Avery's House

We're thrilled to shine this month's staff spotlight on Lucas Petersen, a vital member of our therapy team at Avery's House. Lucas is a licensed master of social work who brings passion, authenticity, and a deep commitment to every therapy session he conducts. Originally from Kansas and raised in Idaho, Lucas has deep roots in our community. His journey began in engineering at Idaho State University where he also excelled in track and field. However, his path took a meaningful turn towards helping others, leading him to pursue a degree in social work at Utah Valley University before obtaining his master's from Boise State University. Lucas is not only experienced in outpatient therapy, including individual, marriage, and family sessions, but his outgoing and genuine nature makes him a trusted figure among clients of all ages. Whether he's helping someone navigate personal challenges or facilitating family healing, Lucas is known for his ability to listen deeply and explore new possibilities for growth and recovery. Outside the therapy room, Lucas enjoys staying active with sports, engaging in spirited board and card games, and cherishing time with his friends and family. His balanced approach to life and mental health deeply enriches our team and supports our mission to provide holistic care. Join us in celebrating Lucas Petersen for his dedication and the impactful difference he makes at Avery’s House. Thank you, Lucas, for your unwavering commitment and care. ?? #StaffSpotlight #MentalHealthAwareness #AverysHouse

Gratitude is a transformative force in mental health. At Avery's House, we encourage a culture of thankfulness, recognizing the small yet significant strides in our teens' journeys. ? #CultureOfGratitude #TransformativeHealth #RecognizingProgress #Thankfulness #AverysHouse

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a complex mental health condition that presents itself in three distinct ways, each with its unique challenges. - Predominantly Inattentive Presentation: Individuals may struggle with organization, attention to detail, and following through with instructions. Common signs include being easily distracted and forgetful in daily activities. - Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Presentation: Characterized by excessive fidgeting, talking, and an inability to remain still for prolonged periods. This may manifest more intensely in children as constant running, jumping, or climbing. Impulsivity can lead to interrupting others, acting without thinking, and an increased risk of accidents. - Combined Presentation: This involves a mix of symptoms from both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive types. It's important to recognize that ADHD symptoms and their presentations can evolve over time, necessitating a flexible approach to treatment and support. At Avery's House, we understand these complexities and offer personalized care that adapts to the changing needs of individuals with ADHD. Our goal is to provide effective strategies and support to manage symptoms and improve quality of life. #ADHDawareness #MentalHealth #AverysHouse #PersonalizedCare #UnderstandingADHD

Red Ribbon Week is a significant time of the year dedicated to raising awareness about the dangers of drug use and the importance of drug prevention. It's a week for communities, schools, and organizations to unite in a visible stand against substance abuse, fostering drug-free lifestyles among our youth. This observance serves as a reminder of the impact that drug use can have on individuals, families, and communities. It's an opportunity to educate our youth about the risks and to empower them with the knowledge and skills to make healthy choices. At Avery's House, we strongly support the goals of Red Ribbon Week. We believe in proactive education and engagement to prevent substance abuse. Our programs are designed to provide young people with the resources and support they need to lead healthy, drug-free lives. This week, let’s wear our red ribbons proudly as a symbol of our commitment to a drug-free future and as a tribute to those who have been affected by drug use. Together, we can make a difference in promoting healthy choices and preventing substance abuse in our communities. #RedRibbonWeek #DrugFreeYouth #SubstanceAbusePrevention #AverysHouse #HealthyChoices

Trying to decide between residential and outpatient treatment for your teen? This video explains the key differences between the two treatment options and helps you make the right choice for your family. Avery’s House, located near Phoenix, offers both residential and outpatient programs tailored to the unique needs of teens facing behavioral or mental health challenges. Residential treatment provides 24/7 care in a structured environment, ideal for teens who need intensive support. Outpatient treatment allows your teen to stay at home while attending regular therapy sessions, giving them the flexibility to maintain daily responsibilities like school. Watch to learn which treatment option is best for your teen’s specific needs and how Avery’s House can provide the care and support they need in the Phoenix area. Call for Immediate Support: 480.787.0026 Contact us today to explore the best treatment options for your teen https://lnkd.in/gJRrqbrs

Resilience in the face of adversity is a cornerstone of growth. Avery's House is dedicated to fostering this resilience, helping teens rise stronger with each challenge. #RisingStronger #AdversityToGrowth #FosteringResilience #GrowthMindset #AverysHouse

The essence of hope lies in planning for tomorrow. Avery's House is a place where this hope is nurtured every day, guiding teens towards brighter futures. ? #NurturingHope #PlanningForTomorrow #BrighterFutures #HopeInHealing #AverysHouse

Meet Michele Dunn, a dedicated Therapist at Avery’s House, where she brings nearly a decade of experience working with foster youth, individuals impacted by domestic abuse, and clients experiencing mental health challenges. Michele is passionate about helping young people improve their mental health, develop healthy relationships, and set a strong foundation for their future. Originally from California, Michele is now thriving in sun-soaked Arizona. When she’s not making a difference in the lives of others, you can find her enjoying a good book or spending time with her beloved dogs. We’re proud to have Michele on our team, providing individual, family, and group therapy to those who need it most. Thank you, Michele, for your unwavering commitment and care! ?? #MentalHealth #Therapist #AverysHouse #StaffSpotlight #YouthTherapy #SocialWork

National Suicide Prevention Week is a time for us to come together to raise awareness about suicide prevention, a vital issue that affects individuals and communities worldwide. This week serves as a poignant reminder of the struggles many face and the importance of reaching out to those who may be in distress. ? Suicide is more than a mental health concern; it's a human issue that requires our collective empathy, understanding, and action. We must foster open dialogues, eliminate the stigma around mental health, and ensure that everyone has access to the necessary support and resources. ? Avery's House is committed to this cause, offering support, education, and resources to those in need. We believe in the power of connection, understanding, and intervention in preventing suicide. This week, let's pledge to be vigilant, compassionate, and proactive in supporting those around us. By working together, we can create a community where everyone feels valued, understood, and supported. ? If you or someone you know is struggling, remember: help is available, and hope is always on the horizon. ? #SuicidePreventionWeek #BeThe1To #MentalHealthAwareness #HopeAndHealing #AverysHouse

As children return to school, it's crucial to be aware of more than just academic challenges. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) in children often goes unnoticed, and the stress of a new school year can intensify symptoms. OCD involves persistent, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions). These can manifest as excessive handwashing, repeated checking, or rigid adherence to routines, driven by beliefs that these actions prevent bad outcomes or reduce distress. ? Understanding these symptoms is vital, especially during the transition back to school. If a child spends over an hour a day on these thoughts or actions, causing distress or interfering with school activities, it may be a sign of OCD. These behaviors, often misunderstood as mere cleanliness or orderliness, can significantly disrupt a child’s daily life and learning experience. ? Effective treatment typically includes cognitive-behavioral therapy, helping children alter negative thoughts and learn that their fears don't lead to the anticipated bad outcomes. This can reduce their anxiety and reliance on compulsive behaviors. In some cases, therapy is combined with medication. Support from families and schools is crucial, especially during the school year, in helping children manage stress and navigate OCD challenges. ? At Avery's House, we understand the complexities of OCD in children and offer tailored care that aligns with the school calendar. Our approach involves family and community support, ensuring a holistic treatment experience that complements their educational journey. ? #OCDinChildren #BackToSchool #MentalHealthAwareness #AverysHouse #ChildhoodOCD #CognitiveBehavioralTherapy