Self-Injury Topic of Upcoming NJ Society of Psychiatric Advanced Practice Nurses Meeting

Jan. 26, 2010 - PRLog -- Parents, teachers, and healthcare providers are among those most concerned by an alarming increase in self-injurious behaviors (SIB) among young people. Indeed, it has been estimated that the trend has doubled in the past three years and continues to climb as the seemingly bizarre behavior reaches into the middle schools. Despite this emerging epidemic, effective treatment for this challenging anomaly remains elusive.

Mary Askew, DNP, APN, an expert in SIB, will be guest lecturer at the quarterly meeting of the Society of Psychiatric Advanced Practice Nurses on January 30th at the Youth Consultation Services in East Orange.  Dr. Askew will present a model for understanding the complex nature of self-harm, and for guiding clinical care. She will demonstrate how utilizing multiple treatment approaches that focus on physical, emotional and social needs can result in complete cessation of SIB.

Dr.Askew, a Psychiatric Advanced Practice Nurse is Director of two intensive residential treatment programs serving children and adolescents at Youth Consultation Services. In addition, she is a clinician at the World of Wellness in East Orange and has a private practice in Ramsey. Dr. Askew has published and lectured extensively on the topic of self-injurious behavior.

The meeting will commence with general business followed by lunch and lecture. Meetings are open to members, prospective members and guests by invitation.

The Society of Psychiatric Advanced Practice Nurses of the New Jersey State Nurses Association is dedicated to advancing the standards of excellence in psychiatric advanced practice nursing, and optimizing delivery and access to mental health care in New Jersey.

Psychiatric Advanced Practice Nurses provide a full range of psychiatric services including psychiatric evaluations, medication prescription and management and individual, group and family psychotherapy in a variety of settings. Members of the Society are involved in activities that foster professional development and may be contacted to provide direct clinical service, public speaking or consultation.

For further information, visit: http://www.psychAPN.org

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Society of Psychiatric Advanced Practice Nurses / New Jersey State Nurses Association is dedicated to fostering excellence by assuring quality in professional practice through ongoing support, education, advocacy, and development of Psychiatric APNs