Bright Pine Behavioral Health

No kid should have an empty Christmas, and no parent should have to feel alone. Toys for Tots is a Top-Rated Charity. Over 97% of your donation goes directly to our mission of providing toys, books, and other gifts to families in need.Toys for Tots is a program run by the United States Marine Corps Reserve which distributes toys to children whose parents cannot afford to buy them gifts for Christmas.

We had a great time at the Autism Alliance Hero Walk! It was nice to see some of favorite clinics there too 🙂

Report shows students in Detroit schools struggle with mental health

Up to 50 to 80 percent of mental health issues start before adulthood

We have all been through so much change and adjustment in the last two years; and our children have been most vulnerable to the stress.

Just last fall, a state of emergency was issued for youth mental health.

Mental health issues pre COVID pandemic was at 8 percent, and has most recently been reported at about 30 percent or 1 in 3 people now struggling with anxiety and depression.

And what’s more concerning, emergency room visits for mental health concerns and su***de rates have been increasing among youth.

Kids have been struck by drastic changes and isolation. And now that summer is approaching, there will be more changes happening because they will be out of their typical routine and won’t be seeing their peers as consistently.

So, if you’re a parent reading this, what can you do to help?

First and foremost, recognize that all communication is meaningful. Kids have been through so much change in the last two years and it’s important for us to be empathetic of that.

Depression and anxiety looks different in children, and kids may become more argumentative or exhibit more behavioral difficulties rather than tearfulness or withdraw which is what we see with adults. Kids communicate their anxiety by their behavior changes.

Call and put yourself on a waitlist. While you’re waiting to see a therapist, continue to talk with your child and ask open ended questions to better understand what’s going on.

Instead of asking “how are you?” which leaves an option for a short and closed response like “I’m good” you could ask “tell me about what you did today.”

You should also provide them with as much consistency and predictability as possible. Kids thrive with schedules and routine.

Encourage opportunities to connect with others- like camps, play dates, going to the park.

And lastly, minimize the screen time and increase time in nature. We know from research over and over again that being in nature reduces anger and stress while increasing the neurotransmitter dopamine which will ultimately enhance a persons motivation, concentration, and overall happiness.

https://www.wxyz.com/news/report-shows-students-in-detroit-schools-struggled-with-mental-health-during-the-pandemic

Report shows students in Detroit schools struggle with mental health The latest data on youth mental health is being called a cry for help. Reports from the CDC show that 37% of high school students reported poor mental health during COVID.

Dr. Lewitzke had a great conversation with as a guest on her podcast. Check out episode 27! They discussed symptoms of autism, the diagnostic process, and recommendations for patients, families, and teachers 💗 🙏🏼

Dr. Lewitzke was interviewed by Parents Magazine!

For the full article, click here:

How To Spend Quality Time With Each Kid When You Have Twins—And Why It's Ok When You Can't | Parents

“How To Spend Quality Time With Each Kid When You Have Twins—And Why It's Ok When You Can't”
By: Darlene White
December 21, 2021

How To Spend Quality Time With Each Kid When You Have Twins—And Why It's Ok When You Can't

"Providing your child with individualized attention encourages a message that they are valued," says Kat Lewitzke, Psy.D., a clinical psychologist with Bright Pine Behavioral Health. "The child then internalizes this experience which allows them to build self-esteem and confidence that can flourish success later in life."

❤️❤️❤️

https://www.parents.com/baby/twins/raising/how-to-spend-quality-time-with-each-kid-when-you-have-twins-and-why-its-ok-when-you-cant/

How To Spend Quality Time With Each Kid When You Have Twins—And Why It's Ok When You Can't Bonding with your kids is important, but that's easier said than done when you're a parent of twins. A mom of twin toddlers explains how she creates one-on-one time with each kid in her busy household and what she does when she can't.

Dr. Kat Lewitzke: Coping with tragedy

The days and weeks ahead will be tough for many, especially the Oxford community. It is natural for us to want to make sense out of difficult experiences; especially in these instances that are unexpected and affect so many.

Right now, while we may not have answers for why it happened, what we can do in our control is come together as a community to support one another and have compassion.

Talk about what happened. What you are feeling is real, and allow yourself to be genuine to the events that occurred.

People respond differently to tragedy and trauma. Some will have no ill effects; others may suffer an immediate and acute effect. Still others may not show signs of stress until much later.

Please reach out to others for support and seek professional mental health guidance 🙏🏼

https://youtu.be/ue4z_U75JiQ

Dr. Kat Lewitzke: Coping with tragedy Dr. Kat Lewitzke: Coping with tragedy

#MOMLIFE with Dr. Kat of Bright Pine Behavioral Health

Dr. Lewitzke featured on Little Guide Detroit:

https://www.littleguidedetroit.com/momlife-with-dr-kat-of-bright-pine-behavioral-health/

#MOMLIFE with Dr. Kat of Bright Pine Behavioral Health Looking for inspiration + ideas for things to do with kids in Metro Detroit? Tried and true suggestions that real moms actually do? Here they are! We're asking local Metro...

