Emily, a seven-year-old girl who was referred to Austin Child Guidance Center by her private therapist, came to the Center to join a social skills group. Emily's family had recently returned from living abroad, where Emily attended a small school with small class sizes. At age three and a half, Emily was diagnosed with Selective Mutism. Upon returning to Texas, Emily was immersed in a larger class and her symptoms of Selective Mutism were exacerbated. Emily also began displaying signs of poor impulse control and having difficulty interacting appropriately with peers.

Emily joined a group of six-to-nine year-olds in group therapy at Austin Child Guidance Center. Initially, her anxiety was significant. At the first group meeting, Emily attempted to bite her mother on the way into the group setting. Throughout that first meeting, Emily resorted to nonverbal communication, withdrawal from the group, and placing herself under her chair. The group leaders remained physically and and emotionally accessible to Emily. As the group progressed, Emily found her own ways to connect with her peers. She enjoyed bringing and sharing toys to group therapy and as the group engaged in interactive activities, Emily and her peers did an excellent job of including everyone in their conversations and games.

The therapists noted that it was a pleasure to see Emily engage in age-appropriate silliness with her peers as well as her emerging ability to share with a growing ease. Eventually, Emily was able to share difficult topics with the group, including milestones and challenges in her own life. The small group experience at Austin Child Guidance Center provided Emily with the opportunity to join in a setting of peers that helped her work on feelings of being overwhelmed by larger crowds. Emily gained skills and confidence in her own creative ways. These are assets that Emily will refine and use throughout her life.

Read more of our success stories!

1.  To use a multi-systemic family assessment framework to determine at what system’s levels to target interventions.
2.  To select and implement positive psychology interventions to trigger positive emotion and empower the client.
3.  To use self-practice guidelines that tap into the inventiveness of both the client and therapist to create possibilities.
4.  To design, select, and implement family connection building rituals and therapeutic experiments to strengthen parent-child/adolescent relationships.
5.  To use mindfulness meditation and cognitive skills training to strengthen the client’s self-regulatory functioning.

Therapist (2 positions)
Austin Child Guidance Center is seeking qualified therapists to provide Parenting with Love and Limits © System of Care (PLL), a program developed by Scott Sells, Ph.D. of the Savannah Family Institute, which will be offered through a contract with Austin Independent School District. One full-time Therapist position will serve as the primary facilitator for PLL Group Therapy and the other therapist position will serve as co-facilitator. Both individuals hired will receive intensive training from Dr. Sells on the PLL program and will receive ongoing supervision with Dr. Sells through telephone sessions.

To qualify for the primary facilitator position, you must have a minimum of a Master’s Degree in a counseling related field with full licensure; must be available to work up to four evenings per week if necessary to meet family schedules; and must be available to attend telephone supervision sessions. A strong background in providing group treatment with youth and adults, family therapy, supervision and experience providing services in community settings is required. Past experience in marketing and promoting programs as well as experience coordinating and implementing an evidence based practice with fidelity is desired. In addition to serving as primary facility for the PLL groups, this position will conduct the parent breakout sessions for the group, conduct family therapy sessions, will supervise a group co-facilitator also trained in the PLL model, and will be responsible for the overall administration of PLL including any reporting requirements.

To qualify for the co-facilitator position, you must have a minimum of a Master’s Degree in a counseling related field and be working toward licensure; must be available to work up to four evenings per week if necessary; and must be available to attend telephone supervision sessions. A strong background in conducting group and family treatment with youth and experience providing services in community settings is required. This position will co-facilitate all PLL groups, will conduct the youth breakout groups, conduct family therapy sessions, and will assist the primary facilitator with administration of PLL.

The salary range for the primary facilitator position is $35,000-$40,000; salary range for the co-facilitator position is $32,000-$35,000. Qualified applicants should submit a cover letter and resume to jmartinez@austinchildguidance.org, fax to 512-454-9204 or mail to ACGC, 810 W. 45^th Street, Austin, TX 78751.

For more information about Parenting with Love and Limits System of Care, click on the following link: http://www.dsgonline.com/mpg2.5/TitleV_MPG_Table_Ind_Rec.asp?ID=463.

Sponsors Needed!
Don't run or can't volunteer? You can still help support the efforts of Austin Child Guidance Center by making a donation via our official marathon website: http://www.active.com/donate/austinchildguidance.

• Sommer Howser, Volunteer and graduate student
• Vanessa Robles, Therapist
• Emily Cardwell, Board member
• Other friends of Austin Child Guidance Center:
  • Laura and Shane Metcalf
  • Bryan (Robert) Peterson
  • Terri Sanchez
  • Vanessa Gonzalez
  • Jennifer D'Eath

Thank you to the generous corporate donors who sponsored Austin Child Guidance Center's water stop at the AT&T Austin Marathon on Sunday, February 17th!

Ernst & Young


UBS

Brown McCarroll, L.L.P.

Ikard & Golden

Strasburger

Texas Capital Bank

Sign Effects

Date: Friday January 25, 2008, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Presenter: Keith W. Caramelli, M.D.
Location: Austin Child Guidance Center, 810 W. 45th St., Austin, TX 78751
Cost: $10 charge for c.e.u.’s. There is no charge if you don’t want c.e.u.’s.
To Register: Email trainings@austinchildguidance.org or call Linda at 512-451-2242. Space is limited. If you don’t receive a reply, we did not get your message.
Note: If your space is confirmed and you find you cannot attend, please email trainings@austinchildguidance.org to cancel, since we frequently have a waiting list for others to attend.

1. Review of the major classes of psychotropic medications used in children and their side effects.
2. Discussion of newly developed psychotropic medications and their uses.
3. Discussion of classification of psychotropic medication and its relationship to diagnosis

For the past ten years, Austin Child Guidance Center has hosted a unique end-of-the-year “event” called the Holiday Classic TV Special.  Our concept is simple:  Stay home, gather the family, turn the TV to The CW Austin channel (KNVA-TV channel 54/cable channel 12) at 12 noon on December 22^nd and enjoy this year’s G-rated movie, Dennis the Menace in Cruise Control.  There are no new outfits to buy, no babysitters to hire and, most importantly, no time away from family and friends.

If you have not already made a donation this year to Austin Child Guidance Center, we ask that you consider a gift that will help Austin’s children as well as bring joy and meaning to you.  A charitable donation to Austin Child Guidance Center helps us continue to provide mental health services to the most vulnerable citizens in our community:  our children.

Your gift means that children suffering from trauma, abuse, neglect, depression, anxiety and attention-deficit/hyperactive disorders can be treated early and effectively; that they will not be denied mental health services because of inability to pay; that the waiting list to treat them can be reduced.

As you reflect upon your gift, please consider making this donation “in honor of” or “in memory of” a loved one.  What better way to express the true meaning of this season of giving.

Donations can be made online by clicking the DONATE button below or by contacting Leslie J. Archambault, Director of Development, at (512) 451-2242 or larchambault@austinchildguidance.org.  May your holiday season be safe and filled with love.

2007 HOLIDAY CLASSIC TV SPECIAL SPONSORS:

Directors

Austin Child Guidance Center is now accepting resumes for two part time (20 hours/week) Clinical Supervisor positions.  Required qualifications include: licensure in the State of Texas for at least 3 years as either LPC/LMFT or LCSW; experience working with children and families; approved supervisor in the State of Texas; experience working with diverse populations; ability to work a flexible schedule including some evening hours; ability to multi-task, problem-solve and work in a progressive and changing environment; knowledge of and familiarity with solution-focused approaches to therapy.

Each position will provide individual and group supervision to 4-6 students/interns/trainees and will carry a caseload of 6-14 face to face client hours.  Additional responsibilities may include serving as group coordinator for all Austin Child Guidance Center groups and conducting a weekly student seminar to provide group training in the mental health field to trainees.

Salary range for each half time position is $17,500 to $20,500.

Qualified applicants should submit cover letter and resume to jmartinez@austinchildguidance.org, fax to 512-454-9204 or mail to ACGC, 810 W. 45^th Street, Austin, TX  78751.

Date: Friday October 5, 2007, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Presenter: Bess Green, MSEd, LPC, ATR-BC
Location: Austin Child Guidance Center, 810 W. 45th St., Austin, TX 78751
Cost: $10 charge for c.e.u.’s. There is no charge if you don’t want c.e.u.’s.
To Register: Email trainings@austinchildguidance.org or call Linda at 512-451-2242. Space is limited.
Note: If your space is confirmed and you find you cannot attend, please email trainings@austinchildguidance.org to cancel, since we frequently have a waiting list for others to attend.

About the Presentation:
This presentation will give a brief overview of various models and concepts which are helpful in working with children and families who have experienced trauma in brief therapy. The models each integrate easily with sensory based interventions such as art, sand, or play. Presenter and attendees will design an art directive based on treatment concerns for a brainstormed case. Attendees will be asked to make art following the directive.

About the Presenter:
Bess Green, MSEd, LPC, ATR-BC is a board certified registered art therapist and licensed professional counselor. She has been working with children and families who have experienced domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse for more than ten years in a community setting. She has also experience working with adults and children in an acute hospital setting.

Having majored in studio art as an undergraduate, Ms. Green was familiar with the power of art to explore the richness and complexity of emotional life and the power to create a bridge between artist and viewer. Art therapy training strengthened her conviction that art helped clients who had experienced trauma, find their voice. Further research into working with relational and solution focused counseling models led to an approach that was supportive but also effective given a brief treatment frame.

Ms. Green is currently working at Austin State Hospital . She provides group and limited individual art therapy services to adult and latency age groups in an acute setting. She is currently leading a workgroup to design programming for ArtSpace, an intensive, arts based program to be located on the grounds of the State Hospital . ArtSpace seeks to provide a studio setting using visual arts, music, dance and drama to assist clients in investing in and continuing their recovery from mental illness.

By demonstrating compliance with The Joint Commission’s national standards for health care quality and safety, Austin Child Guidance Center has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval™.  The accreditation award recognizes Austin Child Guidance Center’s dedication to complying with Joint Commission’s state-of-the-art standards on a continuous basis.

Austin Child Guidance Center, an outpatient children’s mental health organization, was first accredited in 1986 and every three years undergoes an extensive evaluation process to maintain its accreditation.  The Joint Commission conducted an unannounced, on-site evaluation of Austin Child Guidance Center on August 16-17, 2007.  “We sought continued accreditation for our organization because we want to demonstrate our commitment to quality mental health care for children, adolescents, and families,” says Donald J. Zappone, Dr.P.H., executive director.  “We view obtaining Joint Commission accreditation as another effort toward maintaining the highest standards of treatment.”

“Austin Child Guidance Center’s accreditation achievement is a demonstration of the organization’s leadership and staff commitment to excellence,” says Mary Cesare-Murphy, Ph.D., executive director, Behavioral Health Care Accreditation Program, The Joint Commission. “Joint Commission accreditation requires organization-wide dedication to providing safe, client-focused care, treatment and services.”

Austin Child Guidance Center is a nonprofit organization committed to improving the mental health of children through early intervention, diagnosis, and treatment.  Since 1951, Austin Child Guidance Center has been helping families in the Austin community build emotionally healthy lives regardless of their income or ability to pay with a sliding fee scale.  A multidisciplinary team of psychologists, social workers, counselors, and psychiatrists provide mental health treatment services, including individual/family therapy, group counseling, and parent education classes as well as evaluation services, including psychological assessments and psychiatric evaluations.  Austin Child Guidance Center also serves as a training site for graduate students completing advanced degrees and seeking careers in the mental health field.

