Welcome to the Mad in America podcast, your source for science, psychiatry, and social justice.

Hello, and welcome to Mad in the Family, the podcast of Mad in America's Parent Resources

section. I'm Miranda Spencer, Parent Resources Editor.

Today we're going to talk about the impact of the coronavirus crisis

and social distancing on adolescence.

Taking a look at the unique needs teenagers and young adults may have

and the challenges they may present for parents, caregivers,

and other family members.

Our guest today is Sam Himalstein, Ph.D., a psychologist who specializes in working with adolescents. Dr. Himmelsstein is a

youth worker, author, speaker, and licensed psychologist in the state of California. Most of his work

has revolved around trauma-impacted, juvenile justice involved, and substance-using youth.

He is the founder of the Center for Adolescent Studies, a multidisciplinary training institute,

teaching youth professionals how to build authentic relationships, practice trauma-informed care,

and share mindfulness with young people.

He is also the co-founder of Family First Psychotherapy, a clinic in Oakland, California,

that specializes in working with children, teens, and their families.

Dr. Himmelsstein is a formerly incarcerated youth himself and was privileged to change from a path of

drugs, violence, crime, and self-destruction

to one of healing and transformation. He has written three books, most recently, Trauma-informed

mindfulness with teens, a guide for mental health professionals, published by W.W. Norton last

year. So can you tell us a bit more about what it is you do and how to help listeners

understand what it means to integrate mindfulness into working with struggling adolescents?

...