Professionals Prepare to Address Challenging Teen Behaviors

By: Arlene Etengoff 

What are the cultural factors that impact work with teens in the Orthodox Jewish community? How can professionals work together to develop proactive and responsive interventions to address challenging teen behaviors?

These and other important questions will be addressed at an upcoming skill-building workshop series in Lakewood, New Jersey for mental health, education and rabbinic professionals.  On Wednesdays, February 17th and 24th, the Mel and Phyllis Zachter Ohel Institute for Training will present, Working with Challenging Adolescents.

Building Professional Strength

Ohel’s goal in providing this valuable educational opportunity is to expand the number of helping professionals qualified to provide assessment, prevention and intervention services for challenging teens. The workshops will offer participants key insights and practical strategies that will enhance their capacity to provide effective individual and family work in home, school, and clinical settings.  

Expert Presenters

Presentations by experts in the field will be based on the latest clinical and research findings. On February 17th, John Udarbe, noted pediatric psychiatrist and trauma specialist, will discuss the presentation of depression and suicidality in adolescents, providing valuable recommendations for prevention, assessment, treatment and safety planning. On February 24th, Rabbi Donny Frank, LMFT, who coordinates Ohel’s School Mental Health Services for Monsey and Northern New Jersey, will discuss oppositional behavior in teens, and provide insights into the cultural issues that impact working with teens in the orthodox Jewish community. 

The workshop series will take place at Congregation Bais Nosson Tzvi in Lakewood, N.J. Advance registration is required. Certificates of attendance and Continuing Education credits will be provided. 

For further information about this or other Institute educational offerings, see OHEL’s website, at www.ohelfamily.org, or call the Mel and Phyllis Zachter Ohel Institute for Training at 718-851-6300.

OHEL Children's Home and Family Services, which incorporates Bais Ezra and The Lifetime Care Foundation, is a pioneering social services agency that delivers a breadth of innovative programs and services for individuals and families at risk, and individuals with developmental or psychiatric disabilities, in both residential and out-patient settings. Founded in 1969 and with close to 100 residences, apartments, and over 30 diverse programs, OHEL services have been consistently ranked #1 by New York City. Touching the lives of thousands of individuals at every stage, and every day, OHEL’s professional services are available throughout New York, New Jersey and South Florida. These services include Housing, Foster Care, Out-Patient Counseling, At Home Based Services, School Based Services, Abuse Services, and Camps.