Founded in 1951, The Joint Commission seeks to continuously improve the safety and quality of care provided to the public through the provision of health care accreditation and related services that support performance improvement in health care organizations.  The Joint Commission evaluates and accredits nearly 15,000 health care organizations and programs in the United States, including more than 8,000 hospitals and home care organizations, and more than 6,800 other health care organizations that provide long term care, assisted living, behavioral health care, laboratory and ambulatory care services.  An independent, not-for-profit organization, The Joint Commission is the nation's oldest and largest standards-setting and accrediting body in health care.

Media contact:
Josie Geck, Community Relations Coordinator
(512) 451-2242
jgeck@austinchildguidance.org

"A child's emotional well-being is intimately tied to that child's ability to learn, grow, and thrive."

~ Keith W. Caramelli, M.D., Board Certified Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist

As parents and as a community we want our children to have the best education possible. Yet academic success may elude a child who…
...suffers from depression
...is the victim of abuse
...struggles with ADHD
...lives in poverty
...wrestles with a learning disorder

Children suffering from mental health issues are at a much higher risk of dropping out of school, juvenile delinquency, and anti-social behaviors.  The mental health professionals at Austin Child Guidance Center teach children how to deal with the emotional issues that impede their ability to learn.

Join us on Thursday, September 27, 2007 to hear the story of an extraordinary woman whose young child’s behavior at school and inability to learn appeared to predict a lifetime of frustration and failure.  This mother will share how Austin Child Guidance Center helped her son overcome mental health issues that seemed insurmountable.

“Charting a Course of Hope” Annual Luncheon
Thursday, September 27, 2007
12 noon  - 1 p.m.
(early registration 11:30 a.m. - 11:55 a.m.)
Austin Country Club

There is no charge to attend; however, RSVP is required.

Call Kaleena at 512-451-2242 for more details.

The luncheon is generously underwritten by:
Silicon Laboratories
LCRA Employees’ United Charities

Licensed Psychologist (Re-open)
Part-time (20 hours/week), to provide assessment services to children.  Must have experience using a variety of psychological assessment instruments with children from pre-school age to age 17.  Bilingual applicants strongly encouraged to apply.  More information about this position can be found at www.austinchildguidance.org.  To apply, email cover letter and resume by August 22 to jmartinez@austinchildguidance.org, fax to 512-454-9204 or mail to ACGC, 810 W. 45^th Street, Austin, TX 78751.

Date: Friday, June 1, 2007, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Presenter: Dr. Joey Achacoso, LPC
Location: Austin Child Guidance Center, 810 W. 45th St., Austin, TX 78751
Cost: $10 charge for c.e.u.’s. There is no charge if you don’t want c.e.u.’s.
To Register: Email trainings@austinchildguidance.org or call Linda at 512-451-2242. Space is limited.
Note: If your space is confirmed and you find you cannot attend, please email trainings@austinchildguidance.org to cancel, since we frequently have a waiting list for others to attend.

About the Presentation
As professionals in the counseling community, we focus so much of our time and energy taking care of our clients that we have only a little left to take care of ourselves. Come join us as Dr. Joey Achacoso shows us how to play and take care of ourselves through laughter, fun and games, and team building with colleagues. By taking care of ourselves first, we can take care of our clients in a renewed way.

Learning Objectives

1. Participants will learn why play is important.
2. Participants will experience specific activities that promote wellness.
3. Participants will learn how to incorporate self-care time in their busy day.
4. Participants will laugh and consequently experience relief from stress.
5. Participants will feel unified with other participants.
6. Participants will learn how to be a human being who creates a “to-live list”.

About the Presenter:
With a focus on developmental psychology, Dr. Joey Achacoso earned his doctorate from The University of Texas at Austin. Dr. Achacoso is a licensed professional counselor, a play therapist, and a parent coach in private practice. He is also an adjunct professor in the Counseling Department at Texas State University. Dr. Achacoso has helped children, adolescents, and their families who have struggled with various issues including divorce, ADHD, discipline, single-parenting, and anger management. Dr. Achacoso provides individual and group therapy for children and adolescents as well as workshops for parents, teachers, and the counseling community.

First Annual Austin Mamapalooza benefit, featuring live music, performance, art and more by local mother-musicians benefits the Tandem Teen Prenatal & Parenting Program.

When: Sunday, May 6, 2007, 1 – 6 p.m.

Where: Austin Symphony Square, 1101 Red River Street

Background: A family event celebrating mothers in the arts, MAMAPALOOZA will showcase local artists, vendors and performers, including singer-songwriters Sara Hickman and Idgy Vaughn and comedian Spike Gillespie. Event details are available at www.janseides.com. 

"It's a great opportunity for families to honor their moms, and also recognize contributions by mothers to the creative arts our community," said event organizer and musician Jan Seides. "And because it will take place the week before Mother's Day, it's a great place to find original gifts."

Event proceeds will go to the Tandem Teen Prenatal & Parenting Program of People's Community Clinic, which serves the medical, educational, and psychosocial needs of pregnant and parenting teens and works to reduce the risk of subsequent unplanned pregnancies in Central Texas . Founded in 1998, the Tandem program is provided in collaboration with Any Baby Can, Austin Child Guidance Center , LifeWorks and the University of Texas Center for Social Work Research. Tandem is generously supported by the St. David's Foundation and the U.S. Office of Adolescent Pregnancy Programs and is headquartered at People's Community Clinic in Central East Austin at 2909 N. I35 and online at www.pcclinic.org.

Designed to empower women through cooperative performance and merchandising opportunities, MAMAPALOOZA represents an international grass roots movement of musicians, performers, artists, comics, writers, craftspeople and athletes. Throughout the month of May, MAMAPALOOZA events will take place on stages across America, Canada and Australia. Background information about the festival is available at www.mamapalooza.com.

Date: Friday, April 6, 2007, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Presenter: Teresa Sariol
Location: Austin Child Guidance Center, 810 W. 45th St., Austin, TX 78751
Cost: $10 charge for c.e.u.’s. There is no charge if you don’t want c.e.u.’s.
To Register: Email trainings@austinchildguidance.org or call Leah at 512-451-2242. Space is limited.
Note: If your space is confirmed and you find you cannot attend, please email trainings@austinchildguidance.org to cancel, since we frequently have a waiting list for others to attend.

Learning Objectives:

1. Describe sensory integration
2. Discuss three sensory integration dysfunctions
3. Discuss techniques for evaluation of sensory integration dysfunction
4. Describe three sensory motor coping strategies

About the Presentation:
The presentation will address the following:

1. What is Sensory Integration?
2. Sensory Systems
3. What Can Go Wrong – Sensory Integration Dysfunction
4. Understanding Sensory Preferences
5. Evaluation and Treatment of Sensory Integration Dysfunction
6. Sensory Motor Coping Strategies

About the Presenter:
Teresa “Tere” Sariol has been an occupational therapist at Texas NeuroRehab Center for over twenty years. She developed the Sensory Integration Program in 1992 and provides individual and group treatment and consultations to children and adolescents. Tere is fluent in Spanish and has knowledge of Sign Language. She is also a member of American Occupational Therapist Association and Sensory Integration International. Tere has presented numerous times over the past several years, most recently in August 2005 titled “Sensory Integration: Implications for Learning and Behavior.”

Position:  Infant/Early Childhood Mental Health Specialist

Time:  50% position (20 hours per week)

Date Posted:  02/02/2007

Date Closed:  02/14/2007

Note: This is a one year, grant funded position with no guarantee of continuation.
Requirements:  LPC or LMSW licensure and experience in infant and early childhood mental health issues.

Duties:
Provide a variety of services to day care/child development centers as follows:

1. Provide early screening assessments to identify preschool children with potential school adjustment problems and aid center teachers in implementing classroom procedures to prevent and remediate adjustment problems;
2. Identify children needing psychological and neuropsychological assessment to aid families in finding the “best fit” in school placement;
3. Provide educational trainings addressing children’s developmental and emotional needs and provide clinical support to staff and parents;
4. Attend center staffings regarding children’s emotional/behavioral needs;
5. Provide clinical assessments, clinical intervention including family therapy to children and their families;
6. Provide parent groups in various formats including “parents only” and parent and child play groups.

Salary:  Range of $15,000-$16,500 based on experience.  No medical or dental insurance coverage provided.

To Apply:   Email cover letter and resume by 02/14/2007 jmartinez@austinchildguidance.org, fax to 512-454-9204 or mail to ACGC, 810 W. 45th Street, Austin, TX 78751.

On behalf of the children and families we serve, our heartfelt thanks go to the sponsors of Austin Child Guidance Center’s 10^th annual Holiday Classic TV Special.

Director
Emerson Process Management
KCL Foundation
LCRA Employees' United Charities
Link Foundation

Cinematographer
James R. Evans, Jr. and Gene T. Krane
Dillon and Marialice Ferguson
H-E-B
Alan and Susan Holman
Ms. Marsha J. LeGrand MS, LPC
Miller Blueprint Co.
Anne Nelson, Ph.D. and Robert Boney
Joan and William Powers
Mr. Aaron and Mrs. Tracy Vernon
Lynn Walker and Richard Arnett
Richard and Rosalie Zodikoff

Make-up Artist
Mr. Stephen Butter
Cherry and Jet Bartlett
Kira and Graham Carey
Clark, Thomas & Winters
Mr. Mark Domel
First Base Data Systems
Seton Healthcare Network
The Thompson & Knight Foundation
Janet and Louis Zimmerman
Gallagher Benefit Services
Mr. Robert Rubacha
Abbott Laboratories
Elizanda M. de la Sota, Ph.D.
Congressman Lloyd and Mrs. Libby Doggett
Missy and Richard McCarroll
Dr. Rolland and Dr. Juli Fellows
Nelson and Joan Hyde
Don Sorensen, LCSW and Anna Gonzalez-Sorensen, Ph.D.
Bob and Ginger Buehler
David and Maryanne Cochran
Kathy and Kent Rider
Dr. Rochelle Satterfield

Stunt Person
Allco Contractors
Dr. Ace H. and Mrs. Nan Alsup
Ms. Leslie J. Archambault
Mrs. Sue M. Breuer
Bette Butter Brinson
Scott and Donna Broberg
Joan and Clarke Burnham
Mr. Stephen R. Butter, Jr.
Zane and Jane Butter
Dr. Phillip and Mrs. Cecilia Collins
Sam and Valerie Dunnam
Mrs. Jo Ellen Finley
Ms. Rose Marie M. Hagman
Dr. Henry Hanna
Dr. James Haws and Mrs. Catherine McCoy
Louis and Leslie Hayn
Michael and Brenda Barrett Healey
Dietlind and Israel Hernandez
Sharon G. Horowitz, Ph.D.
Ms. Lynn Roth Jordan
Mr. Gary M. Lavergne
Dr. James Maynard and Ms. Cynthia Treglia
Dr. and Mrs. Curtis A. McClurg
Ms. Ann B. McIver
James and Melinda McMichael
Carol V. Middelberg, Ph.D.
Scott and Mary Moore
NewCastle Homes
The Honorable James R. Nowlin
Dr. J. Tinsley and Mrs. Barbara Oden
Mr. Roy E. Olson
W.C. and Maxine Poole
Peter and Eva Riley
Morton and Evelyn Schwartz
Stephanie and Gary Sherman
Mr. Lawrence M. Smith and Ms. Amie Rodnick
Tim and Gail Sulak
James Tai and Diana Gay Weihs
Mr. Jack N. Walker
Zandan Foundation
Sam and Pat Zigrossi

Title: Helping Children in the Aftermath of Disasters: An Empirically-Informed Intervention
Date: Thursday, February 22, 2007
*PLEASE NOTE THIS YEAR'S WORKSHOP IS ON THURSDAY.
Time: 8:30 am check in; 9:00 am - 4:30 pm Seminar Program; 11:45 am - 1:15 pm Lunch (on your own)
Presenter: Andrea Allen, Ph.D., LMHC
Location: Joe C. Thompson Conference Center, Rm 1.110
Cost: $80 Registration Fee, $65 Group Rate, $45 Student Rate
CEUs: 6 hours of credit available
To Register: Download the registration form at the bottom of this page or contact June Martinez at 512-451-2242 or jmartinez@austinchildguidance.org. Space is limited.

