Thriving Youth Darien To Host Parent Workshop On Teen Communication And Mental Health

DARIEN, CT — Thriving Youth Darien is scheduled to host a virtual presentation and workshop for parents and other community members on Wednesday, Jan. 21, based on findings from the 2025 Thriving Youth Darien Youth Survey.

The event, titled "You, Your Teen and Effective Communication: What They’re Thinking and How to Talk About It," will run from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. and is open to the public with free registration, according to the organization.

The program will begin with a presentation on major trends from the 2025 Darien Youth Survey, which was administered in partnership with Darien Public Schools to students in grades 6 through 12. The survey examines topics including mental health, substance use, stress and protective factors associated with youth development.

"These survey results give our young people a voice," said Thriving Youth Darien Program Director Sarah McCarty. "They help Thriving Youth Darien and our community partners move beyond assumptions and respond to what youth in Darien are actually experiencing and saying they need. This data allows us to focus our efforts where they matter most and to better support the well-being of our children."

Following the presentation, parents will take part in an interactive workshop led by Dr. Amanda Craig, a licensed marriage and family therapist and author of "Who Are You and What Have You Done with My Kid," and Rebecca Campbell, LCSW, director of therapy services for Sasco River Center.

The facilitators are scheduled to guide participants through strategies for discussing mental health, substance use and other sensitive topics with children, based on themes reflected in the survey. The session is expected to include opportunities for discussion, skill practice and questions.

Thriving Youth Darien is a volunteer coalition of local organizations focused on youth mental health and substance use prevention.