Community Education
Information, referral,workshop, classes and conferences.
Director: Janet Caruso, M.S.L.S.
Educational programs are planned according to the needs of the community and with input from our participation surveys. Some of our past speakers incude Jacki Lyden Meri Nana-Ama Danquah, Mark Ragins, MD, Kathleen Sciacca, MA, and Kenneth Minkoff, MD.
Depression Screenings are held for the public to educate and raise awareness that "treatment works"...after viewing a short video and completing a survey to screen for depression, anxiety, substance abuse and post traumatic stress disorder, participants met with a trained counselor to discuss the results. Information on local resources is distributed. There is no fee to participants.
Parenting Classes
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Managing Defiant Behavior
Through a nine week skill-building series, parents are taught how to increase their understanding of defiant behavior, how to reduce defiance and increase compliance, and how to provide a sympathetic and effective parenting approach for their children ages 2 - 11.
For more information and to register, contact the Education and Training Coordinator.
Phone: 845-473-2500 x1309
Fax: 845-473-4870
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Managing Difficult and Explosive Behavior
Strategies to improve parent-child interaction, reduce meltdowns, establish realistic expectations and help children develop the ability to recognize, express and think through frustations are taught. This eight session class is for parents who have a child between the age of 2 - 11.
For more information and to register, contact the Education and Training Coordinator.
Phone: 845-473-2500 x1309
Fax: 845-473-4870
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The P.E.A.C.E. Program ("Parent Education and Custody Effectiveness")
Divorce and separation can be a painful for adults and children
The P.E.A.C.E. Program can help parents help their child through the adjustments and challenges they may face.
P.E.A.C.E. is a child centered educational program for separating and divorcing parents who do not have a history of domestic violence or abuse. P.E.A.C.E. examines children's and parents' responses to divorce and separation.
P.E.A.C.E. gives parents information about the emotional and psychological challenges that they and their children may experience as a result of the restructuring and reorganization of the family.
P.E.A.C.E. helps the separating or divorcing parents, or step parents protect the well being of their children during the separation process. The P.E.A.C..E. program helps parents to safely and constructively find ways to problem solve and minimize conflict.
The P.E.A.C.E. curriculum covers three major topic areas:
· The Child’s Experience of Divorce and Separation
· The Legal Process
· The Adult’s Experience of Divorce and Separation
For more information, contact the Education and Training Coordinator.
Phone: 845-473-2500 x1309
Fax: 845-473-4870
“P.E.A.C.E. is not mediation or therapy. The Program does not aim to resolve individual disputes.
The P.E.A.C.E. Program is solely educational.”
“A Certified Parent Education Program meeting the guidelines of the New York State Parent Education and
Awareness Program of the New York State Office of Court Administration.”
Mental Wellness Classes
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Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction
Learn powerful and proven ways to work with the challenges of everyday living as well as chronic pain, anxiety, physical disabilities and emotional disorders. The course fee of $300.00 includes 5 classes, 4 CDs, and program materials.
For more information and to register, the Education and Training Coordinator.
Phone: 845-473-2500 x1309
Fax: 845-473-4870
Educational Programs and Conferences
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Kids on the Block
Free Kids on the Block puppet performances for pre-K through middle school children are available. These performances promote mental health, prevent substance abuse, address gang involvement and teach conflict resolution.
Volunteer puppeteers present plays in a safe, fun and entertaining environment in which children learn healthy life skills.
For more information, please call the number below.
Phone: 845-473-2500 x1317
Fax: 845-473-4870
Information and Referral
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Library
Schools, agencies and individuals in Dutchess County can borrow numerous videos, pamplets and books, to research on mental health related topics, access a private referral list of approximately 200 psychiatrists, psychologists and social workers, and obtain information on local support groups and agencies
Mental Health America also publishes a calendar of events and support groups five times per year.
For further information, please contact:
Phone: 845-486-2896
Fax: 845-486-2897
Supported Education
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Supported Education
Individuals whose college studies have been interrupted, intermittent or nonexistent as the result of a psychiatric disability or substance abuse diagnosis are provided ongoing on-site assistance when starting or returning to college.
For further information, please contact:
Phone: 845-431-8694
Fax: 845-431-8046