Jewish Family Services of Delaware (JFS), a leading provider of counseling and support services for over 120 years, has launched a new program to address the rise in youth anxiety and, subsequently, reduce the rate of substance use disorders and other mental health concerns in youth and teens.

Led by Director of Clinical Services, Michael Angelo LPCMH, and clinical psychologist Dr. Angelica Montalvo Santiago, whose therapeutic specialties include pediatric psychology and anxiety, JFS Delaware’s Youth Anxiety Program will offer a safe space for youth ages 7-13 to unpack, understand, and challenge anxious thoughts. Through an 8-part series employing evidence-based practices, tools, and curriculum, group members will build and strengthen their confidence and skills to successfully cope with symptoms and solve problems.

“This program will offer participating youth and families the tools to learn how to identify and understand anxiety in its different manifestations, whether they’re experiencing physical or psychological symptoms,” shared Dr. Montalvo. “Children participating can also benefit from the group support that happens naturally when sharing experiences with one another and working as a team with the clinicians’ guidance.”

JFS is committed to also serving parents and guardians of the youth enrolled by providing support services and resources. “It will allow parents to feel empowered as caretakers and to avoid over-accommodating for their children’s anxiety,” Montalvo explained.

JFS Delaware’s highly trained team is committed to meeting the changing and growing needs of the community, strengthening families, and helping children grow up emotionally and physically healthy.

Having joined JFS this past year, while the program was in development, Dr. Montalvo shared further:
“I feel proud to join an agency that is dedicated to offering preventative and specialized mental health services. This program aligns perfectly with my passion to strengthen children and families and support them through difficult challenges and changes. . . We have built a team of knowledgeable, motivated clinicians with diverse backgrounds and clinical experiences who have invested time in training and prepared for over a year to implement this evidence-based intervention. . . we are all very eager to begin addressing the high need of specialized anxiety services in the state of Delaware.”

• Youth Anxiety Program
• Saturdays from 11:30-1PM, beginning February 12^th
• Hosted at JFS Delaware’s Wilmington office (99 Passmore Rd)
• To register, call JFS’ Intake Department at 302-478-9411 ext. 306
• Those interested who cannot attend this session series are encouraged to still call and express their interest; additional sessions may be scheduled based on expressed interest.

Learn more information about Counseling at JFS or start your therapy journey today by submitting an online intake form. Contact our Intake Department at 302-478-9411 x306 or Intake@jfsdelaware.org if you have any questions.