About the MGH Child Resiliency Program
- Provide interventions that facilitate resilience skill-building and prevent less severe symptoms from becoming persistent and impairing mental health disorders;
- Support parents, teachers and caregivers in better understanding and effectively address early symptoms of anxiety and mood in their kids through group programming and unique partnerships throughout the community, including schools, colleges, and nonprofits like the Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston;
- Leverage the expertise of clinicians across the Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry for children who would benefit from specialty therapies in addition to resilience skills, including advanced cognitive-behavioral therapy and medication treatment;
- Pursue outcomes research to evaluate the full spectrum of areas related to resilience in youth. Data collected is used iteratively to enhance the patient experience, refine clinical interventions, optimize operations and build the evidence base to support the efficacy of preventative and early intervention approaches to youth mental health and well-being.
When I’m stressed, I take slow deep breaths and try to relax by thinking about a peaceful place, next to the dog on the beach, warm weather and clear water. Sometimes, playing with fidgets takes my mind off the stress. I talk to (a school social worker) and the resiliency teacher when stressed. Occasionally I take a few deep breaths and try to focus on the question during a test.
Middle School student
Resilient Youth Participant
This was a fantastic program. My daughter eagerly looked forward to each session and was engaged the entire time. The facilitators met the kids at their level and taught them meaningful language and strategies for identifying and addressing stressful situations within their own lives. It was a joy to see my daughter excited about these Zoom sessions, as she was Zoom-fatigued for most everything else. We would participate in future sessions in an instant, and highly recommend these to other families.
Parent of a Resilient Youth Participant
Rana Chunofsky and Linda Wells of the Child Resiliency Program brought calmness, mindfulness and resiliency strategies to our members and skillfully trained my staff. Our partnership with MGH has allowed the Yawkey Club staff and members to thrive during this pandemic.