About the Seminar:
The first part of this workshop provides participants with an overview of the literature in the area of children’s reactions to trauma while focusing on symptoms of PTSD and anxiety. Risk factors for persistence in children’s post disaster reactions, as well as issues related to diagnosis and assessment are discussed. During the second part of this workshop, participants will be introduced to an empirically-informed intervention for use with children exposed to a severe hurricane.  All participants will be provided a 131-page intervention manual with modules to work with children dealing with disasters.

Learning Objectives:

• Participants will become familiar with the types of trauma reactions that children present with over time.
• Participants will become familiar with risk factors for persistence in children’s postdisaster reactions.
• Participants will become familiar with the key symptoms of PTSD and anxiety.
• Participants will become familiar with issues pertaining to assessment and diagnosis of PTSD and anxiety.
• Participants will become familiar with various types of post-disaster interventions.
• A specific post-disaster intervention will be introduced and discussed.
  

About the Presenter:

Andrea Allen, Ph.D., LMHC is an Assistant Professor of Behavioral Sciences and Academic Coordinator for Behavioral Sciences and Social Welfare Service at Barry University in Miami, Florida. Her prime research interest is on childhood anxiety disorders and children’s reactions to trauma. She is involved in “Project Recovery” which is a Florida program that aims at helping children cope with the aftermath of the hurricanes of 2004 and 2005, a member of the Terrorism and Disaster Team of the University of Oklahoma’s Health Services Center, and also conducts research at the Child and Family Psychosocial Research Center at Florida International University.

Continuing Education Credits:
This program is approved for 6 hours of continuing education for social workers, psychologists, licensed professional counselors, and marriage and family therapists. A certificate will be awarded at the end; no credit will be given for partial attendance.

Location/Directions:
The Joe C. Thompson Conference Center is on The University of Texas campus. For a map go to the Conference Center website at: http://www.utexas.edu/cee/tcc/.

Traveling south on IH-35: Take the 32^nd St. exit and turn at the light. Travel one block on 32^nd St. to Red River. Turn left and travel south on Red River to the first light. Proceed through the intersection and turn right into the first parking lot.
Traveling north on IH-35: Take the 32^nd St. exit and turn left at the light, then follow the directions above.

Date: Friday, January 19, 2007, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Presenter: Ruth Ann Airhart, MA, LPC, ATR-BC
Location: Austin Child Guidance Center, 810 W. 45th St., Austin, TX 78751
Cost: $10 charge for c.e.u.’s. There is no charge if you don’t want c.e.u.’s.
To Register: Email trainings@austinchildguidance.org or call Chelsea Griffo at 512-451-2242. Space is limited to 40 people.
Note: If your space is confirmed and you find you cannot attend, please email trainings@austinchildguidance.org to cancel, since we frequently have a waiting list for others to attend.

About the Presentation:

This fun and interactive art therapy workshop introduces clinicians to effective parent-child communication techniques learned directly through the art making process. This is a hands-on, experiential workshop, with the added benefit of didactic learning. No talent or expertise in art required, just the ability to scribble.

Learning Objectives:

1. Receive a brief introduction to the theory and practice of art therapy, with a list of resources for further research and study. 
2. Learn one art therapy intervention that benefits clients of all ages in individual, family, and group work: the scribble chase technique.
3. Experience firsthand the non-threatening practice of art therapy for yourself.  Learn how the scribble chase technique can facilitate:
4. • Leading and following using verbal and nonverbal communication.
   • Collaborating on a shared project with others
   • Respecting the work of self and others
5. Witness a case presentation and see and hear how “the art of communication” has helped improve a parent and child directly.

About the Presenter:
Ruth Ann Airhart, MA, LPC, ATR-BC is a board certified art therapist with extensive experience working with youth and adolescents in a wide range of therapeutic settings: from battered women’s shelters and public school classrooms to children’s hospitals and community mental health centers. Ruth Ann presently works at the Austin Child Guidance Center.

You are invited to participate in Austin Child Guidance Center's annual Holiday Classic TV Special.  This stay-at-home event encourages family and friends to spend quality time together during the holidays.  In addition, funds are raised to support the services Austin Child Guidance Center provides to local working poor and low-income children, adolescents, and families.

WHAT: Austin Child Guidance Center's Holiday Classic TV Special presents "An All Dogs Christmas Carol"
WHEN: Monday, December 25, 2006, 2pm
WHERE: The CW Austin, KNVA Channel 54
WHY: To help working poor and low-income families gain access to therapy and counseling services.

A Special Thanks to Our Sponsors!

DIRECTOR
Emerson Process Management
KCL Foundation
LCRA
Link Foundation
The CW Austin KNVA

CINEMATOGRAPHER
Lynn Walker Arnett and Richard Arnett
Austin American-Statesman
James R. Evans, Jr.
Marialice Ferguson
Alan and Susan Holman
Marsha LeGrand, MS, LPC
Richard and Rosalie Zodikoff

MAKE-UP ARTIST
Cherry and Jet Bartlett
Clark, Thomas & Winters
Mark Domel
Don Munford/Gallagher Benefit Services, Inc.

STUNT PERSON

Abbott Laboratories
Allco Contractors
Leslie J. Archambault
Austin Newcastle Homes
Scott Broberg
Sue M. Breuer
Joan and Clarke Burnham
David and Maryanne Cochran
Dr. Elizanda M. de la Sota
Sam and Valerie Dunnam
Jo Ellen Finley
Anna Gonzalez-Sorensen
Lynn Jordan
Michael and Brenda Barrett Healey
Nelson and Joan Hyde
Gary M. Lavergne
Looking Good Masonry/Louis and Leslie Hayn
Dr. and Mrs. J. Tinsley Oden
James Maynard, M.D.
Missy and Dick McCarroll
Ms. Ann B. McIver
Carol Middelberg
Mr. Scott Moore
Peter and Eva Riley
Rochelle Satterfield
Evelyn and Morton Schwartz
Mr. and Mrs. Jack Walker
Diana Weihs and James Tai
Pat and Sam Zigrossi
Janet and Sey Zimmerman

In Recognition of Our Navigator Society Members:

HELMSMAN

Phyllis Richards

SAILOR

Margene and Patrick Beckham
Robin Chotzinoff
Bradley and Corliss Englert
Kenneth and Kathy Fox
John and Kay Flowers
Anne Freeman
Deborah Hensley
Randy and Julia Howry
Jim and Betsy Kreisle
Jeane McVicker
Leslie Ann Moore and John Park
Cori Moyer
Phyllis and Jef Nelson
John Olsson
Dick and Sara Rathgeber
Gene Anne Sandbach
Frances and Pete Schenkkan
Will Shapiro
Suzy Spencer
Jay and Lori Symcox
Gary and Marijean Tritle
Tom and Kathryn Williamson
Donald and Jean Zappone
David and Miriam Zodikoff

For more information on the Navigator Society, click here.

To become a sponsor or make a donation, click on the donate button below or please contact Director of Development Leslie Archambault at larchambault@austinchildguidance.org or 512-451-2242.

A Request for Proposals for a Consultant to
Assist The University of Texas at Austin School of Social Work and the Austin Child Guidance Center Develop a Collaborative Business Plan that Would Implement and Provide Professional Development in Evidence-Based Practices

The University of Texas at Austin School of Social Work (UTSSW) and the Austin Child Guidance Center (ACGC) seek to establish within ACGC various evidence-based practices for the purpose of improving mental health services to its clients and to train staff, university students, mental health professionals, and others who work with children and families in the implementation of evidence-based mental health interventions and treatment practices. The two organizations have had a long history of cooperation. ACGC is a nonprofit, community-based provider of mental health services to children, adolescents, and their families offering individual, family, and group therapy; parent education classes;  psychological assessments; and psychiatric evaluations. In addition ACGC has served as a field placement site for UTSSW master’s level students. UTSSW offers undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral degrees in the field of social work. Also UTSSW has undertaken a number of community initiatives and research projects with local, state, and national implications.  For the last decade it has been an interest of UTSSW and ACGC to jointly work together to implement evidence-based practices whereby center staff, university students, professionals and others who work with children and families can learn to apply evidence-based protocols with clients. In addition, there would later be developed research initiatives that would arise as a result of the implementation of the services and professional development components.

This joint effort will support and expand these three critical components to:

1. Develop and implement promising and evidence-based models that are readily accessible to children and families in need of mental health services;
2. Offer education and professional development opportunities to staff, graduate students, post doctoral fellowships, and diverse community professionals in order to further their education and professional development in innovative and effective evidence-based treatment methods;
3. Undertake research that will contribute to the greater body of knowledge regarding the implementation of evidence-based mental health interventions and treatment for children, their families and caretakers.

The following core values will guide this work:

1. We value a community-based collaboration encompassing service, education and professional development, and research to enhance the development of evidence-based mental health services for children and their families.
2. We value a true collaboration that involves learning in both directions, from academia to community practice and community practice to academia.
3. We value collaborative relationships with clients that include listening to clients, learning from clients, and offering services that match their mental health needs.
4. We value culturally sensitive practices in the delivery of mental health services for children and families.
5. We value enhanced education and professional development for clinical students, clinical practitioners, and the development of clinical models that build transdisciplinary teams (e.g., teachers, ministers, physicians, law enforcement) that provide a mechanism for students and practitioners from diverse disciplines to learn how to translate evidence-based models of mental health practice to real world settings.

Concept Feasibility

There is an immense gap between current research-based treatment knowledge and its use by community-based practitioners (Sanderson, 2002). Client access to needed services may be further compounded by the impending national shortage of qualified social workers, the largest providers of mental health services (NASW, 2006). There is also a growing urgency to develop and test culturally grounded interventions in community settings. More than ever, schools of social work need empirically supported training models to adequately prepare students for evidence-based practice, community partners to enhance the education and professional development of evidence-based practitioners, and settings to conduct research on effective community-based practices (Franklin & Hopson, 2006). Along with these national trends, there is an alarming rise in emotional and behavioral disorders and an increase in the severity of mental health diagnosis and co-occurring disorders (Insel & Fenton, 2005; Kessler, 2005). Severe mental health problems with co-morbid diagnosis are difficult mental health issues confronting communities throughout Texas and the nation and it is evident that professionals across disciplines (i.e., social workers, counselors, teachers, clergy, physicians, nurses, judges etc.) as well as others who volunteer their time to work with children and youth must be involved in solutions for these children and families.

Core Components

This joint collaboration between the UTSSW and ACGC encompasses three core components: service, education and professional development, and research.  Each component is interrelated building a comprehensive, community-based mental health institute with local, state, and national impact.

Services

The partnership with UTSSW will allow ACGC to work more closely with the UTSSW to continue, to an even more significant degree, the development of promising community-based innovations and evidence-based practices, diffusion of new knowledge and service into the community, and to make lasting changes in the lives of children and their families. The demand for affordable mental heath services is increasing because Austin’s population has continued to grow, persistent childhood poverty remains, and Texas has the highest number of uninsured children in the United States . ACGC has a long and successful history of providing mental health services on a sliding fee scale using a multidisciplinary team of mental health professionals to families regardless of their income or ability to pay. ACGC has also expanded their work in the community to include services in the schools, at the juvenile courts, and more recently in partnership with UTSSW to provide mental health consultation to child care centers.

ACGC staff, as well as other professionals, will benefit from the ongoing professional development, implementation consultation, and clinical research in order to offer additional evidence-based treatments and help children and families with mental health needs. Although ACGC does implement some evidence-based treatments, the goal is to implement additional ones and to create adequate infrastructure to provide these ongoing services. The evidenced-based treatments will focus on, but are not limited to, some of the following.

