Rogers' Specialists Address Childhood Anxiety Disorders at Wisconsin Family Based Services Association Conference

Stephanie C. Eken, M.D., and David M. Jacobi, Ph.D., members of the psychiatric team at Rogers Memorial Hospital, will present a workshop at the Wilderness Hotel and Golf Resort in Wisconsin Dells on May 8 as part of the Annual Conference of the Wisconsin Family Based Services Association (WFBSA). During their workshop, Dr. Eken and Dr. Jacobi will train attendees from throughout the state on “Childhood Anxiety Disorders: A comprehensive cognitive behavioral therapy-based treatment approach.”

Anxiety disorders are the most common childhood mental health problem; Dr. Eken and Dr. Jacobi will discuss one of the most debilitating – obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). The first part of their presentation will review diagnostic criteria for common anxiety disorders and present detailed information about current prescriptive treatments for anxiety and OCD, including medication and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), along with exposure-based interventions and alternative therapies such as meditation and mindfulness. The second part will discuss information developed for Parent University, an educational program offered for parents of children with childhood anxiety disorders and behavioral management strategies at Rogers’ residential treatment program in the Child Center.

Dr. Eken was recently named Rogers’ first regional medical director and is the medical director of the Child Center. She is a triple board-certified pediatrician, child and adolescent psychiatrist and adult psychiatrist. Dr. Jacobi is clinical supervisor of CBT Services and primarily works with pediatric and eating disorder residential patients who need treatment for OCD and other anxiety disorders.

The WFBSA is committed to providing education and support for individuals and agencies, and to advocating for policies and practices which respect the diversity and dignity of families. The WFBSA annual conference offers professional development training and networking opportunities to practitioners in child and family services, mental health clinics and juvenile justice programs, along with educators, child protective services workers, case managers, child and family advocates, supervisors and other human services staff.