online can create more challenges than in person for maintaining a safe environment, so we also refer patients who we believe might need more intensive care to in person treatment.

2) We firmly believe telehealth is a great vehicle for psychiatry. We haven't quite arrived there yet, but it is on our 'roadmap' to have psychiatrists. And in the meantime, we refer out for teens who need medication support.

Thanks again for sharing your story!