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Advanced Behavioral Health, Inc. Partners with Jody Barnes, LCSW-C to Enhance Perinatal Mental Health Services

By Author
January 29, 2024

Advanced Behavioral Health, Inc. Partners with Jody Barnes, LCSW-C to Enhance Perinatal Mental Health Services

Announcements

[Frederick, Maryland] – Advanced Behavioral Health, Inc. (ABH) is excited to announce a new partnership with renowned therapist Jody Barnes, LCSW-C. This collaboration aims to extend specialized therapeutic services to perinatal clients using Medicaid, addressing the critical needs of expecting and new parents grappling with anxiety and depression.

Jody Barnes, a dedicated professional in the field, brings her expertise to ABH, primarily focusing on the perinatal population. Recognizing the unique challenges faced during the postpartum period, she has founded the “Mamas in Healing” group, a tailored initiative designed to support mothers in their wellness journey.

Key Highlights of the Partnership:

Specialized Perinatal Focus: Catering exclusively to clients with Medicaid insurance, this partnership emphasizes individualized care for perinatal clients, either through one-on-one remote sessions with Jody or through participation in the “Mamas in Healing” group, held in person in Frederick.

Mamas in Healing Group: This six-week program, limited to eight participants per session, provides a supportive community for new mothers. The group aims to reinforce coping strategies and therapeutic work done at ABH, fostering a stronger understanding and application of these skills. The group will commence once there are approximately five interested participants, ensuring a timely and responsive start.

Comprehensive Care Approach: Participants in the group can range in age, with an emphasis on those with children aged 0-3 years. This approach aligns with Jody’s expertise, ensuring optimal care and support. Additionally, clients can simultaneously engage in therapy with ABH while attending the group sessions.

Community Impact Goals: The partnership’s success will be marked by a full “Mamas in Healing” group and a roster of five individual clients per quarter, highlighting the community’s need for these specialized services.

Timeline for Services: Jody Barnes will begin accepting clients immediately, with services expected to go live on February 1. The inaugural group session starts on February 19th.

ABH and Jody Barnes are committed to providing a holistic and effective therapeutic environment for new and expecting parents. Jody’s unique expertise and the innovative “Mamas in Healing” program represent a significant step forward in addressing perinatal mental health challenges.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, therapists and clients can reach out to Jody Barnes via her email, attune@jodybarnes.com.

Call 301-345-1022 to inquire more about this specialty service!

When you think of the well-being of a child, you first think of basic needs: food, water, and shelter. Once these needs are met, however, it’s crucial for a child to have emotional and social wellness as well. In this article, we will explore the impact social wellness has on the overall health of a child and great ways for children to garner social support in their lives.

It comes as no surprise that as human beings, we all need connection with others, no matter what stage of life we are in. In fact, having social support is a social determinant of health (SDOH) that significantly impacts the health of an individual. After spending the last few years in and out of isolation due to the Covid-19 outbreak, social support is more important now than ever before. Having social support means having family members and friends you can talk to and seek advice from when life feels challenging and overwhelming. Knowing you’re not alone in your life journey, especially as a child, creates a sense of belonging and empowerment throughout one’s life.

4 Types of Social Support

Emotional Support. This type of support lets you know that people care about you and have empathy for your experiences. Emotional support often looks like people checking in on you to let you know they’re thinking of you, and that they are there if you need anything. As a parent, make sure your child knows you can be a sounding board for them. If you have family members who can also show up for your children in this way, even better!

Practical Help. This type of support is when people give you something tangible or offer a service to help you out. This could be in the form of money, making food when you are sick, or helping to pack when moving. Having family and friends show up in this way shows your child what it looks like to be present for people you love.

Sharing Points of View. This type of support can often come in the form of affirmations and encouragement. For example, pointing out your child’s strengths to them and reminding them they can do anything they put their mind to. It can also look like sharing another perspective if they are being hard on themselves. For example, if they are angry with themselves after receiving a bad grade on a test, you can help them see it as a learning experience and a way for them to grow.

Sharing Information. This type of support is when someone shares what they’ve learned from their own life experiences. For example, if another parent has a child who struggles with socializing, they can share some tips and tricks they’ve learned to help their child find and create social support.

The Importance of Social Groups and Extended Support

Children who are connected to their family, friends, and people in their community have opportunities to learn how to speak, share, and get along with others. When your child feels connected to people in your neighborhood, it often allows them to feel physically safe which can alleviate stress and worry. Simply riding bikes, going on walks, and saying hello to neighbors with your kids can create this sense of security for them.

In addition to engaging with your neighbors, getting involved in local organizations can also create social support for your child. Signing up for a sports team, musical theater, art class or summer camp are all great ways to help your child meet new friends and learn important social skills that can carry them through their lives.

Tips for Helping Kids Make Community Connections:

Spend time outside in your neighborhood playing on the playground, going to a local farmer’s market, or scheduling a playdate with neighborhood kids.

Show your kids that connection is a two-way street. If your neighbors or friends go out of town, offer to get their mail, or water their plants and take your child with you when you go. This will show your child how you show up for people you care about.

Make sure you make time for socializing with friends as well. Your child looks to you first and foremost for how they should act and live their own life.

Encourage your child to step out of their comfort zone and do something they may be scared to do. As a parent, it’s your job to push them into something social for their own well-being at times.