Prioritizing Youth Mental Health: Summit Counseling Center's Onsite Therapy Program  

Did you know that mental health support in schools is often lacking? Recent data from a 2022 Pew Research Center survey revealed that only about half of U.S. public schools offer mental health assessments, and even fewer provide treatment services - meaning that many students who may be struggling with their emotions are not receiving the support they need. Research has shown that school connectedness (how much youth believe that adults and peers at school genuinely care about them and want them to succeed) plays a significant role in mental health. Youth who experience a strong sense of connectedness during middle and high school are less likely to encounter problems with substance use, mental health, suicidality, and risky sexual behavior as they become adults (Steiner, R. J., et al., Pediatrics, Vol. 144, No. 1, 2019). Our Summit OnSite school-based therapy program seeks to bridge the gap.

Sung Woo "Tom" Kim, M.S.

Licensed Professional Counselor

Staff Therapist

Tom is passionate about serving children, adolescents, young adults, and their families in working through challenging times. He believes with the proper guidance and using evidence-based practice, clients will be able to build the needed tools to continue in a path of resiliency and healing.

Tom primarily works with individuals under the age of 24, with emphasis on cultural identity, adjustment (life transition), depression, anxiety, and trauma. He also specializes in working with children and adolescents of immigrant, refugee, and asylum-seeking population.

Tom is bilingual and provides counseling in English and Korean.

How Does Racism Impact the Mental and Physical Health of African Americans?

by Charles Smith, M.S., LPC

I recently received a referral involving an African American mother and her 20-year-old son with mental health issues. The mother expressed her preference for an African American male therapist, which she thought would be in the best interest of her African American son. The mother explained that her son had a severe emotional episode at their home. With limited options, she called the police requesting emergency mental health assistance for her son. When the police arrived, there was no mental health support or consideration for her son’s condition. Instead of receiving an appropriate mental health response, her son was jailed for two weeks. After hearing the story, I asked myself if this was another example of how racism intersects with mental health care for African Americans. 

Ken Burns Presents: Hiding in Plain Sight – Film Screening & Discussion

Thursday, August 31st, 2023

9:30 AM– 12:30 PM

Alpharetta First United Methodist Church

69 N Main Street, Alpharetta

Hiding in Plain Sight focuses on more than 20 young people who provide an intimate look at what it’s like to experience the symptoms of mental illness, from depression to addiction to suicide ideation. The film includes insights from families, providers, and advocates and explores the impact of childhood trauma, stigma, and social media.

Join us for a free viewing of Hiding In Plain Sight and a panel discussion following the presentation!

Upcoming Events

• Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) 101 Workshop - August 10th
• DBT Skills Class: Emotion Regulation - Begins August 16th and 17th
• Summit Young Professionals Alliance Meeting - August 22nd
• Dunwoody Office Open House - September 13th
• Family Support Group - Begins September 20th
• Anxiety Therapy Group for High School Students - Begins September 21st
• Social Skills Group for Middle School Students - Begins September 21st

Join us at North Point Mall in support of Summit Counseling Center for a stylish runway showcase featuring the latest back-to-school fashion trends for kids!

If your child would like to model, use the button below to secure their spot with a $50 registration fee! Admission includes 2 tickets to the show and a $25 gift card to select your show outfit (store options include Macy’s, Dillard’s, or Von Maur).

Take A Free Mental Health Screening!

Behavioral health – which includes mental health, substance use, and more – is a key part of your overall well-being. Brief screenings are the quickest way to determine if you or someone you care about should connect with a behavioral health professional.

Think of these as a checkup from your neck up! This program is completely anonymous and confidential, and immediately following the brief questionnaire you will see your results, recommendations, and key resources.