Department of Behavioural Health Services Hosts Bridge Series Session on Youth Mental Health

PRESS RELEASE

FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF

BEHAVIOURAL HEALTH SERVICES

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Monday, 24 February 2025: On 12 February 2025, the Department of Behavioural Health Services launched the first session of its Bridge Series: Connecting Psychology to Community, titled Supporting Children’s Mental Health & Wellbeing: An Introduction to Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. Dr. Annalease Richards, a double board-certified psychiatrist, led the session, bringing together professionals working with youth, including guidance counsellors, youth affairs staff, and social workers. The session’s success extended beyond the scheduled hour, sparking in-depth discussions about the mental health challenges facing young people in our community.

Recent statistics highlight that 1 in 5 children and adolescents face mental health disorders, including anxiety, depression, and behavioural issues, with suicide being the second leading cause of death among adolescents globally. Dr. Richards emphasised the importance of a collaborative approach to address these challenges.

Dr. Alicia Malcolm, Director of the Department of Behavioural Health Services, alongside Dr. Jadetra Ingraham and Tiara McTaire, stressed the need for initiatives like the Bridge Series to equip professionals with the tools to assess and treat mild to moderate mental health concerns, with severe cases referred to specialised care. The department remains committed to enhancing resources, training, and support to improve youth mental health outcomes.

Key takeaways from the session included the importance of early intervention and the critical role trauma plays in shaping children’s mental health. Dr. Richards called for increased investment in sustainable mental health initiatives to support children and families.

As part of the session’s outcomes, a screener packet with training for youth professionals will be issued to improve the identification and intervention of mental health concerns. The department has also conducted MHGAP training for medical providers to equip them with the necessary tools to handle severe youth mental health crises.

The Bridge Series continues to foster collaboration and increase access to mental health resources. The department urges stakeholders, including government partners, to prioritise investment in youth mental health services, recognising its long-term impact on the community.

For more information on upcoming sessions, volunteer opportunities, and ongoing efforts, please contact the Department of Behavioural Health Services on the following numbers; 338-3613 Grand Turk, 338-3616 Providenciales and be sure to visit our website www.gov.tc/dmhsd and follow our social media accounts www.facebook.com/TCIDBHS and @TCIDBHS on Instagram.

Alternatively, please visit the Ministry of Health and Human Services Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/tciministryofhealth/.