Summer Therapy Program Returns June 14 to Help Kids Cope, Heal, Retool
The global pandemic may be waning but, understandably, it’s been a very hard year for kids, teens and families. The stress has intensified mental and behavioral issues, and Aris Clinic is seeing the effects. To help meet the growing need for early (or earlier) intervention, Aris Clinic will again offer its nature-based Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) beginning Monday, June 14.
The half-day summer therapy program for kids ages 5–18 in the five-county metro area and western Wisconsin runs from 8:45 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 use their indoor spaces and take advantage of their beautiful, natural settings near wetlands to lead students on nature walks and enjoy fresh air while doing intensive group therapy. The clinic will continue to closely follow safety and hygiene protocols outlined by the Minnesota Department of Health.
“We cannot stress enough the need for early intervention to help prevent the spike in mental health severity we’re seeing in our patients. Kids and teens have been trying to cope with so much loss and trauma this past year,” said Aris Clinic founder, Shalene Kennedy, M.D. “Summer is a great time to pause and retool, especially as we anticipate the full return to in-person school this fall.”
Aris Clinic specializes in year-round outpatient psychiatric services and pediatric Day Treatment IOPs that emphasize a unique approach to patient care, beyond psychotherapy and psychiatry.
“Our whole-body approach to wellness emphasizes 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.
Summer Day Treatment IOP group sizes are limited and split by age and need. The clinic will consider adding afternoon sessions 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.
“We all want to return to ‘normal,’ but it will be a different normal. Aris Clinic provides the tools and support to empower healing and hope in our communities,” Kennedy stressed.
Learn more about the Aris Clinic Summer Therapy Program.
