Pixels & Sand EP5 - Lesley Simpson-Gray
On today's episode of Pixel and Sand, we speak with Lesley Simpson-Gray. She's an innovator, psychotherapist, and on the forefront of using technology within sessions, whether it be VR or in digital ecosystem.
"Youth" typically refers to ages 16–24, and while the focus on youth mental health has been encouraging, children under 16 are often left out of the conversation. Challenges like parental consent and stigma make it harder to collect data and address their needs.
"Our system of evaluating and researching really needs to include this age group for us to take the appropriate steps to put in safeguards and really address them."
- Dr. Elizabeth Cawley, Chief Clinical Officer
In this interview of Pixels & Sand, Brendan Herjavec and Dr. Elizabeth Cawley discuss:
💡Why kids under 17 are excluded from mental health research.
💡The importance of early intervention—70% of mental health issues start before 18.
💡Solutions like mental health education, reducing stigma, and investing in timely care.