Navigating Treatment for Mental Health and Substance Abuse

In this SonRise Project episode, creator Kelli Richardson Lawson introduces Dr. Marie Smith-East, who is a board certified psychiatric, mental health nurse practitioner and nurse scientist. Dr. Smith-East says recognizing when your teen or young adult may need help with mental health and substance-abuse can be incredibly overwhelming. While there is no one-size-fits-all approach to treatment, it is possible to navigate what many experience as a complicated system.  She counsels parents to persevere in finding providers that are a good fit for their child. She insists there is hope and to not give up. With knowledge and wisdom, Dr. Smith-East also encourages education so parents can be strong advocates for their children.