Speaker: Elil Yuvarajan, Psychologist, PsyD, Co-Owner of Stepping Stone Therapy

The past year has led to increased mental health issues, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). The COVID-19 pandemic itself and the illness and death associated with it have only been one part of the struggle. The isolation, economic stress, reduced access to mental health treatment, and increased use of alcohol and other substances to cope have created a parallel mental health crisis in our communities. As of June 2020, 40% of US adults reported mental health or substance abuse issues.

This presentation will focus on the understanding these trends, challenges to evaluation and treatment, and what clinicians can do to address this issue in their communities.