Miami PD on Twitter

https://twitter.com/miamipd/status/1298667203064139776?s=21

Miami PD on Twitter “It’s here!! Our Autism Awareness Vehicle will be patrolling the streets of Miami. If you see it say hi, take a picture, and tag us! 🚔👏🏻🙏🏼 https://t.co/8GWg2TA1xl”

Dr. Lewitzke attended the Teddy Bear Picnic in Clarkston with her two children. The event was sponsored by Kids in Motion; a clinic that specializes in speech, occupational therapy, and physical therapy for pediatric patients 🐻

Welcome! You are invited to join a webinar: UC Davis MIND Summer Institute on Neurodevelopmental Disabilities. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the webinar.

Here at Bright Pine we specialize in recognizing the symptoms of autism spectrum disorder. Just as there are differences of heart attack symptoms from men and women, autism appears much different as well. To learn more about the experience and presentation of autism among women, register for this free webinar taking place on August 7th:
https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_BpYLnyFwQTyfGUTEUKNPmA

Welcome! You are invited to join a webinar: UC Davis MIND Summer Institute on Neurodevelopmental Disabilities. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the webinar. Women on the Spectrum: From Research to Real Life Free Interactive Webinar Event with Q & A 9:00-12:45 9:00- Welcome 9:15-10:00: Camouflaging in Autistic Women Presentation and moderated Q & A with Christine Wu Nordahl, Ph.D. 10:00-10:15: Break (the webinar will remain open during the break) 10:15-1...

Bright Pine Behavioral Health on Twitter

https://twitter.com/brightpinepsych/status/1286682589974208512?s=20

Bright Pine Behavioral Health on Twitter “This type of blatant ignorance of autism should be condemned. If you witness someone mocking an individual with in public, please take it as an opportunity to educate them. Making fun of someone who has a developmental disorder is not in the least bit funny. https://t.co/uSERsJSWU1.....

My Site

Please share and join our friends at Laugh and Learn for truly a great and much needed cause!

My Site Having a child with Autism is expensive! Families go out of their way to do whatever they can to help their child be as independent as possible. Parents of children with Autism are no different but...

Safa Sankari MA TLLP - Bright Pine Behavioral Health

https://www.brightpinepsychology.com/therapist-safa-sankari/

Safa Sankari MA TLLP - Bright Pine Behavioral Health Safa Sankari is a therapist and psychometrist in Oakland County, MI. Providing psychological therapy and testing services for children, teens, and adults.

Safa Sankari MA TLLP - Bright Pine Behavioral Health

https://www.brightpinepsychology.com/therapist-safa-sankari/

Safa Sankari MA TLLP - Bright Pine Behavioral Health Safa Sankari is a therapist and psychometrist in Oakland County, MI. Providing psychological therapy and testing services for children, teens, and adults.

We have a new group starting this summer led by Safa Sankari, MS TLLP to help parents and caregivers process emotional stress and learn coping strategies. See flyer below 😀

mms.tveyes.com

Dr. Lewitzke had the opportunity to speak with Dr. Deanna Lites from WWJ radio on her experience of giving birth during a pandemic. To hear the story, click the link here: https://mms.tveyes.com/MediaCenterPlayer.aspx?u=aHR0cDovL21lZGlhY2VudGVyLnR2ZXllcy5jb20vZG93bmxvYWRnYXRld2F5LmFzcHg%2FVXNlcklEPTU3MTAzJk1ESUQ9MTMxOTc0MTUmTURTZWVkPTI1MzAmVHlwZT1NZWRpYQ%3D%3D

mms.tveyes.com

What is it like to give birth during a pandemic?

Dr. Lewitzke shared her story with WDIV channel 4 on her experience of giving birth during a pandemic. We hope everyone is staying healthy and safe during this time:

https://www.clickondetroit.com/news/local/2020/05/10/what-is-it-like-to-give-birth-during-a-pandemic/

What is it like to give birth during a pandemic? We’re celebrating our mothers and in the middle of a pandemic. For some women the path to motherhood has been nerve wrecking.

Valuable Coping Tips For Individuals With Autism During a Quarantine Lockdown - Autism Shop

https://www.autismshop.com/tips-for-individuals-with-autism-during-a-quarantine-lockdown/

Valuable Coping Tips For Individuals With Autism During a Quarantine Lockdown - Autism Shop 7 valuable tips that an individual with autism can put into action for mental health improvement during the COVID19 pandemic quarantine lock-down

Words matter 💗

Sensory Products - Autism Shop

https://www.autismshop.com/sensory-products/

Sensory Products - Autism Shop Browse sensory products for children and adults with sensory processing disorder & autism. Weighted, touch, and sound items sourced for your special needs.

Bright Pine Behavioral Health on Google

https://local.google.com/place?id=6977425306539144378&use=posts&lpsid=3733490064568033153

Bright Pine Behavioral Health on Google COVID-19

Our dear friend, Dr. Lindsay Najor, will be doing a Q and A on drug additocoton through Instagram live. Catch it on the Peter’s Angels Instagram page! Link below:
https://www.instagram.com/p/B99gvmbF2OB/?igshid=1rdjcow7lfiwt

During this time of heightened awareness of the novel Coronavirus, COVID-19, and its recent classification by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a global pandemic, we want to let you know that many Health Insurance companies are beginning to cover Telehealth sessions.

