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Gundersen Health System - YMCA Community Teen Center
The La Crosse YMCA Community Teen Center is a safe drop-in center that is free of tobacco, alcohol and drugs. It offers free skill-building and recreational activities that are attractive to young people and makes use of their talents, energy and creativity. A Gundersen Health System licensed mental health professional provides ongoing education for teens, as well as consultation on how to identify and appropriately refer a teen who demonstrates issues related to mental health, substance use, behavioral and social concerns, or basic needs.
What is it?
The La Crosse YMCA Community Teen Center is a safe drop-in center that is free of tobacco, alcohol and drugs. It offers free skill-building and recreational activities that are attractive to young people and makes use of their talents, energy and creativity. A Gundersen Health System licensed mental health professional provides ongoing education for teens, as well as consultation on how to identify and appropriately refer a teen who demonstrates issues related to mental health, substance use, behavioral and social concerns, or basic needs.
Who is it for?
Teens, grades 8 to 12.
Why do they do it?
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, half of all lifetime cases of mental illness begin by age 14. Social stigmas and lack of health care access can delay diagnosis and treatment.
Impact
New teen visitors have been steadily increasing. From January to August 2013, 213 new youth visited the Teen Center. During July 2013, 126 teenagers visited 897 times.
Contact: Sarah Johnson
Therapist, Gundersen Behavioral Health
Telephone: 608-755-1357
E-mail: SJJohns1@gundersenhealth.org
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