Child Mental Health Crises

The COVID-19 pandemic has been especially difficult on children's mental health. Alyssa, who has down syndrome, enjoyed her junior year of high school in Long Island, NY. Her mom, Jennifer, described her daughter as a social butterfly before the world went into lockdown. During the early days of the pandemic, Alyssa's anxiety dramatically increased.

Alyssa’s anxiety became so intense that she became catatonic. Jennifer describes her daughter as being in a "zombie-like state," leaving her unable to move or feed herself. There were numerous trips to the ER and hospital stays. Physicians recommended that Jennifer have her daughter see a psychiatrist.

Repeatedly turned down by Jennifer's providers who said they didn't accept her insurance or didn't work with kids with disabilities. Out of options to find treatment, Jennifer reached out to the school nurse, who referred the family to the new behavioral health center. The center's child psychiatrist reviewed Alyssa's medical records and prescribed her depression and anxiety medications. She began the meds on a Saturday morning and was out of the catatonic state that evening, slowly finding her way back to her mom and life.

Alyssa received the needed care because of a unique partnership. Recognizing the need to provide better mental health services for struggling children after several student’s deaths, including two suicides of a recent graduate and current student, hospital administrator, Gina-Marie Bounds (left), and an assistant superintendent, Noreen Leahy, joined forces. Their mission was to help struggling families in the Rockville Centre school district on Long Island, NY, find quick and easy access to mental health care. Working together led to forming a partnership between several school districts on Long Island and the Cohen Children's Medical Center, providing prompt access to children's mental health care services.