Seleni Institute partners with CAMBA
Seleni Institute Partners with CAMBA
NEW YORK – October 10, 2017 – Seleni Institute has partnered with CAMBA—one of New York City’s largest multi-service organizations—to train healthcare professionals in supporting the emotional wellbeing of young parents.
More than sixty professionals participated in MMHI4teens™ training led by Seleni Institute clinicians in Brooklyn. Over two days, CAMBA’s team of social workers, case managers, housing specialists and administrators learned evidenced-based approaches to addressing the emotional health issues specific to parenthood and unique to young parents.
Made possible by a grant from the hope & grace initiative, Seleni’s MMHI4teens™ combines our nationally-recognized evidence-based Maternal Mental Health Intensive program with expertise in adolescent mental health to create a one-of-a-kind training. The two-day course covers mental health screening and referral, emotional support during pregnancy, adjustment to parenthood, parent-infant attachment, relationship challenges with partners, parents, and peers, as well as managing the demands of school, work and becoming a parent.
Pregnant and parenting adolescents are three times more likely to have a mental health disorder—such as depression or anxiety—prior to pregnancy and are at greater risk for developing one after delivery. That is why Seleni is committed to providing individual care and group support through our Young Parent Program.
“The emotional health of young adults is so often overlooked as they make the transition to parenthood. It is critical that health professionals have a better understanding of their unique needs, because it offers a tremendous opportunity to change the lives of young parents and their children,” said Hara Ntalla M.S. Ed/CSE clinical director of the Seleni Institute. “Today, on World Mental Health Day, we must commit to prioritizing the emotional health of young parents as they raise the next generation.”
“Throughout the two-day session, CAMBA staff gained new skill sets that will help us better engage with young parents and support their emotional wellness—at the same time we are working to remove barriers to self-sufficiency,” said Joanne M. Oplustil, President and CEO of CAMBA/CAMBA Housing Ventures. “This program will give young parents a strong foundation on which to build their families.”
To learn more about the Seleni Institute’s Young Parent Program or MMHI4teens™, please visit the Young Parent Program page or call 212-939-7200.
About the Seleni Institute
The Seleni Institute is a global nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the emotional health of individuals and families during the family building years to improve the lives of our generation and future generations. With our partners, we treat, train, support, advocate, and provide research funding for emotional health during the family building years. The organization was founded in 2011 to destigmatize and transform mental health and wellness by addressing real-life issues that challenge the emotional health of women, men, and their families.
About CAMBA
Now in its 40th year, CAMBA is a nonprofit organization that provides services that connect people with opportunities to enhance their quality of life. Started in 1977, CAMBA offers integrated services and programs in Economic Development, Education & Youth Development, Family Support, Health, Housing and Legal Services.
CAMBA serves more than 45,000 individuals and families, including 10,000 youth, each year. CAMBA’s staff reflects the diversity of the communities they serve and 15% of its employees are former clients.
Learn more about CAMBA’s life-changing services at www.CAMBA.org.
