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Youth Mental Health and the Climate Crisis: Science and Strategies

On March 25, CUCARD Westchester director Dr. Anthony Puliafico spoke at a legislative briefing on climate change's impact on mental health organized by NYS Assemblywoman Dana Levenberg and NYS Senator Pete Harckham. 

Read more here: NY State Assembly

Watch the press conference here: Youtube

Health Matters: The Art of Listening with Dr. Steven Mazza

Being a good listener can strengthen relationships with parents, children, friends, and colleagues - but distractions and overthinking often get in the way. In a recent episode of Health Matters, clinical psychologist Dr. Steven Mazza of NewYork-Presbyterian and Columbia shares how to retrain your brain for better listening, overcome common mental roadblocks, and build deeper connections through active presence.

Listen Here: Youtube, Apple, Spotify

TEDMED: Raising Resilient Kids in a Digital Age

Social media and societal pressures are taking a toll on children’s mental health, making it more important than ever for parents to foster resilience. Dr. Anne Marie Albano discusses strategies for supporting kids—through open communication, setting healthy boundaries, and modeling positive coping skills—to help them navigate the digital world with confidence.

Watch here: TEDMED Youtube 

How to Overcome Procrastination

Struggling to stay on top of tasks? Procrastination is a common challenge, but with the right strategies, you can break the cycle. In this episode of the Health Matters podcast, Dr. Tony Puliafico, a clinical psychologist at CUCARD Westchester, shares practical techniques to boost motivation, improve time management, and overcome avoidance.

Listen or read the transcript here: Health Matters

Helping Kids Build Resilience and Independence

In a recent episode of the Health Matters podcast, Dr. Anne Marie Albano, CUCARD Founder and co-clinical director for the Center for Youth Mental Health at NewYork-Presbyterian, shares strategies for parents and caregivers to support children in becoming more confident, capable, and resilient.

Listen or read the transcript here: Health Matters

Helping Kids Navigate Big Emotions

When children feel overwhelmed, having the right tools can help them regain a sense of calm. Experts, such as CUCARD Westchester’s Director, Dr. Anthony Puliafico, share simple, effective strategies—from deep breathing to sensory activities—that support emotional regulation and resilience.

 

Read more: TODAY

 

Understanding Trypophobia: An Extreme Aversion to Clustered Holes

Trypophobia is characterized by a strong aversion to patterns of clustered holes or bumps, such as those found in honeycombs, lotus seed pods, or certain sponges. Individuals with this condition may experience intense feelings of discomfort, disgust, or even fear when encountering such patterns.

For a comprehensive overview of trypophobia, including its possible causes and manifestations, you can read more here: Live Science

Is Social Media Threatening Teens' Mental Health?

As social media becomes an ever-present part of adolescence, concerns about its impact on mental health continue to grow. Dr. Anne Marie Albano discusses how excessive screen time and the pressures of online comparison can contribute to anxiety, depression, and self-esteem issues in teens—as well as helpful strategies and what parents can do to support their children.

Read more: Columbia University Irving Medical Center 

How to Talk to Kids About the California Wildfires

The recent California wildfires have left many parents wondering how to help their children process such distressing events. Whether directly impacted or watching from afar, knowing what to say—and how to say it—can make all the difference. Experts, including Dr. Anne Marie Albano, share insights on guiding these conversations with honesty, reassurance, and age-appropriate support.

Read more Here: VOGUE

Bullying and Children: What Parents Need to Know

Bullying affects approximately 1 in 5 school-aged children in the United States, with middle school students being particularly vulnerable. Dr. Anne Marie Albano discusses the prevalence of bullying, its impact on both victims and perpetrators, and offers guidance on recognizing signs and taking proactive steps to address and prevent bullying.

Read more: Columbia University Irving Medical Center 





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Back-To-School Resources for Caregivers and Parents

CUCARD is pleased to offer a variety of Back-To-School resources to support parents and caregivers as children return to school.

To learn more from child anxiety experts and school administrators, register for our upcoming webinar on August 11, 6-7 PM EST.

Video Resources:

Anne Marie Albano at TedMed 2020 “How to Raise Kids Who Can Overcome Anxiety

New York Presbyterian Youth Anxiety Center Webinar Series: Pandemic Parenting (Recordings)

Websites:

Center for Disease Control: Return to School Guidelines

Public Broadcasting Service (PBS): Emotions and Self-Awareness

Worry Wise Kids: Information for caregivers about childhood anxiety

Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies – Therapist Directory

Blog Posts:

How Can I Help My Child Cope with Back-to-School Anxiety?” by John Piacentini, PhD, ABPP

The Return to School: Tips for Parents of Anxious Children” by Allison Winik, PhD

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dr. Anne Marie Albano on Psych Hub’s Ask the Expert Podcast

Dr. Anne Marie Albano, Director of CUCARD, wrote the parenting guides on the treatment of childhood anxiety disorders, social phobia, and school refusal behavior. The episode covers the following:

Helping Your Child Cope with COVID-19 and Grief, CUCARD Founder, Dr. Anne Marie Albano, gave a webinar “Coping with Corona Virus Related Challenges”

Dr. Anne Marie Albano TEDMED Talk: How to raise kids who can overcome anxiety

Youth Anxiety Psychologist Anne Marie Albano tells us that anxiety is the most common psychiatric condition affecting today's youth. Thinking back to her own personal journey with fears, stressors, and phobias, she has built a career that analyzes the "why" behind childhood anxiety. Through numerous studies, she has come to understand that exposure to phobias actually helps children build coping mechanisms to not only deal with those fears in real time, but to cope with anxiety in the long run. Her work now centers about Cognitive Behavioral Exposure Therapy to help children and families grapple with anxiety and build sustained resilience.

