Hospital Launches Program to Support Teen Health and Wellness

The Pediatric Clinic of Sweetwater Memorial in Rock Springs is introducing a new program aimed at promoting healthy lifestyles for teenagers. The TEEN (Thinking, Emotions, Exercise, and Nutrition) program, led by child life specialist Joshua Walker, is a 15-session course designed to complement the existing COPE (Creating Opportunities for Personal Empowerment) program.

The TEEN program is a manual-based cognitive behavioral skill-building program that focuses on helping teens develop healthy lifestyle habits. It builds upon the skills learned in the COPE program, which has been assisting children for the past four years. The TEEN program includes sessions on healthy nutrition and physical activity, providing participants with the knowledge and skills needed to make positive lifestyle choices.

Walker emphasized the comprehensive and structured nature of the 15-week TEEN program, stating that it will help participants gain insight into both physical and mental health. For individuals who have completed the COPE program and are interested in the additional eight sessions of healthy lifestyle intervention, spots are still available for enrollment.

The COPE program, a seven-week cognitive behavioral therapy program, focuses on building resiliency skills in children and teenagers. It is designed to help individuals cope with stress and anxiety, offering support to anyone between the ages of 8 and 21 who may be struggling with mental health challenges. Walker encourages new patients to explore either the COPE or TEEN program, emphasizing the importance of early intervention and skill-building for children and families.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) programs are considered the gold standard for addressing mild to moderate anxiety and depression in children and teens. Statistics show that one in four young individuals have diagnosable mental health conditions, yet less than 25% receive the necessary treatment. Depression is a significant risk factor for suicide, which is the second-leading cause of death among individuals aged 10 to 24.

To learn more about the TEEN and COPE programs or to schedule an appointment, individuals can contact the clinic at 307-212-7717. By offering these targeted interventions, the Pediatric Clinic of Sweetwater Memorial is taking proactive steps to support the mental and physical well-being of teenagers in the community.