Myrtue Behavioral Health Represented on Expert Panel

(Harlan) – Jenny Muhlbauer, a member of the Community Support Services team at Myrtue Behavioral Health, recently shared her experience and expertise on a keynote panel for the Iowa Association for Play Therapy Annual Conference in Cedar Falls, IA. Mulhbauer, who is trained in play therapy and does considerable work with children, joined fellow professionals in the field to discuss the impact of the pandemic on children and their families.

The panel discussion “Play Therapy in the Epoch of COVID” helped mental health providers statewide consider how to best serve the needs of children in the light of the many recent challenges. The pandemic has been disruptive for all ages but has unique challenges for children. With cancellation of many activities and events, increased social isolation, disruption to school, and added stress for parents and caregivers, COVID-19 has dealt a significant blow to the security and predictability of children’s world.

“Working with Behavioral Health has allowed me to get to know many families personally, and I have learned a lot from these families,” said Muhlbauer. “The pandemic has definitely impacted the families that I serve. Behavioral Health has given our community the support and resources that families have needed during these times of increased pandemic stress.”

Parents are likely noticing these impacts with impacts such increases in problematic behaviors, disrupted sleep, trouble with academics, social withdrawal, and trouble managing difficult emotions such as anxiety, anger, and sadness. A recent national survey conducted by the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, found that nearly 3 out of 4 parents said the pandemic has negatively impacted their child’s mental health.

In light of these challenges, Lindsey Kinney, LMHC, Director of Behavioral Health, noted her appreciation to have Mulhbauer not only serving on the team but also sharing her expertise with other providers to improve care statewide.

“Jenny demonstrates tremendous knowledge, dedication, and enthusiasm in helping children and their families. We are proud to have her on our team,” said Kinney. “Behavioral Health (BH) strives to provide quality, evidence-based services to all patients we serve, and Jenny’s invitation to present on this expert panel is a shining example of the training and knowledge of the BH providers.”

Myrtue Behavioral Health is a community leader in supporting the mental health of children and families. Their team provides comprehensive services including individual and family therapy, both in the clinic and in school-based offices, medication evaluation and management, group therapy and community based services such as the Behavioral Health Intervention Skills program (BHIS). Call 712-755-5056 or visit www.myrtuemedical.org/services/behavioral-health to learn more.