An expert in childhood anxiety, Anne Marie has been a guiding source for parents, children, and families. Watch her advice on tackling youth anxiety in her TEDMED 2020 Talk, "How to raise kids who can overcome anxiety"

Source: TEDMED

Dr. Albano discusses anxiety in young adults on Charlie Rose

Dr. Anne Marie Albano goes on Charlie Rose to discuss anxiety disorders in young adults with Dr. Francis Lee and Dr. John Walkup. 

Click on the below link to watch the video: 

https://charlierose.com/episodes/30395?autoplay=true

 

Dr. Albano gives a presentation on whether anxiety is a friend or foe

Anxiety: Friend or Foe? 

Click on the link below to see a video of Dr. Anne Marie Albano discussing whether anxiety is a friend or a foe at Columbia University's Office of Student Affairs wellness series.

https://youtu.be/aabhA0tMlfs

 

Dr. Albano discusses anxiety and the use of mindfulness strategies with children and adolescents

Click on the link below to hear Dr. Albano discuss anxiety and the use of mindfulness strategies with children and adolescents: 

 https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/317114737

 

Lena Dunham discusses growing up with anxiety with Dr. Anne Marie Albano

CUCARD director Anne Marie Albano PhD discusses childhood anxiety with Lena Dunham and moderator, Jenni Konnor, at this special event presented by the 92nd Street Y. 

Date: Tuesday, February 7, 2007 at 8 pm

Location: Kaufmann Concert Hall; 1395 Lexington Avenue (between 91st and 92nd Street)

Tickets can be purchased at http://www.92y.org/Event/Lena-Dunham-and-Anne-Marie-Albano

Dr. Albano featured on ABC 20/20 Video: Reactive Attachment Disorder

Dr. Anne Marie Albano discusses Reactive Attachment Disorder and provides evidence-based treatment recommendations: http://abcnews.go.com/2020/video/experts-parents-discuss-rad-reactive-attachment-disorder-34667787

Dr. Albano gives advice for coping with holiday stress in Huffington Post article

Dr. Albano provides tips for managing holiday stress: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/social-media-anxiety_56534766e4b0d4093a587400

Dr. Albano discusses coping with anxiety about terrorism in NY Times Article and trauma responses in an interview with the French Press

Dr. Albano provides tips for coping with anxiety about terror threats: http://www.nytimes.com/2015/11/20/health/how-to-cope-with-anxiety-during-terror-threats.html?_r=0 and discusses PTSD and terrorism in an interview with the French Press: http://www.ndtv.com/world-news/united-by-trauma-14-years-apart-new-york-and-paris-1246072

Dr. Albano at the APA Conference

Anxiety disorders undertreated in young adulthood

Launching our summer College Readiness group therapy program for emerging adults with anxiety

Summer College Readiness Group Therapy Program for Emerging Adults with Anxiety

The Columbia University Clinic for Anxiety and Related Disorders (CUCARD) is pleased to announce the start of our summer cognitive behavioral groups in the NYPH Youth Anxiety Center (YAC) for young adults (ages 18-28) with anxiety disorders.

Groups are part of our Launching Emerging Adults Program (LEAP) and include:

Skills are presented in a group exposure-based approach to reduce anxiety and increase self efficacy and independence in managing anxiety-provoking and developmentally challenging situations (e.g. interviews, advocating for one's self, dating, meeting new people, assertiveness, speaking with persons in authority).  Exposures are conducted in session but also in the community and real settings where the challenges occur.

This group is short term (4-6 weeks) and will meet two or three times per week.  Our summer College Readiness groups will be available starting in June.  Groups are led by our YAC staff at CUCARD.

We welcome active collaboration with current care providers in developing realistic goals and objectives.  Separate parent-young adult "transitition sessions" are offered to promote independence and address family concerns.

Please contact the Youth Anxiety Center Program Coordinator, Evan Alvarez, via phone: 212-246-0481, email: ealvare@nyspi.columbia.edu, or online inquiry.

Dr. Albano featured on BuzzFeed: 11 Questions You Might Secretly Have About Anxiety

Dr. Anne Marie Albano paired up with BuzzFeed to help answer common questions about anxiety. Read more: 11 Questions You Might Secretly Have About Anxiety

Dealing With the Ebola Virus as a Hypochondriac

Read A Hypochondriac’s Guide to Dealing With Ebola on elle.com to find out more about Dr. James Hambrick's views on this timely topic.

Anxiety in College Students

Rather than excited and engaged in college life, students who suffer with anxiety wind up avoiding their schoolwork, making new friends, engaging with professors, and settling in to the campus routine. Learn ways to spot the signs of too much anxiety and how to help the college student to tackle anxiety and move forward in healthy ways.

Social Anxiety in Teenagers

Dr. James Hambrick and Dr. Anne Marie Albano discuss how to spot social anxiety in your teenager, the ways that social anxiety takes your teen off track, and the latest in how to treat this common and debilitating anxiety disorder.

Social Phobia and School Refusal

Dr. Albano talks about social phobia and school refusal in children with Dr. Susan White. Learn about these conditions and what parents can do to help their child.