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Interviewer: Today it's seven questions for a licensed clinical social worker who specializes in working with teenagers. is an LCSW at Huntsman Mental Health Institute.
#1: As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Who Specializes in Adolescents, What are Some of the Issues that You Address?
Jessica: Everything from depression to anxiety to disordered eating to symptoms of psychosis to personality features, really the whole gamut of mental health issues.
#2: Why Did You Choose the Career that You Chose?
Jessica: I think a lot of kids need help and a lot of kids need someone who will sit with them and be a glorified tour guide. And I really wish I would have had a good therapist as an adolescent.
#3: What's a Common Misconception People Have About Licensed Clinical Social Workers?
Jessica: That we do not use evidence-based treatments and just talk to people.
#4: Expand on Evidence-Based Treatments
Jessica: Treatment that is backed by research and studies, that demonstrates efficacy to resolve mental health issues.
Interviewer: That it actually works.
Jessica: That it actually works.
#5: What's Something that You Wish Everybody Knew About Mental Health When it Comes to Adolescents?
Jessica: Adolescence is hard and most kids who are just going along carefree hit some bumps during adolescence. And so they need some extra support even though they won't ask for it and might not readily accept it.
#6: How Can We Support the Mental Health of Adolescents Who Identify as a Member of the LGBTQIA+ Community?
Jessica: The best way that we can support LGBTQIA+ youth is through accepting them, celebrating them, embracing them, and providing them safety for their emotional well-being and their physical well-being.
#7: What's the Most Rewarding Part of Your Job?
Jessica: I love when kids get the spark back in their eye, when they get the playfulness back in their personality.
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SEVEN QUESTIONS FOR A SPECIALIST