Although, the overall threat to the general public and in the U.S. still remains low, we should all approach this emerging threat to public health with an abundance of caution.

Our therapists will continue to see patients on a case by case basis but we strongly encourage everyone to call their Health Insurance Providers and ask them about their plan’s Telehealth coverage.

For more answers on how Telehealth works, please visit our homepage.

https://www.brightpinepsychology.com/

Due to the governor’s decision to shut down all schools, Bright Pine will be rescheduling our March evaluations for April. Therapy appointments may be done by telehealth (video) depending on insurance plan coverage. We hope everyone stays healthy during this time.

www.oakgov.com

Prevention is the key for all of us right now. Please view Oakland County's Health Division’s toolkits that we can use both at work and at home to help us stay safe.

If you see this, please share it on your timelines.

Stay Healthy Everyone,

Dr. Kat Lewitzke PsyD

https://www.oakgov.com/health/information/covid-19/

www.oakgov.com

This is Your Child's Brain on Books

We all know taking away screens and reading to our children during their formative years is the best thing for their brains. Now, there is new incredible science to back it up!

https://news.literati.com/brain-on-books/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=paid&utm_campaign=Sub_PROS_Brains-Article_FB

This is Your Child's Brain on Books The latest science, as explored by Literati CEO Jessica Ewing.

Safa Sankari, MS TLLP, will be participating on a panel regarding mental heath among Arab Americans.

Safa was trained in assessment and therapy throughout graduate school, and completed her practicum here at Bright Pine Behavioral Health under the supervision Dr. Kat Lewitzke. She has experience testing patients struggling with academic concerns, executive functioning, speech delay and emotional and behavioral problems from age 1 through adults. Safa was trained extensively in autism testing, intelligence testing, as well as emotional screening. She also completed autism training through Western Psychological Services (WPS); a well-known leading independent publisher of educational and psychological assessments for autism and sensory processing measures.

Safa is especially experienced assessing young children and prides herself on her gentle and caring approach to help them be as comfortable as possible during testing.

Safa completed her Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology at the University of Michigan. Her thesis focused on refugee mental health and how poor sleep can impact overall mental well-being in the refugee population in Southeast Michigan.

For more information regarding her talk, please see the flyer with this post 😀

Hippocampal-dependent appetitive control is impaired by experimental exposure to a Western-style diet | Royal Society Open Science

Consuming a western diet for just one week (i.e., high fat and high sugar / carb diet) can weaken attention and memory: https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rsos.191338

Hippocampal-dependent appetitive control is impaired by experimental exposure to a Western-style diet | Royal Society Open Science Animals fed a Western-style diet (WS-diet) demonstrate rapid impairments in hippocampal function and poorer appetitive control. We examined if this also occurs in humans. One-hundred and ten health...

Vitamin D Deficiency during Pregnancy Connected to Elevated Risk of ADHD

According to a study conducted in Finland, the risk of ADHD was 34 percent higher in children whose mother had a vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy than in those children whose mother’s vitamin D level was sufficient during the first and second trimesters. The result was adjusted for maternal age, socioeconomic status and psychiatric history.

https://www.utu.fi/en/news/press-release/vitamin-d-deficiency-during-pregnancy-connected-to-elevated-risk-of-adhd

Vitamin D Deficiency during Pregnancy Connected to Elevated Risk of ADHD According to a study conducted in Finland, the risk of ADHD was 34 percent higher in children whose mother had a vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy than in those children whose mother’s vitamin

Study suggests that inquiry-based stress-reduction can help reduce anxiety and procrastination – Solving Procrastination

Procrastination often occurs as a result of underlying anxiety, and a new study suggests that an inquiry-based method can help reduce both anxiety and procrastination.

https://solvingprocrastination.com/study-inquiry-based-stress-reduction/

Study suggests that inquiry-based stress-reduction can help reduce anxiety and procrastination – Solving Procrastination Study suggests that inquiry-based stress-reduction can help reduce anxiety and procrastination February 7, 2020January 31, 2020 A study that was recently published in Frontiers in Psychology suggests that a novel cognitive technique can help reduce anxiety and procrastination.The study was motivate....

‘Love hormone’ improves attachment issues in people with autism

Oxytocin, often dubbed the ‘love hormone’, is known to promote social bonding. Researchers at KU Leuven have now discovered that administering oxytocin to adult men with autism makes them more open to close emotional bonds with others. The hormone has positive long-term effects as well.

‘Love hormone’ improves attachment issues in people with autism Researchers at KU Leuven have discovered that administering oxytocin to adult men with autism makes them more open to close emotional bonds with others.

Do you have a gifted child? Don’t miss this upcoming talk at the Steppingstone School on Thursday January 23rd @ 7pm.