In my presentation this year at the IALMH (International Academy of Law and Mental Health), I am collaborating with a number of outstanding individuals who hold more clout than I do in the academic and court room arenas. That said I’m going forward with my presentation on protecting communities by identifying school aged, ‘at risk’ criminal minded young people and talking resources. At Stanford University, I previously presented on this topic, and it was well received.  

Why this topic? I am appearing in a Bay area court late August to testify on a very important case with a young person from Northern California. I hope to bring home the point of my discussion that there is more to the puzzle, and treatment planning needs to be crucial part of the mix — even for offenders. Once we’re over the hearing, I will report on what was learned, but that said I will hit the highlights in my presentation in Prague.

ThisI’m back in Dublin and London this week to meet with partners, colleagues, school staff, and mental health and addiction professionals. But what I’m very excited about is in meeting with new clients who are viewing options both here in the UK and the US. It takes someone with knowledge and expertise. It takes the American Psychologist! www.americanpsychologist.nl
Tot Ziens!

Tucson in January can be quite chilly. 0 Celsius (and below) at night. The warmth came from meeting my colleagues in the behavior, mental health, recovery, and special needs industry. Here at NATSAP is where the planets come together, and the best share their insights and research on ‘what works’. NATSAP is an organisation we support, and pleased to be a professional member.

If you have a family member who needs specialised care, and the trust of an industry that cares, then we can help. We provide guidance and follow through to families anywhere in the world who need this concierge service. And we do provide services anywhere in the world.

It start with a conversation. If we can’t provide you the best residential options, we will refer you to who can, including local options such as therapeutic support. We would love to help you. and we communicate fast to set up appointments via face-to-face or teleconference via SKYPE.

In case you’re wondering, here in Tucson nobody is at the pool! It’s chilly and everyone at the conference is feeling the warmth of the National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs or NATSAP.

Dr Mark Burdick

DARROW SCHOOL is the first stop.

Small, individualised curriculum, project based learning provides incentives for students to learn in their own unique ways.

See how a senior class water management science turned into a community fixture. A true ‘family style’ type of boarding and semi-day school.

There is even a 3D printer making original projects come alive. From the original Shaker furniture to today’s technology, Darrow is providing a unique educational route for those students who are up for the challenge.

EMMA WILLIARD the second stop. All girls, architecturally inspired campus, art science and math focused.

These young ladies do some heavy academic lifting to get into the sought-after colleges and even receive research based scholarships from George Washington U., among others. An international exchange program to boot. Most inspiring are the signature projects, where these young ladies find their passion and go with it: whether it be de-stymigtizing mental illness, choreograph dancing in NYC, or writing children’s books. Each follows their own passion.

HOOSAC is our third stop. On a nice fall day when the leaves are turning colours, I can’t imagine where else you’d rather play outdoor sports.

Certainly the number of AP courses got out attention, and the students were from all over — Canada, Netherlands, China, and many more. In fact the international population is roughly at this time, fifty percent of the boarders and that says a lot about the diversity.

The Irish have a saying “Go hÉirinn le frown agus saoire le gáire.” I’m not sure what it means but I feel better already. 500 school partners and growing. Seen here is one of these partners, DIT, and I’m their agent in bringing great candidates to attend a college that is affordable and well established — now well over 150 years old as an school offering a wide range of vocational and certification in various courses.

I’m confident I can provide you with an option that is both affordable and unique whether it be an undergraduate in music technology or a master’s degree in a sought after field of study. Ireland provides unique opportunities and we’d love to share more!