Charma D. Dudley, PhD, FPPR, is a licensed psychologist and also employed as the Clinical Director at Family Resources, a private non profit agency that provides prevention and treatment services to families affected by abuse and neglect. Dr. Dudley also is a Peer Advisor for Value Behavioral Health of Western Pennsylvania.

In private practice, Dr. Dudley specializes in the treatment of children and adolescents with affective disorder illnesses (depression, anxiety) and behavioral problems. She previously held positions as Clinical Services Director for Three Rivers Youth, Children's Unit Director at Staunton Clinic Sewickley Valley Hospital and Senior Psychiatric Clinician for impatient children's treatment units at Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic. Dr. Dudley is also a consultant and trainer for behavioral health and social service agencies in the areas of cultural competency, mental health concerns for children and adolescents, diagnostic assessment, clinical documentation, child abuse, cognitive behavioral treatment and other therapeutic approaches. She is the author of Treating Depressed Children published by New Harbingers and has achieved diplomat certification in Psychopharmacology from the Prescribing Psychologist Register. Dr. Dudley is a member of the American Psychological Association and Pennsylvania Psychological Association. Dr. Dudley currently serves on the Board of Directors of the National Association for Mental Illinois (Western Pennsylvania) and holds the position of Vice President. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Alpha Alpha Omega Chapter, and the Junior League of Pittsburgh.

Topics Dr. Dudley can address:

• Depression in children & adolescents (Is my child bad? Or, maybe he's sad?)
  20 plus years ago mental health providers in the field of psychology and psychiatry did not believe that children suffered from disorders such as clinical depression. We all know that everyone feels sad, blue or down in the dumps at times, however if a child or adolescent is sad, irritable or angry most of the time…the problem may be depression. Dr. Dudley will provide information about how to educate yourself and learn more about the symptoms of depression, a condition that is a very common disorder in children. For instance, It is estimated that up to 4% of children in the United States suffer from clinical depression and for adolescents some reports indicate a percentage anywhere from 6- 9%. These numbers are based on children in the population that we know about, however, Dr. Dudley believes that there are so many other children who are depressed and they may not be aware of it. She wants to educated the public on how to recognize the signs of depression in children.
   
• Depression in women
  Depression is the most common mental health disorder and has been referred to as the “Common Cold” of mental health conditions for women. Dr. Dudley believes many women should receive treatment for depression when they are feeling sad, blue, down in the dumps or just plain irritable.
   
• Mental Health Disparities in African American Children
  Do you know that children and adolescents with untreated mental health issues are more likely to drop out of school, be unemployed, abuse drugs and alcohol, become physically ill and serve time in jail? The following prevalence rates listed below are a concern to Dr. Dudley:
  
  - 1 out of 5 children has a diagnosable mental, emotional or behavioral disorder.
  - 1 in 10 children suffer from a serious emotional disturbance or mental health problem.
  - The U.S. Surgeon General’s 2000 Report on Children’s Mental Health estimates that 1 in 5 children and adolescents will experience a significant mental health problem during their school years.
  - 70% of children with a known diagnosis will not receive mental health services.
  
  These rates and facts may be somewhat alarming -and are really down right scary. Another discouraging bit of information is that there are significant ethnic and racial disparities. African American and Latino children are less likely to have access to mental health services and the care they often receive is of poorer quality. Dr. Dudley believes this issue needs to be addressed across the country and locally.
   
• Suicide Rates on The Rise in African American Population
  Suicide or suicidal ideation can be a symptom of depression however everyone who is depressed does not consider suicide. However each day in the United States 6 youth under 20 commit suicide according to the Children’s Defense Fund. What we are seeing now is an increase in the suicide rate for youth with a particular increase in African American Youth. For instance, between 1980 and 1995 the suicide rate among African American children ages 10-14 increased 233 percent, whereas for white youth the rate has increased 120%.
  
  Overall suicide rates in the general population is lower among African Americans, however the suicide rates among young black males are as high as those for young white males. Dr. Dudley contends the reason for these rates are due to the fact that African Americans have experienced a long history of oppression, economic hardships, incarceration and homelessness. Additionally, she speaks about how many African American children are involved in the foster care and child welfare system--and this has contributed to the increased suicide rates that are on the rise--in the African American population.

Dr. Dudley can also discuss issues regarding child abuse, offer parenting techniques, and discuss managing Stress in the 21st Century.

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