One community-based practice model that ACGC has started to implement, for example, is solution-focused, brief therapy. This model was selected because about one-third of ACGC’s clients chose to receive four or fewer sessions, data that mirrors national trends in practice delivery. This model provides an opportunity for implementing and studying a promising community-based intervention that may work efficiently and effectively with families in the brief contact time that services providers may have with them. ACGC is working directly with Dr. Cynthia Franklin, Professor at The University of Texas School of Social Work; Insoo Kim Berg, founder of this promising brief therapy; and other nationally recognized solution-focused trainers in order to become a nationally recognized center of excellence in this therapeutic approach.

Current preparations are being made to implement the Parenting with Love and Limits program, developed by the social work practitioner/researcher, Scott Sells, Ph.D. The program helps parents or caregivers deal with difficult adolescents whose problems, if left untreated, may result in severe consequences. According to the Community Action Network report on Children’s Mental Health (May 2005), approximately half of the youth in the juvenile justice system have at least one mental disorder. The Parenting with Love and Limits model can also address the needs of the juvenile justice youths and is a good program for the prevention of severe conduct disorder. This approach provides opportunities to implement and study a promising community-based intervention that has been designated as an exemplary model by the U.S. Office of Juvenile Delinquency and Prevention. It also provides opportunities to partner directly with Dr. Sells and his Savannah Family Institute to provide ongoing staff development and to become a center of excellence on the model.

Dr. Mary Velasquez has recently joined the faculty of the UTSSW as Associate Dean for Research and Professor, and Director, Center for Social Work Research and Director, Health Behavior Research and Training Institute. One of Dr. Velasquez area’s of interest and expertise is in the field of motivational interviewing as related to health behavior interventions. Thus along with the implementation and training of students and professionals in brief therapy models and the family therapy model of Parenting with Love and Limits, motivational interviewing will also be implemented and taught as this approach is integral to both models.

Education and Professional Development

The goals of the education and professional development component are to provide university students, current mental health practitioners and other professionals with innovative opportunities to enhance their professional development; to promote transdisciplinary education, and foster practice collaborations; to develop curriculum and provide ongoing supervision and consultation in the implementation of evidence-based practice models; and to disseminate best practices in training around such models to local, state, and national communities.

Both the ACGC and the UTSSW have extensive education and professional development programs in place. As an academic unit of The University of Texas, the School of Social Work offers a range of educational program including undergraduate, master’s, and Ph.D. degrees in social work with an extensive field education program, a well-developed professional development program, the Protective Services Training Institute, and annual conferences, lectures, seminars, and research institutes. Likewise, ACGC has maintained a major commitment to education and professional development through its student intern program, monthly in-service training programs for its staff and the professional community, and its annual Children’s Mental Health Seminar. Building on the existing educational and professional development programs of the ACGC and the UTSSW, the initiative will support and enhance the mental health education and professional development programs available for undergraduate and graduate students, and mental health professionals. In addition, the initiative will offer a transdisciplinary focus aimed at targeting related professionals, such as teachers, law enforcement, pediatricians, nurses, clergy, child welfare workers, lawyers practicing in family law or juvenile justice as well as those who volunteer to work with youth such as scout leaders and mentors.

Research

It is expected that along with the implementation of the models proposed and their training protocols that the process of implementation will be studied. Later, research could be pursued that would focus on examining the outcomes associated with the training and implementation of the models.  

Request of a Consultant

Given this plan, both ACGC and UTSSW are seeking a consultant who would be responsible for developing a more detailed set of short-term and long-term plans, goals, and objectives for taking ACGC and UTSSW to the next level in its collaborative relationship in regard to implementing and training staff, students and professionals in various evidence-based practices.

The consultant would be expected to deliver a comprehensive business plan that would identify various options with recommendations for implementation in the following areas along with projected implementation costs for each of the areas, if applicable. The business plan should also develop a timeline for the next three years in regard to the various tasks that would need to be completed so as to assure a successful growth toward the desired goals.

A Proposed Governance Structure for the Collaboration

This section would describe the current governing structures of both ACGC and UTSSW and propose how the partnership between the two organizations would function in terms of clear lines of responsibilities, including the role of oversight and financial support. It would also be expected that the consultant would provide examples of memorandum of agreements, or any other legal instruments (e.g., contracts that would delineate all necessary relationships including financial obligations and fiscal accountability between ACGC and UTSSW).

An Investigation of Barriers and Costs Regarding Implementation 

In order for the joint initiative to be successful in training individuals in the evidence-based models described earlier, the consultant will be expected to identify the barriers and costs associated with training the various types of students and mental health professionals in these models; the appropriate use of such models with given populations; that the models are implemented in such a way as to assure fidelity; and the collection of outcome data and the analysis of such data.  

A Proposed Technology Plan

The consultant will make recommendations for the use of technology, specifically the use of audiovisual equipment for the purpose of training and education both of professionals as well as children and parents; and the utilization of computers, software, videoconferencing and web based applications for purposes of education, enhancing work flow, data collection and analysis. Along with these items there will be an accompanying cost plan for the hardware, software, content development and staff positions related to the technology.

A Proposed Space Requirement Plan

The consultant will be expected to present recommendations for future space needs and a proposed configuration of such space both for service delivery and training needs along with projections of building costs. The consultant shall consult with ACGC’s architect to determine the costs for building new space and a timetable when such space would be needed.

A Proposed Plan for Training Graduate Students

The consultant will make recommendations in regard to the feasibility and/or obstacles to expansion of current training opportunities, practicum placements, and internships now being offered at ACGC along with recommendations on ways to attract the most qualified university students. The consultant will also address ways to assure that there is a seamless connection between what is taught in the classroom at the UTSSW and their field experience at the ACGC in learning and implementing evidence-based practices.

A Proposed Plan for Offering Training to the Community

The consultant will make recommendations for offering training, ongoing consultation, and supervision in these evidence-based models to mental health professionals in the community and their adaptation to other related professionals, such as teachers, law enforcement, pediatricians, nurses, clergy, child-welfare workers, lawyers practicing in family law or juvenile justice as well as those who volunteer to work with youth, such as scout leaders and mentors.

A Proposed Plan for Integrating Evidence-Based Practices

The consultant will make recommendations in regard to how the evidence-based models will be best implemented or interface with the current ACGC service delivery structure and personnel.

A Plan for Interviewing National and Local Experts

The consultant shall interview a selected number of national mental health experts (e.g., John Weiss, Kimberly Hoagwood, Peter Jensen, Enola Proctor, and Harold Koplewicz) in regard to their knowledge and experience in the implementation of evidence-based models focusing on the mental health needs of children and families.  In addition the consultant should interview certain key individuals in the community regarding their perception of need and the role the joint UTSSW and ACGC initiative can play in the various systems of care for children and families. Such individuals should include but not be limited to major providers, such as MHMR, Lifeworks, Peoples Community Clinic, and juvenile court. The consultant should also make recommendations in regard to how the initiative might relate to the new Dell Children’s Medical Center and the plans for the development of a medical school in Central Texas.

A Proposed Funding Stream

The consultant will research, identify, and make recommendations regarding local, state, and national funding sources – both public and private – that would have an interest in supporting the services and the agenda of the initiative. In addition the consultant will make available guidelines from possible funders as well as communicate with most likely funders to gauge their interest. Furthermore, the consultant will address the feasibility of establishing a revenue stream from individuals who would be willing to purchase training.

Minimum Qualifications of the Consultant

The consultant should have or have access to individuals either locally or nationally who have knowledge and experience in the development and implementation of social service programs and the writing of successful strategic and/or business plans. Their educational background should include an advanced degree (i.e., master’s or Ph.D. level) in one of the social sciences or business. In particular the consultant should have expertise in the following areas: diagnosis and assessment of organizational problems, research and analysis; systems development; and planning. The consultant should have experience and expertise in writing and presenting reports to governing bodies. Expertise in the mental health field is a plus.

Contract Terms

It is anticipated that this is a one-time project and the deadline for responding to this request for proposals is no later than January 3, 2007. The scope of the project and schedule will be negotiated with the finalist but a final report is due no later than May 31, 2007. It is expected that one interim report would be made available for review and feedback to the UTSSW and the ACGC prior to the final report.

Contract Amount

The prospective consultant should submit a bid to cover all costs for carrying out the tasks outlined above. Once a consultant is selected negotiations will take place to arrive at a final cost agreement. 

RFP Instructions

To be considered in the selection of a consultant, please submit a letter briefly outlining how you would go about addressing each of the components of the business plan. The proposal letter should not exceed two-pages. Also include the resume or resumes of any and all consultants who would be involved in this project, their respective responsibilities for this project, and a summary of relevant experiences in working with similar projects with similar agencies.

The proposal should be sent by the deadline via email to jkluth@austinchildguidance.org along with one printed version postmarked by the deadline to Austin Child Guidance Center, Attn: ACGC & UT Collaboration RFP, 810 W. 45th Street, Austin, Texas 78751.

Timeline and Deadlines

RFP Released                                                              November 15, 2006
Deadline to Submit Proposal                                         January 3, 2007

Date: Friday, December 1, 2006, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Presenter: Larry Fisher, Ph.D.
Location: Austin Child Guidance Center, 810 W. 45th St., Austin, TX 78751
Cost: $10 charge for c.e.u.’s. There is no charge if you don’t want c.e.u.’s.
To Register: Email trainings@austinchildguidance.org or call Chelsea Griffo at 512-451-2242. Space is limited.
Note: If your space is confirmed and you find you cannot attend, please email trainings@austinchildguidance.org to cancel, since we frequently have a waiting list for others to attend. 

Learning Objectives:

1. Identify severe anger, irritability, impulsive aggression and “rage” behavior.
2. Describe the subtypes of aggression and compare treatments for each type.
3. Review the medications used for treatment, in terms of risks and benefits.
4. Understand why “skills” can be better than “pills” in some cases.
5. Contrast effective psychosocial interventions with those that do not help.

About the Presentation:
This presentation will be an educational program that will review the latest research on Intermittent Explosive Disorder (IED) in children and adolescents and will compare IED to Bipolar Disorder, ADHD, Conduct Disorder, and other childhood conditions.

About the Presenter:
Larry Fisher, Ph.D., a licensed psychologist in Texas, is Director of Neuropsychology at Neurobehavioral Systems, a division of Universal Health Services, Inc. (UHS).  He obtained his doctoral degree from New York University in 1969 and is Board Certified in Neuropsychology. Dr. Fischer is the author of numerous scientific articles and book chapters in the field of neurobiological disorders. He is a clinical assistant professor at The University of Texas in Austin . For the past fifteen years, Dr. Fisher has specialized in the treatment of impulsive, explosive and/or aggressive children and adolescents. He lectures in the fields of mental health, education and juvenile corrections on that subject. He has conducted research into the etiology and management of pathological rage behavior. He also serves as a national consultant with UHS’ psychiatric hospitals in the development of programs specializing in the treatment of Neuropsychiatric Disorders in impulsive and/or aggressive youth.

