Experts address importance of youth mental health in community at summit

Experts described a youth mental health crisis at a summit in South Bend, Indiana, on Tuesday. The event, organized by the Youth Mental Health Round Table and the University of Notre Dame’s Veldman Family Psychology Clinic, aimed to reduce stigmas and showcase new tools for treating anxiety and depression in youth.

Why is there a youth mental health crisis in South Bend?

Kristen Valentino, director of the Veldman Family Psychology Clinic, stated that a mental health crisis exists across the country and within the county. She noted that many youth are seeking support but are unable to access it.

Valentino said the community is brainstorming ways to meet teens where they are to address these unmet needs. She emphasized the goal of creating more seamless partnerships to bridge the gap in care.

Did You Know? More than 250 people attended the summit at the St. Joseph County Library, which required the use of a waitlist.

How are new tools addressing youth anxiety and depression?

The summit showcased resources designed to move intervention outside of traditional health care spaces. This includes a new tool developed by the Veldman Family Psychology Clinic specifically to help youth cope with depression and anxiety.

Another initiative highlighted was the “Universal Wellness Project.” Experts also identified connecting with youth through social media as a primary tool for outreach.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that shifting care from “siloed” professional environments to integrated community spaces—including schools and social media—could reduce the friction youth face when seeking help, potentially increasing the rate of early intervention.

What happens next for community mental health?

Experts hope the summit serves as a tipping point to prioritize youth mental health within the community. This may lead to increased motivation for local stakeholders to move away from isolated operations.

Reimagining Youth Mental Health

According to Jessica Schleider, an associate professor at Northwestern University and director of scalable mental health, change may occur if caregivers, providers, and school professionals align on why change matters. Such collaboration could create opportunities for information exchange that are not possible in siloed daily lives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who organized the Youth Mental Health Summit?
The event was a collaboration between the Youth Mental Health Round Table and the University of Notre Dame’s Veldman Family Psychology Clinic.

What specific resources were presented at the event?
Resources included the “Universal Wellness Project,” social media connection strategies, and a new tool from the Veldman Family Psychology Clinic for coping with anxiety and depression.

Where was the summit held?
The summit took place at the St. Joseph County Library in South Bend, Indiana.

How can communities better integrate mental health support into the daily lives of teenagers?