Thursday, May 9th 2013 is recognized as National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day.  Join ACGC as well as the City of Austin in observance of this important day.  Mayor Lee Leffingwell will be presenting a proclamation for this day at the steps of Austin City Hall at 5:00pm.

In addition to the proclamation, ACGC will be raising awareness through local engagements and events.  The GoGame is an interactive team building event offered to the community at specially discounted rates. Think of the event as a multimedia scavenger hunt taking place in the urban backdrop of Austin’s Warehouse District. All registration fees will be contributed as donations to ACGC and help fund children’s mental health programs for uninsured/ under-insured families. There is still time to join the fun! For more information check out our facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/events/124069201093984/

ACGC would like to thank our registered teams:

• Dell
• Greenlights for Non-profit Success
• 1800 Therapist
• Gallagher Benefit Services
• Williams Wealth Strategies

ACGC also has the support of Which Wich Superior Sandwiches on W. 3rd St. to host a giving day where a certain percentage of the day’s sales will be donated to the Austin Child Guidance Center to assist in programmatic funding for Trauma Informed Care. Come our hungry and support ACGC. Event link: https://www.facebook.com/events/236109893194285/

As always, the Austin Child Guidance Center appreciates your support and dedication to our mission as well as bettering the community. We look forward to seeing you out on May 9th!

Austin Child Guidance Center’s 2012 Annual Report is now available.  To download an electronic copy, visit our Annual Reports page:

Help ACGC raise funds to provide mental health services to low-income children and families! From 7 pm on Monday, March 4th through 7 pm on Tuesday, March 5th, ACGC is participating in Amplify Austin. We have secured matching funds pledges that will more than DOUBLE every donation. Use this form during that time period to support and amplify our work:

Insurance Specialist (full-time)
The ideal candidate should be proficient in claims filing, authorizations, verifying benefits, tracking sessions and submission of Outpatient Treatment plans. The applicant must be knowledgeable in Medicaid, CHIP, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Tricare and other third party insurance companies. Must be current on all the upcoming changes in insurance procedures and CPT coding and diagnosis, be able to read and understand EOB’s, and follow up on claims rejections and denials. The Insurance Specialist will work closely with the Senior Insurance Specialist on accounts receivable and payables, entering payments from insurance companies and clients. Understanding of current HIPAA regulations a plus.

Position responsible for provider credentialing for new staff members and re-credentialing for current staff through CAQH and the Standard Texas Credentialing Application process. Experience with contracting a must.

As part of the administrative team, the Insurance Specialist will assist in other administration duties, including answering multi-line phone systems, chart review, data entry, and opening and closing the office. As a small non-profit, the ideal candidate is a team player but also able to work independently.

Experience in Microsoft Office applications a must. Minimum of three years’ experience in the healthcare industry as an insurance specialist.

Salary in the low to mid 30′s, depending on experience.

To apply email resume and cover letter to Sherry at smichalenko@austinchildguidance.org. No phone calls please.

Nominations are now being accepted for the 2nd annual Phyllis Richards Icon for Children Award to be presented at our Austin Originals Music Event on September 27, 2013.  Download instructions and the nomination form:

Our Parent Workshops scheduled for March and April are full, and we are not accepting any more participants at this time. If we have openings closer to the workshop dates, we will re-open registration.

We still have a few spots available for next month’s workshop:
Thursday, February 21st, 2013 6-7:30PM The Next Step for Divorced Families
The Next Step for Divorced Families Workshop helps parents through family changes brought on by divorce.

Click http://www.austinchildguidance.org/services/workshops/ to access our registration form.

ACGC is offering three free parent workshops:

Thursday, February 21st, 2013 6-7:30PM The Next Step for Divorced Families
The Next Step for Divorced Families Workshop helps parents through family changes brought on by divorce.

Thursday, March 21st, 2013 6-7:30PM Anger Management at Home: Strategies THAT WORK to Reduce Your and Your Child’s Angry Outbursts
Learn how to reduce angry outbursts as well as what to do while they are happening.

Thursday, April 18th, 2013 6-7:30PM When Worries Get Too Big: Helping Your Child Face Fears and Learn to Cope

Visit http://www.austinchildguidance.org/services/workshops/ for more information and to sign up.

With the recent tragedy in Connecticut, we direct parents to this tip sheet from the National Association of School Psychologists on talking to children about violence. NASC Tip Sheet

Dr. Julia Hoke, ACGC’s Director of Psychological Services, was interviewed on KXAN about setting expectations for children for the holidays.

Coping with the holiday routine

Our Mental Health Seminar on Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is next Friday, November 30th, 2012.  We have over 150 people registered and just a handful of spots still available.  If you are interested in attending, make sure to register ASAP!  On-line registration will close this week, so beginning 11/26, please call ACGC at 512-451-2242 to inquire about openings.  Click HERE for more information and to register.