As we continue to prioritize pediatric mental and behavioral health in the communities we serve, our newest behavioral health centers in Canton and Mansfield are now open. Our first regional behavioral health center opened in Boardman in 2019. These facilities bring most of the pediatric behavioral health services available at our Akron campus close to […]
9 Ways to help children manage anxiety about returning to school
An Akron Children’s child psychiatrist said a common misnomer about kids who experience school anxiety is that they don’t like school. “It’s important for parents to know that most children who have school anxiety actually like school!” said Dr. Laura Markley, medical director, Consultation/Liaison Psychiatry. “The fearsome part for many children is being away from […]
5 things to help ease summer camp fears
Whether overnight or during the day, summer camp offers kids a chance to make friends, learn new skills, become more independent, enjoy the outdoors and have fun! But for some kids, spending time apart from family, or even having new experiences, can make them nervous. Sumru Bilge-Johnson, MD, a child and adolescent psychiatrist at Akron […]
Campaign benefits children’s mental health
The challenges today’s young people face are uniquely hard to navigate. From the pressures of social media to the life-changing impact of a pandemic, the effect these obstacles may have on youth mental health can be devastating. These challenges can be especially exacerbated by the experience of a trauma event, which the National Child Traumatic […]
Working at Akron Children’s aligns with Dr. Kelsey Brocker’s goals and aspirations
Dr. Kelsey Brocker, a pediatric psychologist, considers joining Akron Children’s to be a stroke of good luck. It started with a chance encounter in Georgia. “I was discussing my professional goals and aspirations with my parents,” she said. “We were at a restaurant in Savannah, Georgia, where I was born and raised. Someone approached our […]
Kent State University student describes how she overcame depression, panic disorder and social anxiety
Melaina Uhrig, age 19, has always been a singer. She enjoyed it so much that she joined her church choir and later, the Summit Choral Society children’s choir program. Being in front of and among people never bothered Melaina until she started high school. That’s when she lost joy in almost everything that previously gave […]
