January 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
We are thrilled to introduce our newest team members!
Vanessa believes the therapeutic relationship is extremely important so she does her best to provide a safe, welcoming, and non-judgmental/non-intimidating environment. Vanessa’s clients can expect her to meet them where are, while providing psycho education, validation, motivation, coping skills, and overall support.
Elizabeth works to create a space with compassion and cultural humility, ensuring clients feel heard, validated, and empowered. Whether in moments of crisis, growth, or transition, her intention is to provide a safe environment where clients can reconnect with themselves and experience real, sustainable change.
At Healthy Minds, we believe healing and growth are supported by access to compassionate, practical resources.
Our new Resource Hub offers a curated gateway to tools and support systems designed to meet the diverse needs of our community. Our Assessment Resources have a wealth of assets to ease the process of private and school assessments. Whether you're seeking crisis support, navigating family or caretaker roles, or looking for counseling connections, our Community Resources section is here to guide you. You’ll also find our Healthy Minds articles and forms for reference. Each category is thoughtfully organized to help you take the next step with clarity and confidence.
Understanding Autism Assessments: Benefits and Expectations for Parents and Kids
An autism assessment is a crucial step in understanding and navigating the unique needs of a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This comprehensive evaluation involves a combination of standardized tests, detailed observations, and interviews with both the child and their caregivers, providing a thorough profile of the child’s developmental strengths and challenges. The primary benefit of such an assessment lies in its ability to identify specific areas where the child may require support, allowing for the development of personalized interventions and strategies that cater to their unique needs. Early diagnosis through an autism assessment is pivotal, as timely interventions can lead to significant improvements in the child’s quality of life, fostering a nurturing environment for growth and development. Parents can expect a supportive process that not only sheds light on their child’s experiences but also equips them with the tools and strategies to help their child thrive.
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.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) at Home
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: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) at Home
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder that affects communication and behavior. Recognizing these symptoms early can aid in providing the necessary support and intervention.
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
Ask Dr. Lemke
Welcome to our newest edition, where our fearless leader, Dr. Kara Lemke, answers questions from our readers.
"Is it normal that my child still isn’t talking much at age 3?"
It's natural for parents to have concerns about their child's development, especially when it comes to speech. While every child develops at their own pace, most children begin to string words together into short phrases by the age of three. If your child isn't talking much at this age, it's understandable to feel concerned. Here's what you need to know:
Is It Normal for a 3-Year-Old Not to Talk Much?
While it isn't uncommon for children to develop at different rates, by age three, many children are starting to form basic sentences. If your child is not doing so, it may be a sign that they could benefit from additional support.
Understanding Speech Delays
There are various reasons why a child might experience speech delays. Many children benefit from early speech interventions, which can range from short-term to more extended periods of therapy. Importantly, a speech delay at age three does not necessarily indicate long-term challenges or impact your child's future potential.
The Importance of Early Assessment
To determine if your child could benefit from speech therapy, it's highly recommended to schedule an assessment with a speech and language pathologist. These professionals can identify any underlying issues and provide guidance on the best course of action to support your child's speech development.
Trust Your Intuition
It's common for parents to consult their pediatrician when they have concerns about their child's development. While some pediatricians may be proactive in referring children to specialists, others might not see the need. If you feel your concerns are not being adequately addressed, trust your parental intuition. Seeking a specialist's opinion can be crucial, as early intervention plays a significant role in childhood development.
In summary, while it can be concerning if your child isn't talking much by age three, seeking an assessment and being proactive about intervention can make a significant difference. Remember, each child is unique, and with the right support, they can thrive in their own time. We are here to help, whenever you’re ready.
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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