Pediatric anxiety and depression: Care and care coordination

11:25 am - 12:15 pm Session

Pediatric anxiety and depression is a common topic today and for good reason. Around the world, children’s depression and anxiety rates may have doubled since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. In this presentation, you will hear from a pediatrician and a care coordinator from South Lake Pediatrics. Dr. Hoffman-Jecha will take us through signs and symptoms, diagnostic tools, and treatment options for anxiety and depression for all ages. Tara Mahin will talk about South Lake Pediatrics’ model of integrated mental health care and the “new normal” for Care Coordination.

Dr. Joanne Hoffman-Jecha, MD, South Lake Pediatrics (she/her)
Bio: Dr. Hoffman attended St. Olaf College and the University of Minnesota Medical School. She has been a Pediatrician at South Lake Pediatrics for more than 27 years and is the director of Mental Health Services. She is on the Board for the PrairieCare Fund providing grants to support youth mental health in schools and on the Mental Health Advisory Counsel for the Minnetonka School District.

Tara Mahin, Care Coordinator, South Lake Pediatrics (she/her)
Bio: Tara began her career as a Care Coordinator over ten years ago with South Lake Pediatrics. Her first role was working with a pilot grant from Minnesota Department of Human Services for pediatric depression care. Tara has been an active participant in the development of care coordination both at South Lake Pediatrics and at the state level. Over the years she has served on multiple state committees and work groups for both Children and Youth with Special Health Needs and Health Care Homes. Tara has been serving on the advisory committee for Pediatric Care Coordination Community of Practice since 2018. Prior to working with South Lake Pediatrics, Tara was an early childhood and elementary school teacher. Tara has raised two children with special health needs. She spent many years volunteering her time advocating and educating parents, teachers and school nurses about life-threatening food allergies. Tara continues to provide Care Coordination to children and families at South Lake Pediatrics.

Objectives for the session:

  • Recognize the symptoms of Depression and Anxiety.

  • Identify ways to improve mental health and wellness naturally.

  • Identify crisis and resources.

  • Identify Collaborative Care team members.

  • Recognize stressors for CC and identify ways to help colleagues manage their stress.