Akron, OH - 07-02-2007 - Moving forward into the 21st century, global climate changes are forcing people to make tough decisions about present-day lifestyles. Global warming is in the forefront of the news. We’re encouraged to recycle. Go green. But what about the emotional climate of society? What about the environment of the family home?

The whirlwind lifestyle of today’s modern family is straining traditional values and mental health issues are on the rise. Alarming statistics show a 50 percent divorce rate, more children being raised in fatherless homes, cases of abuse on the rise, and one in five Americans experiencing some sort of mental health problem or illness.

Mental health care, like physical health care, is important at all ages. Some problems are normal reactions to the stresses of life. A death in the family, unemployment, divorce, and the pressures of new parenthood are a few of the events that can cause disruptions in family living. Other issues stem from having too much to do and too little time to fit it all in. In some cases however, more severe mental dysfunctions are present and require on-going, competent and compassionate care.

Whatever the problem may be, the staff of Child Guidance & Family Solutions recognizes the importance of a community-based system of support and provides a network of services designed to address the mental health needs of adults, children, and families through state-of-the-art treatment, proven prevention measures and education.

“It is our goal to eliminate the stigma of mental health disorders and increase public awareness about the importance of protecting the emotional health of children and their families,” stated Elaine Harlin, president of Child Guidance & Family Solutions. “Today’s emotional problems are real, and many times very painful. We want to encourage parents and teachers to seek our help early and initiate an appropriate treatment program that will help children live happier, more productive lives.”

In the fast-moving and ever-changing cultural landscape of our society, the family unit must remain firmly-rooted and united against the storms of life. Child Guidance & Family Solutions works with schools, hospitals and community organizations to guide individuals and families toward improved mental health and ensure the future viability of our social climate.

Child Guidance & Family Solutions has remained Summit County’s leading provider of behavioral and mental healthcare to adults, children and families for close to 70 years. The Agency provides treatment and prevention services to over 4,000 children and 1,000 adults yearly and employs 150 professionals and support staff. Their counselors and care coordinators are also on-site in numerous area school districts. For more information please call (330) 762-0591 or visit www.cgfs.org.