Perinatal Opioid Use
Avoiding Serious Outcomes During the Pandemic and Beyond Substance use during pregnancy and the postpartum period has significant negative outcomes for the mother and her infant including low birth weights, developmental delays, neonatal abstinence syndrome, placental abruption, and maternal death. For women with opioid addiction, mortality has increased ten-fold over the past ten years leading […]
The New Year Brings Change: Identifying and Addressing Pediatric Substance Mi...
Identifying and Addressing Pediatric Substance Misuse January is often associated with setting goals and changing unhealthy habits. This year, you can be the change agent for many teens struggling with substance use. It is a common high-risk behavior in youth associated with poor outcomes. It is often overlooked for the […]
A HOLIDAY MESSAGE: Caring for Yourself While Caring for Others
Over the past eight months it is likely that you have experienced your own sense of distress, anxiety, and loss. Caring for the most vulnerable in Illinois is never an easy task, and this year has taken its toll on the healthcare community like never before. Illinois DocAssist continues its commitment to supporting providers caring […]
Helping Children and Families Cope During the Holidays
Just like everything else in 2020, the holiday season will be different this year. A time that can be stressful for some families, will likely be compounded by social distancing and economic hardship. According to CNBC, one in ten children have a parent who is out of work this year, which will likely impact families’ […]
Illinois DocAssist Perinatal Resources
We are here to help… Illinois DocAssist is committed to supporting providers who care for the needs of prenatal and postpartum women. Our website provides important mental health resources, clinical tools, updates, and educational opportunities for doctors, nurses, midwives, and all healthcare professionals working with perinatal women. RESOURCES FOR PERINATAL WOMEN Pregnancy and childbirth can […]
Illinois DocAssist Pediatric Resources
Visit our website… The Illinois DocAssist website offers many resources for pediatric providers to assist in meeting the behavioral health needs of their patients. E- NEWSLETTERS… Did you miss one of our newsletters or would you like to send a link to a colleague you think would be interested? If so, visit our E-Newsletter Archive tab to review previous content. […]
The Impact of Domestic Violence on Pediatric Mental Health
October is recognized as Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM). One third of children and adolescents will experience domestic violence in their lifetime. In 2017, 68,000 youth received services related to domestic violence. Like so many other issues, the pandemic has impacted rates of domestic violence with increases up to 20%. However, it is likely that […]
Pediatric Obesity Impact on Pediatric Mental Health
Childhood obesity is a serious problem in the United States that impacts both physical and mental wellness and is linked to increased morbidity and mortality. A variety of mechanisms contribute to development of obesity in children, including genetics, developmental influences, individual and family health behaviors, and environmental factors. Obesity prevalence among children and adolescents is […]
Special Education and Remote Learning
The beginning of September means schools are up and running in a wide variety of formats. In these unprecedented times, there is little guidance as to “best practices” and instead balancing risks and benefits are at the forefront of decision making. The focus may drift from ensuring proper access to special education services as schools […]
Supporting Social-Emotional Learning
One of the many struggles associated with physical distancing and social isolation for children is a regression in emotional development and appropriate coping skills. Social learning through interaction is a large part of children’s growth; however, with limited access to peers and experiences, children may feel lonely and separated during this time. Some children may […]
