Treating Substance Use in Pediatric Patients: From Shame to Science With Dr. Justine Welsh

Join Dr. Sarah Arshad in this eye-opening conversation with Dr. Justine Welsh, the Associate Director of UCI's TNT Fellowships PC-TEAM track.In this essential interview, Dr. Welsh shares critical insights about the youth mental health and addiction crisis affecting our communities. With 27% of young adults meeting criteria for substance use disorders and 8.7% of adolescents struggling with these challenges, this conversation couldn't be more timely.🔑 Key Topics Covered: • The alarming statistics behind youth substance use disorders • How mental health conditions intersect with addiction • Why today's substances are fundamentally different from past generations • Building therapeutic relationships with reluctant young patients • The importance of family-centered care and harm reduction approaches • Breaking down stigma in healthcare systems • Practical advice for healthcare providers and families💡 Perfect for:Mental health professionalsHealthcare practitionersCommunity leadersParents and familiesAnyone working with youth in crisis🌐 Learn More: Visit our interview series at www.tntopenmind.org for more conversations with leading experts in mental health and healthcare.📍 TIMESTAMPED CHAPTERS:[00:00] Introduction & Welcome [00:30] Meet Dr. Justine Welsh - Background & Current Role [01:05] Early Influences - Growing Up with Psychologist Parents [02:57] Path to Psychiatry & Specializing in Youth & Addiction [04:22] The Addiction Crisis - Staggering Statistics [06:38] Why Rates Are Rising - Multiple Contributing Factors [08:22] Today's Substances vs. Past Generations [10:01] Mental Health & Addiction Connection [11:33] First Patient Visit - Creating Safe Therapeutic Spaces [13:48] Building Rapport with Reluctant Patients & Families [15:12] Most Rewarding Aspects of the Work [16:51] Essential Skills for Addiction Medicine Providers [18:59] When Patients Don't Know What They're Using [19:22] Healthcare System Changes - The Magic Wand Question [22:14] Artificial Barriers in Treatment Access [23:47] Training Future Pediatric Providers [24:46] Understanding Substance Use Disorders in Adolescents [26:24] Talking to High-Achieving Kids About Cannabis [29:23] Harm Reduction Approaches [30:15] Resources for Primary Care Providers [31:27] Closing Thoughts#YouthMentalHealth #AddictionMedicine #SubstanceUseDisorder #MentalHealthAwareness #HealthcareEducation #PediatricPsychiatry #HarmReduction #CommunityHealth #TNTOpenMindInsights Subscribe to TNT Open Mind Insights - Mental Health Interview Series on Soundwise