A credible, experienced media resource for youth mental health

TORONTO, Jan. 16, 2014 /CNW/ - According to the Mental Health Commission of Canada, more than 2/3 of adults living with mental health problems report their initial symptoms appeared during youth. And yet, of the estimated 1.2 million Canadian youth affected by mental health challenges - less than 20% of them get the help they need.

On Jan. 6, 2014, noted Globe and Mail Health Reporter Andre Picard highlighted the challenges Canadian families face when seeking help for youth with mental health issues (http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/health-and-fitness/health/ontario-opens-doors-for-troubled-teens/article16204093/#dashboard/follows/).

One of the main sources for this article was Lydia Sai-Chew, Chief Executive Officer of Oolagen Youth Mental Health—an accredited mental health centre that has been helping Toronto youth and their families for more than 40 years. Highly respected as a University of Toronto teaching facility and long-term partner of the Toronto District School Board, Sick Kids Hospital, the Children's Aid Society and other agencies and groups, Oolagen reaches more than 4,000 youth and their families each year—and Oolagen clinicians are sought-after by colleagues and peer organizations for their expertise.

With 25 years of experience and leadership in children's mental health, Lydia Sai-Chew is responsible for the administration and direction of Oolagen's wide range of leading edge treatment programs and clinical services.

Prior to joining Oolagen in 2013, Lydia held leadership roles at Griffin Centre, Hincks-Dellcrest Centre and Peel Children's Centre. She was also a frontline social worker at Dellcrest Children's Centre and the Children's Aid Society of Toronto. She holds B.Sc. and Master of Social Work degrees from the University of Toronto, and is currently Co-Chair of the Ministry of Children and Youth Services Toronto Region service resolution arm (Children's Service System Review and Consultation Committee).

Her vast knowledge of youth mental health makes Lydia a credible and experienced media resource for interviews, discussion panels or presentations.

About Oolagen (www.oolagen.org)

Oolagen is an accredited youth mental health centre located in downtown Toronto. Common issues that Oolagen helps youth deal with include physical and sexual abuse, school issues, violence, issues of grief and death, family conflict, separation and divorce, alcohol and drug misuse, depression, eating disorders and suicidal and self-harming behaviours.

SOURCE: Oolagen

To arrange an interview with Lydia contact:
Justin Young, Profis Communications 416 596 1750 x 222 [email protected]