Youth Leader Network

Samaritan Interfaith Counseling Center offers consultation and educational programs for youth leaders and the congregations they serve. Due to the safe environment of the youth group setting, students often open up about concerns that youth leaders and volunteers feel they are not trained to address. 

Through consultation, Samaritan staff are available to discuss challenging situations regarding youth who might be dealing with depression, self-injury, anxiety, eating disorders and other mental health related concerns. 

Programs for youth leaders, volunteers and teen mentors are also available to help educate and equip them with general knowledge and skills.  Some program topics include: 

Depression

Self-Injury and Suicide:  Signs and How to Help,

Eating Disorders,

Autism Spectrum Disorders,

Building Resiliency in Youth,

Referring to Mental Health Professionals

Programs are also available for families and parents of children and youth.

The Youth Leader Network allows church youth leaders to connect with other youth leaders

on a variety of issues such as programming, exchanging resources, and sharing concerns they face as youth leaders.  Leaders often decide what topics they want to discuss (e.g., youth ministry curriculum ideas). 

Samaritan counselors also provide presentations on mental health related concerns on topics that may be helpful for youth leaders and those they serve.  The Youth Leader Network meets approximately monthly during the school year. 

If you would like more information on consultation, educational programs and the Youth Leader Network for youth leaders and their congregations, please contact Tracy Takeda MA LCPC, Coordinator of Youth Programs, at (630) 357-2456 x104 or at Ttakeda@samaritancenter.org..