Emotional Disorders in Youth
Youth and adolescence is a pivotal time, as the beginning of nearly half of all lifetime mental health challenges occur during this period. Emotional disorders, encompassing mood and anxiety disorders significantly impact the well-being of young individuals globally. The recent pandemic has intensified these challenges, leaving the vast majority of American youth without the mental health care they need. This crisis is even more pronounced in rural areas, among LGBTQIA+ and racial/ethnic minority youth, as well as those hailing from low-income families.
The EMPOWER Intervention
EMPOWER's intervention for the youth draws on over two decades of groundbreaking research in evidence-based treatments. This is a stepped-care approach, featuring Quick Calming and Problem Solving, which equips school and community-based providers to address mood and anxiety challenges in school settings.
Dr. John Weisz, a distinguished Harvard University professor renowned for his research in youth mental health care, contributes his expertise as part of the leadership team.
Our innovative model begins with a universal 'First Encounter,' offering a cost-effective and efficient exploration of the youth's concerns. Tailored to their needs, the Quick Calming relaxation skill is introduced. Those requiring additional support seamlessly progress to specialized sessions, including Problem Solving techniques. This strategic intervention model ensures comprehensive and personalized care for youth facing emotional challenges.
Quick Calming
This relaxation technique has shown to be an effective transdiagnostic ingredient for addressing youth depression and anxiety.
Quick calming includes specific breathing and imagery procedures, that are highly acceptable and can be effectively delivered by providers without previous mental health training, within a short period of time.
Problem Solving
Problem Solving is a globally recognized and proven component in evidence-based interventions for youth mood and anxiety challenges.
This is a brief training featuring standardized and easily teachable steps, making it suitable for school and communit-based providers.
“The need for youth mental health care has never been greater than today, but there are far too few trained professionals to meet that need. EMPOWER Youth provides an innovative scalable solution: Using digital training and coaching to boost the skills of school personnel and others on the front lines of youth mental health support.”
- Dr. John R. Weisz, Henry Ford II Professor of the Social Sciences, Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Harvard University
Join Our Movement
Elevate mental health care for our youth. Engage with us as we collaborate with esteemed mental health and educational organizations such as the Ballmer Institute, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, and APA (American Psychological Association) to integrate this essential training into their professional development programs, amplifying its impact and reach.