Members in our community are leading the way in helping to inform and guide individuals, families, and providers affected by anxiety and other associated mental health disorders. A breakout session entitled Healing the Epidemic: Different Approaches to Anxiety Treatment Across the Continuum of Care will take place at the National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs (NATSAP) Northeast regional conference on Thursday, October 26.

Will White, MSW, DA, LCSW, LADC, a consultant with Moosilauke Visions and expert in the field, is moderating the presentation. The panel has brought together these clinical leaders to offer their expertise: 

• Meg Paul MS, MSW, LICSW, is the Clinical Director from Shortridge Academy, a therapeutic boarding school. She specializes in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
• Meghan Golden, DSW, LICSW, is the Clinical Director of Mountain Valley Treatment Center, specializing in Exposure Response Prevention, a form of Exposure Therapy.
• Kayleigh Higginbottom, MS, MSW, LCSW, is a Clinician from Summit Achievement, specializing in Adventure Therapy.

The diverse expertise of the panelists, each offering different therapeutic approaches, highlights the importance of a multifaceted strategy to tackle the anxiety epidemic effectively. 

The topic of anxiety treatment is significant given the escalating prevalence and intensity of anxiety disorders. In the ten years leading up to the COVID pandemic, feelings of sadness, hopelessness, suicidal thoughts and behaviors, increased about 40% in young people. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System).  To make matters even more dire, since COVID there has been a massive 25% increase in anxiety disorders according to the World Health Organization (WHO), with young people affected the most.

Dr. White relayed why this topic is critical in today’s world. He believes that individuals, families, and programs need to be well-informed on different approaches to treating anxiety since it can be difficult to know what is best for you.  Although having many options available is a good thing, there is a risk that multiple approaches can lead to a lack of standardization in treatment protocols. While there are risks, opportunity also exists for a holistic approach being more effective in addressing the multifaceted nature of anxiety disorders with these varied tools. Putting our attention to how to effectively use all these tools for individual improvement is the best use of our time.

The NATSAP conference will be running from October 25-26 in Newport, RI.