Summer Therapy Program June 8 to Help Twin Cities Kids Struggling with Recent and Ongoing Trauma
The deeply painful events happening in the Twin Cities, in addition to the global pandemic, have hit school-aged kids hard, socially and emotionally. To help those most vulnerable, Aris Clinic, a pediatric behavioral health provider, is offering a new, outdoor, nature-based version of its Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) beginning Monday, June 8.
The half-day summer therapy program for kids ages 5–18 in the five-county metro area and western Wisconsin runs from 8:30 a.m. to noon. Program duration is typically 6–8 weeks. Participants are split into two age groups between the clinic’s two Woodbury locations. Both sites will take advantage of their beautiful, natural settings near wetlands to lead students on nature walks and enjoy fresh air while doing intensive group therapy.
“So many people need extra mental health support right now for added anxiety, depression and trauma. Moving our programming outside means we can get back to serving kids in person and their families,” said Aris Clinic founder, Shalene Kennedy, M.D. The clinic specializes in year-round outpatient psychiatric services and pediatric IOPs that emphasize a unique approach to patient care, beyond psychotherapy and psychiatry.
“We’ve long used a whole-body approach to wellness that promotes self-care. If it’s safe to do so and families have access, we promote adequate nutrition, sleep, exercise, less screen time and more outside time,” Kennedy said. The clinic will continue to closely follow safety and hygiene protocols outlined by the Minnesota Department of Health. Students will move inside if needed due to bad weather.
Summer IOP group sizes are limited are limited and split by age and need. The clinic will consider adding afternoon sessions if needed to advance its mission to help more kids transition back to healthy, stable and productive lives. If the IOP sessions fill, Aris Clinic will continue to offer outpatient individual therapy, family therapy, play therapy and medication management via telehealth, until it is safe to return to in-person services.
“In unprecedented times like these, empowering healing and hope in our communities is more imperative than ever,” Kennedy stressed.
Learn more about the Aris Clinic Summer Therapy IOP.
