As part of National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week, you can make a difference in your community for children who may not be getting the mental health services they need. Participate in the nationwide Speak Up for Kids Campaign in partnership with the Child Mind Institute, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, the Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and others. The campaign recruits psychologists and other mental health professionals to give presentations in their local communities about various mental, emotional, behavioral and learning disorders in children and teens. Presentations will be scheduled during National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week, May 6-12, 2012.

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An estimated 15 million young people in the United States have a diagnosable mental or emotional health disorder but studies report that up to 80 percent will never receive treatment. As many psychologists see firsthand, lack of information and stigma prevent many parents from seeking help for children who need mental health care. One way to break down this barrier is to educate parents and teachers about mental and emotional health disorders and other issues related to raising healthy, happy kids.

Speak Up for Kids events:

• Monday, May 7:  Live Speak Up for Kids Facebook Event with Dr. Kurtz, “Is it ADHD or Just Inattention?” from 12:00-1:00 p.m.
• Tuesday, May 8:  Live Speak Up for Kids Tweet Chat with Dr. Steingard and Common Sense Media moderators, “Raising Healthy Children in a Digital World”. #CMIchat, from 7:00-8:00 p.m.
• Wednesday, May 9:  Child Mind Institute Reception for SAMHSA’s Awareness Day Program honoring Cyndi Lauper from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Tonic restaurant (2036 G Street, NW) in Washington, D.C.
• Wednesday, May 9: SAMHSA Awareness Day Program from 7:30-9:30 p.m. in Washington, D.C. with Dr. Ravitz, “Raising Resilient Children” in partnership with Tuesday’s Children at The Conference Center, 130 East 59th Street, New York, NY 10022, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. (Dr. Ravitz’s talk will be featured in SAMHSA’s live program via satellite feed.)
• Friday, May 11:  Live Speak Up for Kids Facebook Event with Dr. Fernandez, “Managing Problem Behavior: Strategies for Parents and Educators” from 12:00-1:00 p.m.