Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

For more information about mental health topics, medication, and youth issues visit:

American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

Food and Drug Administration

American Academy of Pediatrics

National Institute of Mental Health

Youths and families often have many questions about mental health care at the JTDC. IRC health professionals from the psychiatric and psychosocial departments are available to discuss your concerns.

Questions about working with IRC mental health professionals

Why are you talking to me? I’m not crazy.

Mental health professionals work with all the youths at JTDC to keep them clear-headed and sober while they work out their plans for court and, if needed, their plans for working a restorative justice plan. We find that youths greatly benefit when they learn how to avoid risky behavior, and develop skills in anger management, handling peer pressure, and reducing substance abuse risks.

What good does talking do? I have problems with the law.
Talking, listening, and discussing are good ways to think through problems and find solutions. Youths at JTDC often have many problems that need to be identified and taken into consideration when planning a path to better health. Thinking about and learning better ways to control behavior greatly helps the court rehabilitate the problems stemming from the youth and from their environment.

Why do I have to learn about drug abuse dangers and anger management skills? It won’t help in my neighborhood.
True, if youths get pulled back into the social and physical environment that landed them in JTDC, the healthier skills learned here will have limited use. However, anger management skills can be practiced, and knowing about risk-taking behaviors can lead youths to more positive alternatives in school, and in community and religious environments. IRC mental health professionals have an active linkage program to connect youth in Cook County neighborhoods, and many IRC staff members volunteer their time after their normal work week to build these programs.

Questions about medication

Using psychotropic medication to treat mental health illness is a complex decision. Be sure to discuss this option with your doctor. Also be aware that, to be most effective, medication treatment should be accompanied by individual therapy, family therapy, and behavioral therapy.

What should I ask the doctor and mental health care provider before taking a medication?

What is my child being treated for? What is the diagnosis?
How well established and accepted is the use of this medication in children and adolescents?
How long will my child have to take the medication? Does my child have to take it forever?
What are the side effects?
Does my child need to avoid any foods or activities while on the medication?
Will my child become dependent on the medication?
Will my child need to have laboratory tests before taking the medication? Will it be necessary to have blood levels of the medication checked or other laboratory tests while my child is on the medication?
How much does the medication cost? Is a generic form available and as effective?
How will my child be monitored while on the medication? Who will be responsible for monitoring my child’s response to the medication?
If we don’t use medication, what other treatments can we use for my child’s illness?

Using psychiatric medicine, along with the court’s rehabilitation program, can be one of the best ways to help a youth return to a healthier normal adolescence. Youths and families need to work closely with community physicians and health/mental health care providers to determine the type of medication, monitor dosages, and make necessary adjustments as youths mature from adolescence to young adulthood.

Important! Once prescribed, never stop taking a psychotropic medication without consulting a doctor. Some medications cause unwanted, even dangerous, side effects if stopped quickly or not taken as prescribed. Be sure to discuss and coordinate any change in medication treatment with doctors and mental health care providers.

Where can I find more information about mental health topics, medication, and youth issues?
These organizations have information and resources on a wide variety of subjects on their websites:

American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (www.aacap.org). This site includes many helpful resources for families. Go to “Facts for Families.” You’ll find free information sheets on a variety of topics – from medication to diagnosis – in English and Spanish.
Food and Drug Administration (www.fda.gov)
American Academy of Pediatrics (www.aap.org)
NIMH, National Institute of Mental Health (www.nimh.nih.gov)