CRG Newsletter: Winter Edition

February 2015, Volume 5 (1)

In This Issue

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Women's Mental Health

By Julie T. Steck, Ph.D., HSPP


 

This issue of the CRG Newsletter addresses the unique needs of women in terms of mental health issues and care. CRG/Children's Resource Group was established in 1993 with the mission of addressing the medical, psychological and educational needs of children and adolescents. We quickly realized that, to meet children's issues, we also needed to address the needs of the parents and family as a whole. Over time our practice has evolved and we now see children, adolescents, adults and families. At the current time we are actively developing and promoting our Women's Services - psychological and psychiatric services designed to focus on the unique mental health needs of females from adolescence through adulthood.  

 

While both males and females experience and are at risk for mental health issues, the prevalence and presentation of those concerns are often very different. This is likely due to a combination of factors including our genetic make-ups, the role of hormones, and cultural expectations and roles. Some of the differences are illustrated in the following statistics provided by the American Psychiatric Association (www.apa.org) and National Institute of Mental Health (http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/women-and-mental-health/index.shtml):

 

  • Depressive disorders account for almost 42% of neuropsychiatric conditions in women while they account for only 29% of neuropsychiatric conditions in men.

  • More older women experience depression than older men.

  • Adolescent females are at increased risk of depression compared to males.

  • Women are 70% more likely to experience depression over the course of their lives than men.

  • Approximately 80% of those affected by civil wars, violent conflicts, displacement and disasters are women and children.

  • The lifetime incidence of violence against women is 16% to 50%.

  • Approximately 20% of women experience rape or attempted rape in their lifetime.

  • Eating disorders are more common in women than in men.

  • Worldwide, suicide is the top cause of death in women from age 20 to 59.

The good news is that these conditions are manageable and treatable with appropriate intervention. At CRG we believe that appropriate diagnosis and intervention are critical in helping to normalize the life experiences of our patients. This does not mean that female adolescents and adults we see won't experience stress and adjustment issues, but with treatment and support they are better equipped to face the challenges of daily life.

 

This issue includes articles addressing the unique needs of women. In the first article, Dr. Julie Steck discusses ADHD in women, focusing on gender-based differences in symptoms and subtypes. Dr. David Parker provides an overview in the next article to CRG's new Women's Services, introducing the four CRG providers who now provide this coordinated group of services. Continue reading to learn more about Dr. Chris Kerr, Diane Widdifield, and Terri Graves. All three of these amazing women have recently retired from CRG. They leave highly respected legacies behind as they embark on exciting new chapters in their lives. The next article introduces readers to Elise Montoya, who joined our staff last year as a psychiatric nurse practitioner. Finally, read Angela Beard's interview with CRG's new practice administrator, Mr. Dale Krynak. We hope you are thriving despite the chilly weather and enjoying good physical and mental health in the new year.

 

 

 

 

 

Women With ADHD: Wandering But Not Lost

By Julie T. Steck, Ph.D., HSPP

 

 

The clinicians at CRG find that diagnosing and treating children with ADHD is a very rewarding experience. When we can identify the source of the problem (diagnose) and find ways to help (treat), we all feel that we have helped the child and the family. When we diagnose a child, one or both of the parents often recognize that they may have a similar condition. As we discuss their child's symptoms of ADHD and how the symptoms impact the child, one or both of the parents often begin to reveal the fact that they experienced similar difficulties but did not know how to explain those difficulties. For women, this is often the beginning of their own self-exploration and eventual diagnosis of ADHD.


 

Click here to continue reading the article by Dr. Julie Steck.

 

 

                        

CRG Launches 'Women's Services'

By David R. Parker, Ph.D.


 

Dr. Dana Lasek, CRG psychologist, has been involved in the leadership team that has developed a new combination of services designed to address the behavioral healthcare needs of women. Dr. Lasek and Dr. Val Long, also a CRG psychologist, have conducted office visits to area providers to learn more from colleagues about how CRG could help address women's needs.


 

Learn more about the CRG Women's Services team and what services they are offering by clicking here.

 

 

 

                        

Next Chapters: Retirement Plans for Some Amazing CRG Women

By David R. Parker, Ph.D.

 


In this issue about women and women's behavioral healthcare issues, we thought it would be fitting (and well-deserved) to bid a warm "farewell" to three women who have been important and much-admired members of the CRG team for many years. Dr. Chris Kerr (therapist), Diane Widdifield (school psychologist), and Terri Graves (practice administrator) have all retired in the past two months. They recently talked with David Parker about their memories of CRG and plans for the future.

 

 

Click on each name below to learn what is in store for each of these amazing women.

 

Christine Kerr, Ph.D. (therapist)

 

Diane Widdifield, M.Ed. (school psychologist)

 

Terri Graves (practice administrator)

 

 

 

                        

Meet the Provider:

Elise Montoya, APRN, PMHNP

Interviewed by David R. Parker, Ph.D. 


 

CRG was very pleased to welcome Elise Montoya to our team in April 2014.  She became the fourth medical provider on staff and has quickly become busy working with a range of patients who are now under her care.  Read on to learn more about Elise and her practice at CRG.

 
 

Click here to read more about Elise Montoya, APRN, PMHNP.

 

 

 

                         

Meet the Staff:

Dale Krynak, Practice Administrator

Interviewed by Angela Beard


 

Just four short months ago, CRG was delighted to welcome Dale Krynak as the Practice Administrator and newest member of the CRG management team. Dale joins us with a variety of great experience in the healthcare field. Continue reading to learn more about Dale's professional profile and personal interests.


 

Learn more about CRG's Practice Administrator, Dale Krynak.