Position Title: Clinical Director

Date Posted: October 18, 2006 (Open Until Filled)

Role Summary: The Clinical Director, working with and reporting to the Executive Director, will be responsible for the overall delivery of psychotherapy services to children and families and will assist in the development and implementation of the agency’s movement toward a joint university-practice based center with emphasis on training students and professionals in the use of evidence-based practices. The Clinical Director will provide leadership and ensure clinical supervision and professional development to all clinical staff within the agency; assist with management of grants, contracts, and programs; and participate in community organizations and initiatives. Working strategically as a member of the agency’s management team, the Clinical Director will be responsible for ensuring that the highest standard of clinical care is delivered through evidence-based practices and that clinical operations are in compliance with all applicable local, state and federal laws and regulations and JCAHO accreditation standards for behavioral health care.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Operational Leadership
• • Use the resources of the agency to deliver, in both quality and quantity, the activities and targets agreed to and defined by various grants, contracts, and the board of directors.
  • Liaison with administrative and clinical staff to ensure that activities across the agency are appropriately coordinated and integrated.
  • Responsible for the efficient and effective use of assigned budget(s) to deliver the agreed contract(s), monitoring budget for efficient deployment of the agency’s resources, and negotiating budget and funding issues as needed in coordination with the Administrative Director.
  • Establish a working relationship with external partners to ensure that the needs of clients across services are met.
  • Develop systems to provide clinical information to staff to enable them to benchmark and audit their clinical practice so as to improve the client’s outcome experience with the agency.
  • When appropriate, engage in opportunities to provide direct clinical services. 
  • Responsible for performance management, including appraisal and review of job plans, for therapists in the agency; and ensure that personnel development plans are in line with agency objectives.
  • Function as the clinical team leader, fostering both executive leadership in directing and implementing agency policies and procedures and legislative leadership, i.e. an open and inclusive style of management to facilitate team communication and collaboration.
• Professional Leadership
• • Identify and make provision for the training and development needs of all agency staff as agency moves forward in the implementation of evidence-based practices.
  • Promote research activity in the agency, including program evaluation.
  • Ensure the highest standards of clinical effectiveness in the agency, including adhering to local and national standards or regulations (e.g., JCAHO, HIPAA).
  • Develop and continually review the agency’s vision and strategic plans and be responsible for the delivery of those strategic plans with the agency, including strategies for auditing clinical services, clinical risk management, and public and client involvement.
  • Maintain an appropriate balance between delivery of services, professional development, and research.
  • When appropriate, be available to act as a spokesperson for the agency with the media in regard to child and family mental health issues.
• Strategic Leadership
• • Constantly review the performance of agency programs, use vision to redesign services as necessary, and negotiate support for implementation of new policies and for development of new services.
  • Function as a member of the organization’s leadership team with responsibility to contribute to strategic development as well as for operational excellence.
  • Advise the Executive Director of clinical priorities and pressures on agency staff  under his/her direction, and be an active participant in local development plan negotiations.
  • Work in partnership with other organizations to ensure collaboration and coordination of client services and staff policies across the local systems serving children and their families.
  • Liaison with university programs that train students and professionals on evidence-based practices.

Critical Skills and Qualifications:

• Qualifications
• • Minimum of a Master’s degree, preferably a Ph.D., in the mental health field.
  • Experience in leadership roles in organizations.
  • Licensure at the highest level possible in discipline.
  • Five or more years providing direct clinical services to children and families.
  • Five or more years experience as an approved supervisor by a recognized licensing/certification agency.
  • Trained or certified in one or more evidence-based practices used by the agency (e.g., motivational interviewing, brief therapies, manual-based family therapies).
  • Knowledge of major computer applications.
• Critical Skills:
• • Ability to analyze data, produce reports, and manage grant and contract budgets.
  • Ability to function in a management capacity.
  • Clinical and organizational expertise in program conceptualization and implementation.
  • Leadership abilities.
  • Knowledge of current trends in children’s mental health services and use of evidence-based practices.
  • High level of integrity, trust and cultural sensitivity.
  • High level of recognition and respect in the professional community.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills.
    

Salary Range
Negotiable based upon experience.

To Apply:
Submit resume and cover letter, including minimum salary requirements, by email to humanresources@austinchildguidance.org or by mail to Austin Child Guidance Center, Attn: Human Resources, 810 W. 45th Street, Austin, Texas 78751.

Date: Friday, November 17, 2006; 9:00 a.m. check-in, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. workshop
Presenter: Shawn Kent, MA, LPC-I, RMT
Location: First Unitarian Universalist Church of Austin, 4700 Grover Avenue
Cost: $50 registration fee; $45 group rate (3+ from same agency); $35 student rate (limited spots)
To Register: Download the registration form below and return by fax (454-9204) or mail (ACGC, 810 W. 45th St, Austin, TX 78751), or register over the phone by calling June Martinez at 512-451-2242. Space is limited.
Note: No registration will be sent. Call June Martinez at 512-451-2242 for more information or to confirm your registration. Cancellations with a full refund must be made by November 14.

Learning Objectives:

1. Participants will develop a clear understanding of the interdependence of mental, emotional, and sensory processes.
2. Participants will develop an integrated appreciation for their own life experience and self-care.
3. Participants will learn some of the basic theory and application of mind-body therapy.

About the Workshop:
This workshop will close the gap between research and application in order to make mind-body approaches more accessible to psychotherapists, massage therapists, physical therapists, and other professionals interested in integrated approaches to mental health. During the presentation participants will explore modern advances in our understanding of psychophysiology, and its application in therapy. Several body-centered approaches to therapy will be discussed, including theoretical perspectives, research into various techniques, and practical applications.

About the Presenter: 
Shawn Kent, MA, LPC-I, RMT is committed to helping people deal with suffering, both emotionally and physically, and is a licensed professional counselor-intern and a registered massage therapist. Shawn helps children, adolescents, and families as a psychotherapist at Austin Child Guidance Center and a mentor with Communities In Schools. His previous work experience includes Communities In Schools, Austin State Hospital, Kids Exchange, and MHMR. He received a Master of Arts degree in counseling from Texas State University and completed his undergraduate work at The University of Texas at Austin double majoring in psychology and humanities. In 2001 he became a licensed massage therapist after attending the Lauterstein-Conway Massage School and currently has a private practice.

Continuing Education Credits:

This program is approved for 3 hours of continuing education for social workers, psychologists, licensed professional counselors, and marriage and family therapists. A certificate will be awarded at the end; no credit will be given for partial attendance.

Location:  First Unitarian Universalist Church of Austin, 4700 Grover Avenue, Austin, TX 78751.

Directions:
From Mopac: Exit 45th Street and go east. At Burnet Road turn left, at 49th Street turn right, at Grover Avenue turn right. 
From IH-35: Exit Airport Boulevard and go west. At 45th Street turn left, at Burnet Road turn right, at 49th Street turn right, at Grover Avenue turn right.

Date: Friday, November 3, 2006, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Presenter: Lydia Rudy, LMSW
Location: Austin Child Guidance Center, 810 W. 45th St., Austin, TX 78751
Cost: $10 charge for c.e.u.’s. There is no charge if you don’t want c.e.u.’s.
To Register: Email trainings@austinchildguidance.org or call Chelsea Griffo at 512-451-2242. Space is limited.
Note: If your space is confirmed and you find you cannot attend, please email trainings@austinchildguidance.org to cancel, since we frequently have a waiting list for others to attend. 

Learning Objectives:

1. Describe therapeutic interventions designed to ease a client's current or potential stressful psychosocial circumstances.
2. Describe the teen at high risk for suicide.
3. Describe available community resources for the teen at risk for suicide.

About the Presentation:
This presentation will be an educations program aimed at increasing youth suicide awareness and prevention.

About the Presenter:
Lydia Rudy, LMSW is a graduate from the University of Michigan School of Social Work, has 5 years of clinical experience working with children, adolscents, and their families. Lydia also has experience working in crisis counseling and emergency room/hospital social work.

Date: Friday, October 6, 2006, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Presenter: Denise Hall, MN, RN, CS, RPT-S
Location: Austin Child Guidance Center, 810 W. 45th St., Austin, TX 78751
Cost: $10 charge for c.e.u.’s. There is no charge if you don’t want c.e.u.’s.
To Register: Email trainings@austinchildguidance.org or call Chelsea Griffo at 512-451-2242. Space is limited.

Learning Objectives:

1. Describe three goals of bibliotherapy.
2. Identify those children and adolescents for whom bibliotherapy is not recommended.
3. Select books most appropriate for individual clients.
4. Individualize bibliotherapy with other play therapy techniques.

About the Presentation:

This presentation will explore the integration of bibliotherapy into play and family therapy. Bibliotherapy is an interactive process that promotes healing and growth. Therapists will learn a systematic evaluation process of books and how to set up their own library. The experiential component will engage the attendees and have them heading for the closest bookstore.

About the Presenter:

Denise Hall is a Clinical Nurse Specialist who discovered her true calling while taking a play therapy class at UT Austin. She has combined her training and experience in pediatric and psychiatric nursing to develop a unique approach in working with children, adolescents and families. She specializes in ADHD, depression, and anxiety. Her love of books is contagious and she has presented on bibiliotheapy at local, state, and national conferences.

Date: Friday, September 22, 2006, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Presenter: Katherine Sanchez, LCSW
Location: Austin Child Guidance Center, 810 W. 45th St., Austin, TX 78751
Cost: $10 charge for c.e.u.’s. There is no charge if you don’t want c.e.u.’s.
To Register: Email trainings@austinchildguidance.org or call 512-451-2242. Space is limited.

About the Training:
Understand the advantages of doing clinical work in the home setting, going where the client lives, and becoming part of their environment - where most of their issues arise. Learn skills at "disarming" families and understand the value of the home visit, not merely as a clinical alternative, but perhaps a genuine preference. Rediscover the invaluable perspective of "starting where the client is."  And, of course, no clinician can ever disregard the limitations and pitfalls of working with families at home.

About the Presenter:
Katherine Sanchez received her Masters in Social Work from the UT School of Social Work in 1992. She has been licensed as an advanced clinical social worker since 1995. Katherine has worked as a medical social worker in Austin, primarily with the underserved, uninsured, in numerous positions. She has worked for Seton Healthcare Network since 1992, at Seton Medical Center and Brackenridge emergency rooms, the Seton Community Clinics, and at Shoal Creek Hospital.

In recent years, Katherine has shifted her focus to clinical work with children and families. She is a therapist in private practice and at Austin Child Guidance Center. Katherine is bilingual and bicultural and, therefore, the focus of her clinical work is with Spanish-speaking populations and the struggles particular to immigration and assimilation.

Katherine is also an adjunct faculty member at the UT School of Social Work and teaches a course called "Spanish for Social Workers."

If you are a professional and would like to make a referral to Austin Child Guidance Center, please be aware of the following information.

Eligibility
Austin Child Guidance Center serves children who are 17 years of age or younger and are experiencing an emotional or behavioral problem. In addition we see the parents or caregivers of those children in family therapy and/or parenting classes. In order to qualify to have fees reduced (sliding scale) on the basis of income and the number of people in the home, the family needs to live in Travis County or have one of the parents working in Travis County. Other services may be available at no charge. See the section on services below.

The person with legal rights to bring the child to therapy (usually the parent) should call us directly to begin the process of entering the child into treatment. In some rare situations, a referring professional can call to talk with one of our intake staff and give us the appropriate information and then our intake staff will call the legal guardian of the child being referred.

Services
As an outpatient mental health facility we are able to offer a range of mental health services including psychiatric evaluations, psychological assessments, individual and family therapy, and parenting classes. However, we are not an emergency facility and therefore do not offer that type of immediate counseling or psychiatric care. Families who have children with long term psychiatric needs such as those suffering from childhood schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depression, eating disorders, or have a primary substance abuse diagnosis can best be served by facilities who have access to emergency and psychiatric care around the clock. These cases should be referred to Austin Travis County Mental Health Mental Retardation at 512-447-4141.

In most cases children and families are referred to us to begin individual and family therapy. We do an initial evaluation utilizing a brief solution focused approach. Our experience indicates that about one third of our families will be here for four sessions or less, but many families also will continue in treatment and there is not a specific limitation on the time a family can be in treatment. We also utilize many treatment models in our work with families including cognitive behavioral, family systems, and solution-focuses approaches.

