In response to community needs, Youth Eastside Services (YES) has kicked off a collaboration with Seattle Children’s Hospital that expands its psychiatric services.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 13–20 percent of children living in the United States experience a mental disorder in a given year — and additional research has shown the prevalence of these conditions is growing.

“We heard from parents and the community that they wanted our psychiatric services to be more accessible,” said YES Executive Director Patti Skelton-McGougan. “We’re excited to be able to better meet the needs of the families we serve.”

The expansion was prompted in part by the retirement of Dr. Robert McConaughy, YES’ current psychiatric provider. In McConaughy’s place, YES has hired two new practitioners, who will work with YES’ therapists and clinical directors to support youth and families in YES’ care:

· Robyn Bennetts, ARNP, has been a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner for 10 years. She has extensive experience in treating a variety of social and emotional issues in children and adolescents including ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, depression and more. She also has experience treating behavioral issues including anger, substance use, excessive video game and technology use, and others. Before joining YES, Bennetts held Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner positions at Fairfax Hospital, Group Health and Navos.

· Rebecca A. Hopkinson, MD, completed both medical school and her psychiatry residency in New York, and came to the West Coast to complete her specialty training in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the University of Washington. Hopkinson has a wide variety of interests, including mood and anxiety disorders, psychosis, dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) and LGBTQ issues.

“My goal is to help people at all stages of development achieve their greatest potential,” Bennetts said. “I consider it a privilege to help children and families on their journeys to optimum mental health.”