Sand Hills Community 
     Wellness Center

 

Social media has the power to connect people across the globe — but it also comes with risks, especially for young users. This course explores the complex relationship between social media and youth mental health, starting with strategies for healthy and mindful use.

 

Participants will examine how platforms can influence mental well-being, with a focus on issues such as anxiety, depression, body image, sleep disruption, disordered eating, low self-esteem, and peer pressure. The course also addresses the neurological effects of social media, including its addictive potential and the role of dopamine in the brain's reward system.

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Additional topics include cyberbullying and prevention strategies to create safer online environments. By the end of the course, participants will have a deeper understanding of both the benefits and challenges of social media use — and tools to promote mental wellness in an increasingly connected world.

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About Rita

Rita Camarillo is a Licensed Professional Counselor, and Senior Training & Consultation Specialist with Rutgers Behavioral Research & Training Institute for the Children’s System of Care Training Program in New Jersey. She graduated from the College of St. Elizabeth in 2004 with a Masters in Counseling Psychology degree. She completed her undergraduate degree at Rutgers University. Rita has over 25 years of experience working in behavioral health beginning her career as a youth and family counselor at a domestic violence center.

 

Since 2004 Rita has worked in different capacities within the Children’s System of Care including Children's Mobile Response Crisis Intervention Specialist, Mobile Response Program Coordinator, Behavioral Assistant, and Intensive In-Community Clinician. Rita has been utilizing the Crisis Assessment Tool (CAT) and Strength and Needs Assessment (SNA) since 2004 and recently became a certified trainer. Rita provides individual and family therapy services to many immigrant communities and currently trains on immigrant trauma and best practices working with immigrants. She speaks several languages including Spanish and Arabic and is proud to be a certified Nurtured Heart Approach Trainer.