Although we offer psychiatric evaluations, this service is only available to those children who are already in individual or family counseling at Austin Child Guidance Center. Our psychiatrist is available only 10 hours a week and thus we must reserve that time for children already in service who may require that service and who may be able to benefit from medication. However, if a child receives medication through our agency they may only receive it so long as the child and family continue in therapy. Following the therapy and if the child still requires medication we will direct the child or family to their primary care physician.

We also offer psychological assessments for children. Our priority is for those children who are already a client at Austin Child Guidance Center. However, if you are a professional and making a specific referral for a psychological assessment to be completed, we ask that you first call us and talk with an intake worker to see whether we would have the current capacity to perform these. We do not perform psychological evaluations related to custody disputes or court ordered assessments for the general public.
 

Our parenting class, which begin in September and January, is open to any parents and thus they do not need to have a child in service. The class is set up for parents of children with ADHD 12 years and younger; the cost of the class is $15 per sessions (per individual or couple) or $120 for the entire series of 8 sessions.

Cost
The cost of services to a child and his or her family varies, however we work with families to make our services affordable. The normal cost for individual or family therapy for a 50 minute session is $100.00. However, our sliding fee scale is available to those families who qualify based on family size and income. The sliding fee scale slides down to as low as $9 an hour. In some cases, even this fee can be waived. We also have some programs that are available at no charge, for example children who have witnessed or experience violence or have been affected by the recent hurricanes.

Availability
Our agency is open five days a week and its hours of operation for appointments are from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Friday.

Unfortunately our agency sometimes has a waiting list for those children and families needing our services. However, any family who calls or is a walk in at our location at 45^th and Lamar will have the opportunity to talk with an intake worker who will then begin the process of gathering the initial information that would be required prior to seeing a therapist. If an appointment is not immediately available, the client will then be placed on a waiting list. As soon as an appointment is available the client will be called. Depending on the time of the year, particularly in December and January and April and May, the wait can be anywhere from a month to three months especially if the client has a special need as for a Spanish speaking therapist or a male therapist. The more flexible a client is in terms of the therapist assigned, for example if a client is willing to be seen by a graduate student who is supervised by one of our staff, the more quickly we may be able to see your client.

For More Information
If you have any additional questions about making a referral, you may contact Alice Monroe at amonroe@austinchildguidance.org or call 512-451-2242.

Austin, Texas – May 22, 2006

Cartis Group, an Austin-based branding-driven design agency, has chosen the Austin Child Guidance Center as the recipient of the agency’s second annual grant program. Cartis Group is donating $50,000 in branding and creative services to help the Austin Child Guidance Center raise awareness of the need for better mental health services for children.

One in five children in the Austin community is diagnosed with or at risk for a mental illness — but services are often expensive and difficult to find. Even with local and national initiatives dedicating May as National Mental Health Month, awareness of this problem is minimal. Austin Child Guidance Center helps with this pressing need by improving the mental health of children through early intervention, diagnosis and treatment to help them develop the emotional skills for meeting life’s challenges. As a small nonprofit agency, it is challenged to attain the awareness and name recognition so critical for its ongoing success and the health of the Austin community.

“Cartis Group received more than 50 impressive proposals from nonprofits all over Central Texas,” says Cartis Group Founder and President, Shannon Carter. “We chose Austin Child Guidance Center as this year’s grant recipient because of their passion and commitment, and because we believe this is the best way for our team to make a lasting positive impact in our community. We are excited about partnering with such a dedicated group of professionals to truly make a difference in the lives of thousands of Austinites.”

Working with Executive Director Dr. Donald Zappone and the ACGC staff, Cartis Group will create an awareness campaign to help people understand the depth and breadth of the problem, how Austin Child Guidance Center can help and why it’s important to know about and support the Center.

“We are always confronted with making hard choices about how to find and best leverage the necessary resources for us to fulfill our mission,” says Dr. Zappone. “Cartis Group’s expertise and generosity will make a huge difference for us as demand for our services continues to grow.”

Two runners-up were also named in the grant announcement. Family Connections and Interfaith Care Alliance will receive a consultation with Cartis Group’s strategists and creative team on how to stand out and get noticed for the great work they do.

About Austin Child Guidance Center
Austin Child Guidance Center is a nonprofit organization committed to improving the mental health of children through early intervention, diagnosis and treatment. Austin Child Guidance Center has been helping families in the Austin community build emotionally healthy lives for more than 50 years. A multidisciplinary team of psychologists, social workers, counselors and psychiatrists provide mental health evaluation and treatment services, including individual, family and group counseling.

About Cartis Group
Cartis Group is a branding-driven advertising and design agency specializing in brand strategy and visual communications for print, Web and broadcast media. Its clients are leading companies in consumer, technology and financial services markets, including USAA, Whole Foods Market, SigmaTel and Silicon Laboratories Inc. Cartis Group is focused on driving revenue, building loyalty and inspiring emotion. For more information, visit www.cartisgroup.com.

###

Media Alert

Who:
Cartis Group, a branding-driven design agency, and Austin Child Guidance Center, a nonprofit providing mental health services for young people in the Austin community.

What:
Cartis Group announces Austin Child Guidance Center as the winner of its $50,000 creative services grant for branding and awareness-building.

When:
Monday, May 22, 2006
10:45 a.m. sharp CDT

Where:
Austin Child Guidance Center headquarters
810 W. 45th St. – just east of N. Lamar Blvd.
Austin, Texas

Why:
Cartis Group has chosen Austin Child Guidance Center to receive $50,000 in branding and marketing creative services. As one of the nation’s premiere branding and design agencies, Cartis Group receives many requests for pro bono services from deserving nonprofit organizations. To maximize the impact of its donated services for organizations and the community, Cartis Group has instituted a grant program. This is the second year of the program; based on the success of the first year’s grant to the Equal Justice Center, Cartis Group doubled the size of the grant from $25,000 to $50,000 in services. Services will include branding and awareness-building strategies and tactics to help people understand the magnitude of the need for mental health services for children, why Austin Child Guidance Center is important to fill that need and what we can do to help ensure a healthy future for our children.

Visuals:
Using a variation of the “Extreme Home Makeover” concept as a jumping-off point, Cartis Group and Austin Child Guidance Center will team up to build awareness of the tremendous need for mental health services for young people and of ACGC’s important role in helping thousands of children and their families get these services they so desperately need. Visuals include ACGC board members, staff and clients and Cartis Group team members all wearing red t-shirts, and the handoff of the ceremonial hammer symbolizing the work we will be doing together.

Invited Guests:
Austin Mayor Will Wynn
ACGC Executive Director, Dr. Donald J. Zappone, Ph.D.
ACGC Director of Development, Leslie Archambault
ACGC Community Relations Coordinator and Grant Writer, Josie Kluth
Cartis Group Founder and President, Shannon Carter
ACGC board members:
David Zodikoff
Kathy Kramer, Ph.D.
Will Shapiro
Brenda Barrett Healey
Kathryn Kramer, Ph.D.
Beth Marsh
James Maynard, M.D.
Anne Nelson, Ph.D.
Selia Servín-López, Psy.D.
ACGC staff and Cartis Group staff

Contact:
Sara Breuer, Cartis Group
Office – 512-476-2600; Mobile – 512-560-3278
Email – sara.breuer@cartisgroup.com

May is Mental Health Month.  Below are statistics on children's mental health and ways you can celebrate the month.

Did you know?

• 1 in 5 children in the United States will need mental health care services during his or her lifetime.
• 1 in 10 children, or about 6 million children, nationally have a serious emotional disturbance.
• In Travis County , it is estimated that 42,450 youth under the age of 18 are with or at risk of a mental health disorder.

Here are some ways you can get involved and help:

• Wear a green awareness ribbon and distribute to friends and family.
• Learn the facts about children’s mental health and share with friends and family.  To read local Austin statistics, please click to access the Community Action Network’s Frequently Asked Questions About Children’s Mental Health.
• Bring yourself and a friend to an Austin Child Guidance Center Open House on May 10 or 24 from 5:30-6:30pm.  To learn more, click here.
• Volunteer at Austin Child Guidance Center . For more info, click here.
• Support Austin Child Guidance Center by making a secure online donation through the red DONATE button below or mail to: ACGC, 810 W. 45th Street, Austin, Texas 78751
• Mentor a child or parent or become involved in volunteerism with children.  Contact United Way Capital Area’s Volunteer Center by calling 211 or visit their website by clicking here.

Date: Friday, April 7, 2006, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Presenter: Sandra Winans, Ph.D., LSSP and LeighAnne Fischer, EdS, LSSP
Location: Austin Child Guidance Center, 810 W. 45th St., Austin, TX 78751
Cost: $10 charge for c.e.u.’s. There is no charge if you don’t want c.e.u.’s.
To Register: Email trainings@austinchildguidance.org or call Chelsea Griffo at 512-451-2242. Space is limited.

Learning Objectives:

1. Participants will be given information about what types of services are typically offered in schools to assist students.
2. Participants will learn about the titles and roles of different mental health professionals in the school setting.
3. Participants will be given information on how to access mental health services in the schools.
4. Participants will learn basic terms used in school settings pertaining to children with special needs

About the Presentation:
This workshop will provide a brief introduction to the services that are available to address the mental health needs of children in the school system.  Information regarding the types of services and the most common ways for accessing these services will be provided. 

About the Presenters:
Sandra Winans, Ph.D., LSSP is an associate psychologist at the Austin Child Guidance Center. She is a Licensed Psychologist and a Licensed Specialist in School Psychology.  She conducts psychological and educational evaluations on an as-needed basis for ACGC and also provides contract psychological and educational assessments for several local school districts.  In the past, Sandra has worked for the Houston Independent School District and Lake Travis Independent School District as a school psychologist.

LeighAnne Fischer, EdS, LSSP is a school psychologist in the Lake Travis Independent School District.  She is a Licensed Specialist in School Psychology.  LeighAnne conducts psychological and educational evaluations for students, individual counseling, attends Annual, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) meetings, and is a member of the district’s Strategic Planning Committee.

Developing Awareness of Diversity: Learning How to Avoid Multicultural Pitfalls

Date:Friday, March 3, 2006, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Presenter: Dr. Drema Dial Albin
Location: Austin Child Guidance Center, 810 W. 45th St., Austin, TX 78751
Cost: $10 charge for c.e.u.’s. There is no charge if you don’t want c.e.u.’s.
To Register: Email trainings@austinchildguidance.org or call Chelsea Griffo at 512-451-2242. Space is limited.

Learning Objectives:
The participants will be able to:

1. Participants will enhance awareness of the need to actively work against out-dated, culturally sanctioned ways of viewing the world.
2. Participants will learn how to better define multiculturism.

About the Presentation:
As counselors, therapists, and social workers, most of us pride ourselves on believing that we have learned how not to be racist or sexist or gender-biased. This presentation is aimed at facilitating an awareness of how we each must continue to work actively against old, ingrained, culturally-sanctioned ways of looking at the world, The first half will be didactic during which the group will look at what multiculturalism is and what it is not. The second half will be experientially-based. It is hoped that each individual attending will benefit from developing a greater awareness of self and others.

About the Presenters:
Dr. Drema Dial Albin is an Assistant Professor in the Professional Counseling Program at Texas State Univ.-San Marcos. She teaches courses on diversity awareness, assessment, and abnormal human behavior. Additionally, she maintains a private practice in Austin , working primarily with couples as well as with individuals with eating disorders, body image problems, depression and trauma.

23rd Annual Children's Mental Health Seminar, Undercurrent Therapy: Treating the Secret Wounds of Kids and Adults

Date: Friday, February 24, 2006, 8:00 am check in; 8:30 am – 4:00 pm Seminar Program; 11:30 am – 1:00 pm Lunch (on your own)
Presenter: Scott P. Sells, Ph.D.
Location: Joe C. Thompson Conference Center , Rm 1.110
Cost: $80 Registration Fee, $65 Group Rate, $45 Student Rate
CEUs: 6 hours of credit available
To Register: Download registration form below or contact June Martinez at 512-451-2242 or jmartinez@austinchildguidance.org. Space is limited.

