December Newsletter
Greetings, dear reader! We're thrilled to have you join us in this journey of exploration and discovery. Each month, you'll find a curated selection of insightful articles, thought-provoking discussions designed to enlighten and entertain, and announcements from Healthy Minds. Our mission is to bring a sense of curiosity and wonder to your day, providing you with content that not only informs but also enriches your perspective on your family dynamics. As you delve in, we hope to spark new ideas and foster a sense of connection within our vibrant community. Thank you for being a part of our readership, and we look forward to embarking on this adventure together.
What’s New
As a reminder, at Healthy Minds, we believe mental health care should be accessible, inclusive, and responsive to the diverse financial realities of our community. That’s why we offer income-based rates to support access for all.
How to Apply: You can request a sliding scale application during your phone consultation, or any time your financial standing changes by emailing info@healthymindscal.com. We’ll guide you through the process and answer any questions you may have. Existing clients may access the sliding scale application form here at any time and are welcome to reach out to us with any questions at info@healthymindscal.com. Please Note: You will be prompted to sign into your Google account prior to accessing this form.
Know Your Rights: Navigating Special Education & IEPs
Our fearless leader, Dr. Lemke, is one of the featured guest speakers at the upcoming event Know Your Rights: Navigating Special Education & IEPs. This is a FREE 1 hour event happening in January, and we encourage anyone with questions regarding IEPs to attend!
Date & Time: January 21, 2026, 6:00 PM (GMT-07:00) Pacific Time (US & Canada)
Location: Aracely Lounge, Danville
To register for this free event, please click the button below! Feel free to reach out to us with any questions at info@healthymindscal.com.
Social Emotional Learning
Healthy Minds offers a diverse range of articles that cater to the unique challenges and opportunities families face as they navigate various stages of growth and development. We delve into essential topics such as balancing home life and school demands, fostering social play among children, and cultivating healthy habits that benefit the entire family. Each article is designed to be educational, relatable, and supportive, providing valuable perspectives that encourage healing and growth within family dynamics.
This month, we are highlighting: Social Emotional Learning
Social Emotional Learning (SEL) is an educational framework that focuses on developing the emotional intelligence and social skills of children. It involves teaching children how to understand and manage their emotions, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions.
If you have any questions, or would like additional information, on this month's article topic, reach out to us anytime! Do you have a topic you would like to learn more about? Reach out to us anytime at: info@healthymindscal.com. We would love to hear from you!
This Month at Healthy Minds
This month at Healthy Minds, we have a number of events for your family to consider.
Introducing Our New Swiftie Group!
Welcome to our Taylor Swift Writing Themed Youth Group Therapy! This 8-week program is designed to explore and enhance emotional expression and self-discovery through the art of writing, inspired by the lyrical genius of Taylor Swift. Each session will focus on different themes and writing techniques, encouraging participants to share their stories and connect with others in a supportive environment. This group will be rolling admission and enrollment in group can occur at any time.
Science Group, Winter
Welcome to the Science Group! This eight-session group will focus on improving executive function (EF) skills through engaging and educational science experiments. Each session is designed to foster skills such as planning, problem-solving, working memory, flexibility, and inhibitory control. By the end of this program, participants will not only have improved their executive function skills but also gained a deeper appreciation for the scientific process. Let's embark on this exciting journey together! This group will be rolling admission and enrollment in group can occur at any time.
Dungeons & Dragons Group, Winter
Now introducing our D&D Group! This creative and immersive eight-session experience is designed to help participants develop vital social, emotional, and cognitive skills while embarking on thrilling adventures in a fantasy world. Our sessions incorporate therapeutic elements to encourage self-expression, teamwork, problem-solving, and resilience. This group will be rolling admission and enrollment in group can occur at any time.
Teen Social Group for Girls, Winter
This group will emphasize social interactions and the sharing of common experiences and challenges faced by young teen girls. Join us as we navigate these commonalities together in a safe and welcoming environment. This group will be rolling admission and enrollment in group can occur at any time.
Coming Soon!
2026 Group Line-Up
Keep an eye out for our spring group line-up in the next few months!
Spring Groups: 3/1/26 - 5/31/26
Summer Groups: 6/1/26 - 8/15/26
Fall Groups: 8/16/26 - 10/31/26
Healthy Hacks
Tech-Savvy Parenting: Managing Screen Time and Online Safety
Navigating the digital landscape as a parent can be challenging, but with the right tools and understanding, you can ensure your child's online experience is positive and safe. Here are some strategies to help you manage screen time and promote online safety effectively:
Set Clear Boundaries
Establishing clear guidelines around screen time can help create a balanced digital life. Consider implementing the following:
—> Designate Tech-Free Zones: Keep certain areas of the home, like the dining room or bedrooms, free of screens to encourage face-to-face interaction and relaxation.
—> Create a Schedule: Develop a daily or weekly schedule that includes specific times for screen use, ensuring that it doesn't interfere with homework, family time, or physical activity.
Educate and Empower
Empower your children with knowledge to make safe choices online:
—> Teach Online Etiquette: Discuss the importance of respectful communication and the impact of their digital footprint.
—> Explore Together: Spend time online with your children. This not only helps you understand their interests but also allows you to guide them in making smart choices.
Use Technology Wisely
Leverage technology to help manage screen time and enhance online safety:
—> Parental Controls: Utilize built-in parental controls on devices and apps to limit access to inappropriate content and set usage limits.
—> Monitoring Software: Consider software that tracks online activity to ensure your child’s safety, while respecting their privacy.
Encourage Open Communication
Maintain an open line of communication with your children regarding their online experiences:
—> Foster Trust: Encourage your children to come to you with any concerns or questions they have about their online interactions.
—> Discuss Consequences: Talk openly about the potential risks of online activities, such as cyberbullying and privacy breaches, and how to handle them.
By incorporating these practices into your parenting approach, you can help your children navigate the digital world confidently and safely. Remember, being tech-savvy is not just about understanding technology, but also about fostering a healthy digital relationship with your child.
As we draw this edition to a close, we want to remind you that our journey together doesn't end here. Your curiosity and enthusiasm are the heart of our community, and we're thrilled to have you with us. We invite you to stay connected and continue exploring the endless possibilities that await. Share your thoughts, and let us know what inspires you. If you haven't already, subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates and exclusive content. Together, let's keep the conversation going and make every moment count. See you next time!
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