We have received numerous requests for services geared to adolescents suffering from depression and bipolar disorder. Adolescents can often feel isolated or misunderstood. In order to meet the needs in our community, DBSA now offers an Adolescent Support Group. This group focuses on issues unique to teens and provides an environment where they can feel understood and supported. This meeting takes place the first Thursday of each month, from 7:30 – 9:00 p.m. at UT Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas in Building D, Room D1.106. We first meet in room D1.502 for announcements and then move to our meeting room. There is also a group for friends and family members meeting at the same time.

Annie Walley, LCSW, and Jennifer Hughes are the group facilitators. Ms. Walley, Clinical Therapist, is the Coordinator of the Pediatric Psychiatry Research Program for the Children’s Medical Center, Dallas. As coordinator, she is responsible for evaluation, ongoing assessment, case management, conducting group therapy sessions with bipolar youth, and handling patient/family issues. Ms. Walley has a Masters of Social Work from the University of

California, Berkley, with an emphasis in Clinical Practice with Children and Families.

Jennifer Hughes is a doctoral student in clinical psychology at UT Southwestern Medical Center. Prior to attending graduate school, she served as a study coordinator on the NIMH-sponsored Treatment of Adolescent Suicide Attempt Study (TASA), a treatment study for depressed adolescents. You may call Carol King at 972-709-5464 for more information regarding this group.