PORTRAIT HEALTH CENTERS IDENTIFIES SMART PHONE APP DEVELOPMENT AS A THERAPY FOR TEENS WITH DEPRESSION AND THOUGHTS OF SUICIDE
BUFFALO GROVE, ILLINOIS
The clinical team at Portrait Health Centers has observed that teenage and young adult patients with learning differences and depression have begun showing signs of improved self-esteem, confidence, and
renewed enthusiasm by participating in a self-study program to learn to create and market smart phones applications. The Portrait Health course requires no computer coding experience.
Portrait Health is currently conducting a research study to determine the effectiveness of App Development
as a therapy in treating mental health conditions. The course designers and clinical team of Portrait Health theorize that app design contains elements of art therapy and music therapy, and provides a creative and expressive outlet for reducing stress. Dr. Jack Maggiore, Healthcare Director of Portrait Health explains, “All teens enrolled in the study are first evaluated for depression and anxiety by a licensed clinical psychologist. The 5-week course includes 10 sessions. Each 1-hour self-guided web-based instruction session is broken into 10-12 minute modules. These short modules are especially well suited to those with learning differences like ADHD and distractibility tendencies associated with depression.” Each participant is evaluated regularly by a psychologist for changes in depression and anxiety.
Adolescents are not immune to today’s social stressors that cause depression. This often leaves parents wondering where to turn for help. Henry Warner, President of Portrait Health explains, “Parents are often
hesitant to seek the services of a psychologist for their teenage child for what may be early signs of depression or anxiety. By enrolling their teen in this study, parents can obtain an evaluation of their child without the potential social stigma of placing their child in therapy. Further, each participant will learn to create smart phone apps.” Enrollment in the study is free to each participant and includes all psychological services and course enrollment.
About Portrait Health:
Portrait Health Centers are multi-specialty centers that employ the most cutting-edge and proven assessment protocols and treatment options available, believing that an effective treatment depends on an accurate diagnosis. Portrait Health Centers specializes in diagnosing and treating depression, attention deficit disorders, and learning differences.
The clinical team at Portrait Health Centers has observed that teenage and young adult patients with learning differences and depression have begun showing signs of improved self-esteem, confidence, and
renewed enthusiasm by participating in a self-study program to learn to create and market smart phones applications. The Portrait Health course requires no computer coding experience.
Portrait Health is currently conducting a research study to determine the effectiveness of App Development
as a therapy in treating mental health conditions. The course designers and clinical team of Portrait Health theorize that app design contains elements of art therapy and music therapy, and provides a creative and expressive outlet for reducing stress. Dr. Jack Maggiore, Healthcare Director of Portrait Health explains, “All teens enrolled in the study are first evaluated for depression and anxiety by a licensed clinical psychologist. The 5-week course includes 10 sessions. Each 1-hour self-guided web-based instruction session is broken into 10-12 minute modules. These short modules are especially well suited to those with learning differences like ADHD and distractibility tendencies associated with depression.” Each participant is evaluated regularly by a psychologist for changes in depression and anxiety.
Adolescents are not immune to today’s social stressors that cause depression. This often leaves parents wondering where to turn for help. Henry Warner, President of Portrait Health explains, “Parents are often
hesitant to seek the services of a psychologist for their teenage child for what may be early signs of depression or anxiety. By enrolling their teen in this study, parents can obtain an evaluation of their child without the potential social stigma of placing their child in therapy. Further, each participant will learn to create smart phone apps.” Enrollment in the study is free to each participant and includes all psychological services and course enrollment.
About Portrait Health:
Portrait Health Centers are multi-specialty centers that employ the most cutting-edge and proven assessment protocols and treatment options available, believing that an effective treatment depends on an accurate diagnosis. Portrait Health Centers specializes in diagnosing and treating depression, attention deficit disorders, and learning differences.