Children’s Cove Hires Mental Health Clinician to Meet Need
Limited Behavioral Health Resources Bring Servies In-House
January 29, 2024 (Barnstable, Mass.) – Children’s Cove, The Cape & Islands Child Advocacy Center, announced today the hiring of Deena Anderson as its new Mental Health Clinician to meet the increasing need of specialized clinical services in the area. This position represents an additional expansion of services provided by the Barnstable County Government organization to meet increasing need from growing referrals.
Increased referrals to Children’s Cove for allegations and concerns of sexual abuse and exploitation of children have kept the direct services team busy. As a part of its mission and services following the investigative elements of their work, team members make coordinated referrals for support services in the community. However, the need for specialized clinical services have outpaced the behavioral health service available.
“We are seeing more cases with complex clinical needs, and more than that, an immediate need for services.” said Children’s Cove Director, Stacy Gallagher. “Children and families sometimes must be on waiting lists for months, or longer, to get the clinical services they need following trauma. We have an obligation to create an opportunity for children to be supported sooner.”
Deena Anderson joins Children’s Cove as its first direct Mental Health Clinician in nearly 10 years. As children with specialized clinical needs, or a more immediate need for clinical services, access Children’s Cove services, Deena will provide trauma-informed clinical services to support the child and family. Deena received her Master’s Degree in Clinical Social Work from the University of Central Florida and has worked in various mental health and therapeutic roles across Cape Cod. Deena has specialized in individual and family therapy utilizing a person-centered and strength-based approach. Deena utilizes a variety of therapeutic modalities in her personal practice including Motivational Interviewing (MI), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Internal Family Systems (IFS). Deena previously provided individual and family therapy at Child & Family Services and with Gosnold Behavioral Health as a Substance Use Counselor and School-Based Clinician. A significant focus in her work has been anxiety management and helping her clients live more fulfilling lives with less stress and worry by helping them develop healthy coping strategies.
“As the needs for our community continue to rise, we are proud to be able to rise to meet it.” added Gallagher. “Deena is a wonderful addition to our team, and we know she will make a positive impact in the hope and healing of children who have come to the Cove.”
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ABOUT CHILDREN’S COVE
Children’s Cove, a department of Barnstable County, has been the Cape and the Island’s Children’s Advocacy Center since 1997. Children’s Cove provides coordinated and comprehensive multidisciplinary services to child victims of sexual abuse, physical abuse, witness to domestic violence and child sexual exploitation and trafficking. To learn more visit www.ChildrensCove.org
ABOUT BARNSTABLE COUNTY REGIONAL GOVERNMENT OF CAPE COD:
Barnstable County provides exemplary government functions and services to keep our community healthy and safe, promote sustainable growth, and offer a proactive, open government that enhances the quality of life for the citizens of Barnstable County. Learn more at www.capecod.gov