About the Seminar:
When therapy bogs down with kids or adults, the most likely reason is that we’ve missed “undercurrents” – secret wounds such as unmourned losses, abandonment, violence, and other family secrets – all the things no one wants to talk about.  In this workshop, you’ll learn how to decipher the secret language of undercurrents, and how to ask the questions that will bring them to the surface.  Via video taped case examples and role pays, the presenter will demonstrate techniques to help disarm parent, child, and adult defenses, generate therapeutic intensity, and choreograph enactments that bring avoided issues into the open.  This seminar has broad appeal and will interest school counselors and persons working with youth in the juvenile justice system.

Learning Objectives:

1. Develop ways to unstick your impossible kid and adult cases by identifying the “undercurrents” or underlying themes such as wounds, abandonment, fear, violence, family secrets, role confusion, or suicidal thoughts, which lead to the re-birth and maintenance of horrific symptoms (conduct disorders, ADHD, eating disorders, substance abuse, and depression).
2. Utilize solution-focused treatment to the next level by using the techniques of scaling to uncover your clients’ deep wounds that are keeping them stuck and unable to move forward.
3. Identify undercurrents through your kid and parents’ body language and the specific questions to flush them out in the open.
4. Apply the specific techniques of “fever-making,” “process choreography,” “therapeutic rule breaking,” and the function of the symptom” to heal these undercurrents in your clients and families, through video examples.
5. Apply undercurrent therapy to spirituality and the special treatment populations of conduct disorders, depression, substance abuse, eating disorders, and attachment disorders.
6. Evaluate ethical considerations as well as the optimal timing of when and how to use the uncovering of deep wounds.

About the Presenter:
Scott P. Sells, Ph.D. is the Executive Director of the Savannah Family Institute and a recently retired Professor of Social Work at the Savannah State University .  Over the past four years, Dr. Sells has conducted seminars in over 80 cities and spoken to over 20,000 professional therapists, based on his books “Treating the Tough Adolescent: A Family-Based, Step-by-Step Guide” and “Parenting Your Out-of-Control Teenager.”  Dr. Sells is the author of 14 publications and is currently writing a book entitled “Treating Impossible Cases Through Undercurrent Therapy.”  For more on his work at the Savannah Family Institute, please visit www.difficult.net. 

Continuing Education Credits:
This program is approved for 6 hours of continuing education for social workers, psychologists, licensed professional counselors, and marriage and family therapists. No credit will be given for partial attendance. A Certificate of Attendance will be given to all participants at the end of the program.

Program Site:
The Joe C. Thompson Conference Center is on The University of Texas campus. Directions: Traveling south on IH-35: Take the 32^nd St. exit and turn at the light. Travel one block on 32^nd St. to Red River. Turn left and travel south on Red River to the first light. Proceed through the intersection and turn right into the first parking lot. Traveling north on IH 35: Take the 32^nd St. exit and turn left at the light, then follow the directions above. For a map go to the Conference Center website at: http://www.utexas.edu/cee/tcc/map.shtml.

SPECIAL PARKING INSTRUCTIONS:
The Thompson Conference Center parking lot (UT Lot 40 at Red River and Dean Keeton 26^th Street) is expected to overflow on Friday, February 24, 2006. Parking for a fee can be found in the UT Manor Garage located on the corner of Clyde Littlefield and Robert Dedman Dr., immediately east of Memorial Stadium. Monday through Friday you may park in the Manor Garage (located on the corner of Clyde Littlefield and Robert Dedman) at a reduced rate of $4.00 per day by bringing your garage ticket to the Thompson Center Lobby Reception Desk between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Upon presentation of your garage ticket you will be provided with a voucher. Please give the voucher to the garage attendant along with your ticket to receive the reduced parking rate. (The usual rate for garage parking is $8.00 per day.) To avoid being ticketed, please do not park in Lots 39, 38, or 37 Monday – Friday between 7:30 am and 5:45 pm. There is also a Central Parking Systems surface lot on the northwest corner of Red River and Dean Keeton (26th) St. To download a map, visit www.utexas.edu/cee/tcc/map.shtml.

Date: Friday, January 20, 2006, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Presenter: Linda Spielman and Amanda McRae
Location: Austin Child Guidance Center, 810 W. 45th St., Austin, TX 78751
Cost: $10 charge for c.e.u.’s. There is no charge if you don’t want c.e.u.’s.
To Register: Email trainings@austinchildguidance.org or call Chelsea Griffo at 512-451-2242. Space is limited.

Learning Objectives:
The participants will be able to:

1. Understand different typologies of self-harming clients,
2. Identify warning signs of self-injurious behavior,
3. Assess need for inpatient care, and
4. Develop therapeutic relationships with clients who self-injure.

About the Presentation:
Cutting, burning, scratching bruising - Deliberate self-harm is one of the most misdiagnosed and misunderstood behaviors of adults and teens. As the incidence of this behavior increases nationwide, mental health practitioners must learn to identify and treat self-injurious behaviors. This workshop will provide information, assessment guidelines, and hands-on treatment techniques with perspectives from theory, research, and the field. A client who has recovered from using self injury will speak about her experiences.

About the Presenters:
Linda Spielman has nineteen years experience in the field of social work as a psychotherapist, program director and professional trainer. Linda and her self-injury group were featured on the Today Show and regularly provide trainings on self-injury for therapists, teens, parents and schools. She utilizes attachment theory, family systemic therapy, Kohutian theory and dialectical behavior therapy in her treatment of self-injurers.

Amanda McRae is a native Austinite who has been working as a social worker in public schools for six years. After noticing a trend of self-injurious behavior among her clients in schools and her previous work in child abuse, she began researching deliberate self-harm in 2001 and founded the Austin Self-Harm Education Network (ASHEN) in 2002. While maintaining her regular job supervising school based social services, Amanda stays abreast of current research trends, and holds trainings and consultations around Texas to disseminate research on the topic of deliberate self-harm.

Happy Holidays!

The holidays can be a stressful time of year. Bring in the new year stress-free! Austin Child Guidance Center is pleased to offer a unique gift idea for you or a friend that also helps families receive needed mental health services.

Donate Online and Get a Free Massage Voucher

The Body Mechanic Massage Therapy is offering free sessions with a licensed massage therapist for those who make a secure online donation via Austin Child Guidance Center's website. If you donate at least $50, you will receive a voucher for a 30-minute massage session or donate at least $90 and receive two 30-minute vouchers. Only one session per person. The value of each massage voucher is $30; consult your tax advisor for the amount that is tax-deductible. To donte online, click here or on the read DONATE button at the bottom of the page.

About The Body Mechanic Massage

The Body Mechanic Massage Therapy offers services by licensed massage therapists at 6 Austin area locations.  www.bodymechanicmassage.com

Date: Friday, December 2, 2005, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Presenter: Keith W. Caramelli, M.D.
Location: Austin Child Guidance Center, 810 W. 45th St., Austin, TX 78751
Cost: $10 charge for c.e.u.’s. There is no charge if you don’t want c.e.u.’s.
To Register: Email trainings@austinchildguidance.org or call Chelsea Griffo at 512-451-2242. Space is limited.

The Presentation Will Include:

1. Review of the major classes of psychotropic medications used in children (Stimulants, Antidepressants, Antipsychotics, Mood Stabilizers)
2. Discussion of side effects
3. Discussion of uses of the medications approved by FDA and not approved
4. Discussion of use of psychotropic medications to assist with substance abuse treatment

About the Presenter:
Dr. Caramelli is a board certified child, adolescent and adult psychiatrist. He completed his residency and fellowship at University of Texas Mental Science Institute in Houston in 1994, after graduating from Baylor College of Medicine. During the last eleven years he has done a mixture of outpatient clinic and inpatient hospital work. Currently, in addition to work with clients at ACGC, he oversees two units of a residential treatment program in south Austin . His current interest in psychiatry include the evolution of diagnoses in child psychiatry, how mental health/illness in children is understood across cultures, and the impact of psychotropic medications on our understanding of mental illness.

Corporate and individual sponsors are available.  The money raised through sponsorships of this "stay at home" family event allows Austin Child Guidance Center to work with children and their families to work through the pain and stress caused by trauma, abuse, neglect, depression, anxiety and attention-deficit/hyperactive disorders suffered by Austin children. 

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES:

• Director $5,000 - Helps provide mental health services to 140 children and their family members.  Recognition on KNVA-54 during Holiday Classic Movie and at Austin Child Guidance Center ’s (ACGC) Annual Meeting.  Recognition in ACGC’s newsletter, annual report, website, and listing on Holiday Classic card*.
• Movie Star $2,500 - Helps provide mental health services to 70 children and their family members.  Recognition at ACGC’s Annual Meeting, in newsletter, annual report, website, and listing on Holiday Classic card*.
• Cinematographer $1,000 - Funds a 10-week parenting class for 10 parents.  Recognition in ACGC’s newsletter, annual report, website, and listing on Holiday Classic card*.
• Make-Up Artist $500 - Provides 1 full psychological evaluation or 2 psychiatric evaluations.  Recognition in ACGC’s annual report, website, and listing on Holiday Classic card*.
• Stunt Person $100 - Provides 2.5 hours of group therapy sessions.  Recognition in ACGC’s annual report and listing on Holiday Classic card*.

* The Holiday Classic card will be mailed to 5,000 individuals and businesses.  The deadline for the card is November 15, 2005.

To become a sponsor, contact Josie Kluth at 512-451-2242 or jkluth@austinchildguidance.org.

CURRENT JOB OPENINGS

(1) THERAPIST, full-time, to provide brief psychotherapy (individual, family and group) to children and families at a nonprofit, outpatient children’s mental health center.  This entry-level position requires a master’s degree and 2 years experience working with children and families.  Salary range $28,000-$32,000 based on qualifications plus full benefits.  Email cover letter and resume by 12/9/05 to jmartinez@austinchildguidance.org, fax to 512-454-9204 or mail to ACGC,810 W. 45^th Street, Austin, TX 78751.

(2) DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT
Summary
The Director of Development position, working with and reporting to the Executive Director, will be responsible for planning, organizing, and directing all ongoing and special project fundraising. S/he has overall responsibility for enhancing current fund development and developing, evaluating, planning, and implementing new funding sources.  The desired outcome is a sustainable comprehensive development operation for the Austin Child Guidance Center , including a major gifts program. 

