Name
ELO1 - But What About The Kids?: How to support kids/families/ourselves during times of political stress
Date & Time
Thursday, October 16, 2025, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Description

In today's rapidly evolving political landscape, children are increasingly affected by changes in policies and societal norms that can influence their development and well-being. This presentation will delve into effective strategies for behavioral health consultants to support children, families, and themselves during these challenging times. By emphasizing resilience-building, emotional support, and inclusive practices, we aim to equip professionals with practical tools and strategies for working with children and families. Additionally, we will foster a supportive environment for practitioners to process their experiences and connect with others who share similar goals.

Speakers
Courtney Valentine PhD, Behavioral Health Psychologist, Yakima Valley Farm Workers Clinic, West Richland, WA
Lisa Powell PhD, Senior Health Policy Expert/Senior Clinical SME, ZERO TO THREE, Louisville, KY
Amelia McClelland PhD, Behavioral Health Consultant, Community Health of Central Washington (CHCW), Yakima, WA
Maria Arrojo Master's, Senior BH Integration Manager, Pediatric Physician's Organization at Children's (PPOC)- Boston Children's Hospital, Wellesley Hills, MA
Allison Allmon Dixson PhD, Integrated Care Section Chair, Pediatric Psychologist and Behavioral Health Consultant, Behavioral Medicine Faculty FMRC, Gundersen Health System, La Crosse, WI
Matthew Tolliver PhD, HSP, Associate Professor/Director of Behavioral Health, Individual - Matthew Tolliver,
Emily Morgan PhD, Behavioral Health Provider, Providence Medical Group, Portland, OR
Courtney Valentine Amelia McClelland Maria Arrojo Allison Allmon Dixson Matthew Tolliver Emily Morgan
Content Level
All Audience
Tags
Pediatrics, Population and public health, Social justice or DEI
Session Type
ELO
SIG or Committee
Pediatrics (PEDs)
Objective 1
Understand the Impact of Political Changes on Children's Development
Objective 2
Identify Effective Strategies for Supporting Children and Families
Objective 3
Become Aware of Organizational and State-Level Changes in Behavioral Health
Content Reference 1

Association for Behavioral Healthcare. (2025). DEI initiatives in behavioral health. Retrieved from https://www.abhmass.org/dei-initiatives

Content Reference 2

de Vries, E., Kathard, H., & Müller, A. (2020). Debate: Why should gender affirming health care be included in health science curricula?. BMC Medical Education, 20, 1-10.

Content Reference 3

Drabish, K., & Theeke, L. A. (2022). Health impact of stigma, discrimination, prejudice, and bias experienced by transgender people: a systematic review of quantitative studies. Issues in mental health nursing, 43(2), 111-118.

Content Reference 4

Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital. (2020). Impact of political changes on children's mental health. Retrieved from https://www.hopkinsallchildrens.org/impact-political-changes-children

Content Reference 5

Mental Health America. (2025). Federal and state roles in mental health. Retrieved from https://www.mhanational.org/federal-state-roles-mental-health