Hello!

We are committed to do our part to help with social distancing and have moved to conducting our sessions on secure video conference or telephone. If you are a patient, your scheduled session will remain as scheduled and the office will contact you with instructions and a link to join the therapy session remotely.

Of primary concern is the physical and mental health of our community. Please know that we are here for you. You do not have to be an existing patient to access our care. We are able to schedule new patient intakes using our telehealth services and many people are taking advantage of this.

Stay strong. We will get through this.

Dr. Pam McCaskill
734-416-9098
McCaskill Family Services Newsletter
Term: Spring | Issue 3 | March 18, 2020
At McCaskill Family Services, it is very important to us that you have accurate information regarding this virus, the safety of yourself and your loved ones, as well as how to cope during this time. We have therefore compiled a collection of helpful articles and resources regarding COVID-19 and how we can best work through this challenging time together.
Make Sure You Are Receiving Accurate Information

There are so many different news channels, magazine articles, radio stations, blog posts, and website articles circulating about Coronavirus. Not only is the media coverage overwhelming at times, but many of these news outlets report different (sometimes conflicting) information. It is best to only pay serious attention to sources providing accurate facts.

For continual trustworthy information, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website.

For The Visual Child: A Helpful Comic Explaining Coronavirus To Kids
Published by NPR
How To Optimize Your Home Environment During COVID-19 School Closures
In an effort to prevent spread of the Coronavirus, schools in Michigan and throughout the country have been required to close for at least the next three weeks. It is important to remember this does not mean our children are in imminent danger. The schools are being disinfected, and children can be carriers of the virus...school closures serve to protect the health of our community and prevent our health-care centers from being overwhelmed. This does mean that many children and families will be thrown off their typical routines, which can result in a sense of chaos and confusion. It's important to remember, everything will be okay. To assist in this transition, the Neuropsychology and Education Services for Children and Adolescents (NESCA) has put together a helpful article addressing tips for how to structure the home environment so that children and parents are able to successfully and harmoniously work through this time of upheaval.
How To Talk To Anxious Children and Teens About Coronavirus

It could possibly be argued that it would be unnatural to not experience a sense of anxiety related to COVID-19, but it can be especially scary for children and teens who do not understand what exactly is happening simultaneously as they are soaking up daunting news headlines and observing anxiety in others. As adults, it is important that we talk to children and teens about this virus in a way that communicates calmness, confidence, and accurate knowledge. Click the link below to read The Anxiety and Depression Association of America's (AADA) top tips for how to talk to anxious kids and teens about COVID-19.
Important Dates & Upcoming Events

Stress Management for Parents of Children with
Autism, ADHD and Learning Disabilities
by Emily Brzak, M.A., TLLP
April 25th, 2020, 8:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Northridge Church Special Needs Conference, $15 Admission Fee
49555 N. Territorial
Plymouth, MI

Support Group for Parents of Children with ADHD (ChADD)
March 19th (cancelled) April 16th, May 21st
6:30-8 PM

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) Skills Group for Teens
May 7th - June 25th
Thursdays, 4:30 - 6 PM

Parents of Struggling Teens Support Group
Spring dates coming soon

Equine-Assisted Therapy Groups (barn is heated)
Spring session cancelled
Summer session: June 22/23 - August 17/18
Check out our Leadership Camp for Middle Schools this summer!

Please visit www.mccaskillfamilyservices.com for more information

Newsletter Editor
My name is Emily Brzak. I'm a masters level clinician at McCaskill Family Services who specializes in the treatment of child behavioral difficulties, depression, grief, and anxiety. I am also our monthly newsletter editor! At MFS, I work with people of all ages and backgrounds, and have experience working with a large array of presenting difficulties. If you or someone you know would like to schedule an appointment, please feel free to contact our office at 734-416-9098 or email us at office@mccaskillfamilyservices.com. I look forward to meeting you!