A non-profit established in 1951, the Austin Child Guidance Center (ACGC) is the oldest mental health agency in Austin.  The mission of ACGC is to improve the mental health of children through early intervention, diagnosis and treatment to help them develop the emotional skills for meeting life's challenges.  To achieve this mission, ACGC employs a multidisciplinary team of psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and counselors who provide individual, family, and group therapy; psychiatric and psychological evaluations; parent education; and training of future mental health professionals.  Services are offered on a sliding fee scale and some services are at no charge under specific grants to accommodate the 86% of our clients from low-income families.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Designs and implements a development plan with short- and long-range goals congruent with ACGC funding objectives, enlisting support from key staff, board members, and volunteers to secure major gifts from individuals, corporations, and foundations.  This includes a marketing plan, donor stewardship, gift-processing, managing a portfolio of donor prospects, and actively seeking new sources of funding.
• Responsible for working collaboratively with the board of directors to raise the yearly budgeted fundraising income and creating a plan for exceeding that budgeted amount to ensure future growth for ACGC.
• Plans, manages, and directs strategy and efforts focusing on corporate, foundation, and individual support for the ACGC’s priorities and provides leadership for continued stewardship and solicitation of existing donors.
• Develops public relations materials to enhance organization image and promote its fundraising program.  
• Establishes appropriate development policies, systems, and procedures.
• Prepares and administers budget for the development operations.
• Establishes a donor record keeping system, including nature of information retained, structure, and location of files, and continuous monitoring of this activity.
• Tracks and acknowledges gifts, and manages donor relations and recognition.
• Coordinates activities of ACGC staff who are engaged in maintaining records of contributions and grants, and preparing letters of appreciation to donors. 
• Identifies potential contributors to special project funds and ongoing operations through examination of past records, individual and corporate contacts, and knowledge of community.
• Researches public and private funding agencies and foundations to identify potential sources of funding for research, community service, or other special projects.
• Plans and coordinates fund drives for special projects and for pledges of ongoing support from individuals, corporations, and foundations.
• Informs potential contributors of special needs of organization, and encourages individuals, corporations, and foundations to establish or contribute special funds through endowments, trusts, donations of gifts-in-kind, or bequests, conferring with attorneys to establish methods of transferring funds to benefit both donors and organization.
• Designs and presents regular development reports to Executive Director and Board, including key analysis and interpretation of financial statistics.
• Works with, and involves as appropriate, key staff, board members and volunteers according to special interests or capabilities.
• Performs other reasonable duties related to the primary duties of the position as assigned by the Executive Director.

Required Qualifications
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  A Bachelor’s degree (B.A.) from a four-year college or university; plus a minimum of 6 years of related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience; or a Masters degree (M.A.) from a four-year college or university, plus a minimum of 5 years of related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience is required.

Relevant experience includes fundraising, event planning, capital campaign management, major gift fundraising, planned giving, donor stewardship, and business or non-profit management.  Experience in all aspects of fundraising is preferred including knowledge and or experience in using the “Raising More Money” model. Must demonstrate ability to develop and implement creative development initiatives with proven results.  Strong oral and written communication skills and experience presenting verbal or written funding proposals to individuals, corporations, and foundations is required.  Knowledge of, experience in, and a compassion for assisting children and families is necessary.  Must be willing to work with diverse populations.  Must be willing to travel when necessary and flexible to adjust to frequent change to accommodate job responsibilities.  Must be able to attend periodic events in early mornings, evenings, and weekends.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Salary
Negotiable based upon experience. 

Letters and resumes should be sent to one of the following:
Mailing address:  ACGC, 810 W. 45^th Street, Austin, Texas 78751, Attn: Human Resources
Fax: 512-454-9204, Attn: Human Resources
Email Address: jmartinez@austinchildguidance.org

Date: Friday, November 4, 2005, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Presenter: Khris Ford, LPC
Location: Austin Child Guidance Center, 810 W. 45th St., Austin, TX 78751
Cost: $10 charge for c.e.u.’s. There is no charge if you don’t want c.e.u.’s.
To Register: Email trainings@austinchildguidance.org or call Chelsea Griffo at 512-451-2242. Space is limited.

About the Presentation:
In this workshop Khris Ford will offer an overview of the process of grief in children, as well as some distinctions between grief and trauma to assist the clinician in assessing a child's needs.  Participants will be involved in therapeutic activities Khris has found to be helpful in her work with grieving children and adolescents. 

About the Presenter: 
Khris Ford is a Licensed Professional Counselor with special certification as a Grief, Loss, and Trauma Counselor, Consultant, and School Specialist.  She is the former Director of Programs and Training at Bo's Place, the family and children's grief center in Houston . Khris has served as a consultant/trainer for Protective Services Training Institute.  She is currently an adjunct instructor for the Graduate School of Social Work at UT Austin, teaching Grief Counseling, and has a private practice focusing on grief, loss, and trauma for all ages of clients. 

Austin Child Guidance Center acknowledges the trauma caused by Hurricane Katrina.  We understand the need for emotional healing and therefore we extend our help to local evacuee children and families, as well as others indirectly effected.

1) What impact is Austin Child Guidance Center seeing right now?

Austin Child Guidance Center is not a crisis facility, but is a part of the Austin Emergency Response Network.  In that capacity we are able to provide longer term, post-traumatic stress support and emotional healing.  We have been in communication with the Austin Emergency Response Network, Communities In Schools, and the City of Austin Health and Human Services staff and are prepared for collaborative services.

2) What impact does Austin Child Guidance Center project over the coming weeks?

Austin Child Guidance Center understands the need for emotional healing in the aftermath of the Katrina Hurricane, especially for children, youth, and families.  This includes not only those directly effected but also others indirectly effected, for example, while watching television coverage or having family/friends impacted directly by the disaster.

3) What is Austin Child Guidance Center doing to address the needs?

We plan to help in the following ways:

• As part of the Austin Emergency Response Network, Austin Child Guidance Center will aid evacuees by providing two multifamily psychotherapy groups for up to 40 participants.  These groups are not designed to meet an emergency need, but rather grief and trauma recovery.
• Austin Child Guidance Center may provide some activity based trauma recovery groups for children and/or parenting classes to help parents understand how to talk with their children about trauma and disaster.  For example, we have been in communication with Communities In Schools staff to provide such services as children are identified.
• Some children and youth not directly effected by the natural disaster may be experiencing some emotional stress.  As always, Austin Child Guidance Center is available to provide services to children and youth experiencing any sort of emotional difficulties, please call 512-451-2242. 
• A local psychiatrist has volunteered to provide psychiatric services to children and youth and their families at Austin Child Guidance Center .
• As other needs are identified by local partner agencies or the community, Austin Child Guidance Center will respond to the best of our ability.

4) Does Austin Child Guidance Center have specific volunteer opportunities or a need for in-kind contributions?

Currently, we have no needs but potential ones may arise as we provide more services.  For more information on local volunteer opportunities or donations, please call 2-1-1 or visit www.unitedwaycapitalarea.org.

5) What additional resources are available?

• Crisis Hotline Available for Victims of Hurricane Katrina with The Department of Health and Human Services: 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255)
• Call 2-1-1 Texas 
• For tips on how to talk to your kids about Hurricane Katrina and other natural disasters please visit: www.aboutourkids.org/aboutour/articles/talking_to_kids_natural_disaster.html
• To download After the Storm: A guide to help children cope with the psychological affects of a hurricane: www.psy.miami.edu
• For up-to-date information on local relief efforts, donation opportunities, and volunteer opportunities please visit: www.unitedwaycapitalarea.org
• Resources to help cope with natural disasters: http://www.aap.org/new/disasterresources.htm
• For the Women of Katrina: Protection from Violence Against Women and Children (English/Spanish), please visit: http://www.justicewomen.com/women_katrina.html
• For information on coping with traumatic events: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/healthinformation/traumaticmenu.cfm
• Additional information relevant to trauma recovery and the Katrina disaster:
  www.centex.redcross.org
  www.ci.austin.tx.us/oem  
  www.samhsa.gov/Matrix/professional_disaster.aspx
  www.tea.state.tx.us

Getting the Most Out of Psychological Testing of Children and Adolescents: Using Psychological Testing to Guide Treatment

Date: Friday, October 7, 2005, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Presenter: Alissa Sherry, Ph.D.
Location: Austin Child Guidance Center, 810 W. 45th St., Austin, TX 78751
Cost: $10 charge for c.e.u.’s. There is no charge if you don’t want c.e.u.’s.
To Register: Email trainings@austinchildguidance.org or call Chelsea Griffo at 512-451-2242. Space is limited.

Learning Objectives:

1. To be able to read and understand psychological reports.  
2. Identifying reliable and valid tests. In other words, are the tests that were given to the client ones that you can confidently based treatment decisions on?  
3. Creating good referral questions for the testing psychologist.

About the Training:
This brief workshop will focus on how to better understand psychological test results, identify reports and testing procedures that best inform your treatment decisions, and how to create good referral questions that will result in better reports from the psychologist.

About the Presenter:
Alissa Sherry, Ph.D. is an assistant professor at the University of Texas at Austin in the Counseling Psychology Program. She teaching Objective Assessment in their Ph.D. program as well as ethics, substance abuse, and group therapy.  She is also a licensed psychologist. Her practice primarily consists of psychological testing and child custody evaluations.

Teaching the Art of Case Conceptualization Using the "Case Conceptualization Grid": A Practical Tool for Clinical Supervision

Date: Friday, September 16, 2005; 8:30am check-in; 9:00am to 12:00pm workshop
Presenter: Michael Hastie, LCSW, LMFT and Anne Nelson , Ph.D., LSSP
Location: The Elks Lodge, 700 Dawson Road

Learning Objectives:

1. Participants will be given a clear definition of case conceptualization and an understanding of why this is labeled as the most insufficiently taught skill in the field of psychotherapy.
2. Participants of all levels of experience and expertise will be taught how to use a specific “case conceptualization grid,” developed by one of the presenters, to organize observational, reported, and assessment based data yielding clear, operationalized treatment goals.

3. Participants will have a new hands-on tool for this difficult-to-teach concept that can be used in clinical supervision and practice.
   

About the Workshop:  The focus of this workshop is to demonstrate the use of a learning tool that clinical supervisors can use to help teach students and less experienced clinicians learn the art of case conceptualization for psychotherapy. The “case conceptualization grid” will be distributed and case examples from participants will be used to generate a thorough case conceptualization that leads to appropriate clinical goal setting and treatment plan formulation. Novice clinicians will learn a short-cut to the difficult tasks of case conceptualization, goal formulation, and writing strengths-based, goal-oriented treatment plans. The “case conceptualization grid” was developed by the clinical director of Austin Child Guidance Center, a leading children’s mental health nonprofit and premier training site in Austin.

Continuing Education Credits:  This program is approved for 3 hours of continuing education for social workers, psychologists, licensed professional counselors, and marriage and family therapists. No credit will be given for partial attendance. A certificate of attendance will be given to all participants at the end.

Location and Directions:  The Elks Lodge is located at 700 Dawson Road, Austin, TX 78704. From Barton Springs Road (between S. Lamar Boulevard and S. 1^st Street), turn south onto Dawson Road.

From IH 35:  Take the Riverside Drive exit, and go west on Riverside.  Turn left on Barton Springs Road, then another left on Dawson Road (off Barton Springs between South First and South Lamar).  The Elks Lodge will be on your right.  Turn right at the sign that says "West Bouldin Creek Greenbelt" and then left into the parking lot.
From Mopac Loop 1:  Take the Barton Springs exit; go past Zilker Park.  Dawson Road will be on your right after your cross Lamar Blvd.

About the Presenters:
Michael Hastie, LCSW, LMFT is the clinical director of Austin Child Guidance Center and has 20 years experience practicing psychotherapy and training graduate students and professionals. He is an adjunct faculty member of The University of Texas at Austin and a visiting faculty member of the Instituto Kanankil in Mérida, Mexico. Teaching the art of case conceptualization is the cornerstone of his style of clinical supervision. 
Anne Nelson, Ph.D., LSSP coordinates psychological services for the special education department of Eanes Independent School District and has worked with children and families as an educator and psychologist for almost 30 years. In addition she has taught courses at The University of Texas at Austin and has been involved in the clinical supervision and training of practicum students, interns, and a post-doctoral student in psychology.

Note: No registration confirmation will be sent. Call June at (512) 451-2242 for more information or to confirm your registration. Cancellations with a full refund must be made by September 14, 2005. 

THERAPIST, full-time, to provide psychotherapy (individual, family and group) to children and families at a nonprofit, outpatient children’s mental health center. This entry-level position requires a master’s degree and 2 years experience working with children and families. Bilingual applicants encouraged to apply.  Salary range $28,000-$32,000 based on qualifications plus full benefits. Email cover letter and resume by 8/31/06 to jmartinez@austinchildguidance.org, fax to 512-454-9204 or mail to ACGC, 810 W. 45th Street, Austin, TX 78751.