Family Solutions Center Announces Addition of New Psychiatrist

BEAVERCREEK, OH - The Family Solutions Center in Beavercreek has announced the addition of a new physician to the staff. Theresa Blachly-Flanagan, M.D., joined the organization in September as a child and adolescent psychiatrist.

Formerly Integrated Youth Services, the Family Solutions Center (FSC) is part of TCN Behavioral Health Services, Inc., located in Xenia. The facility provides services for children and adolescents who are suffering from depression, anxiety, conduct disorders, behavioral and substance abuse issues, autism and family or parental problems.

Originally from Canton, Ohio, Blachly-Flanagan completed her undergraduate work at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology and natural sciences in 1991. Four years later, she earned her medical degree from the Boonshoft School of Medicine at Wright State University, finally serving her residency at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

As a student, one of Blachly-Flanagan's goals was to work with families and kids. "I always knew I wanted to be a doctor," she said. "I enjoyed my training in psychiatry and enjoy working with children and families."

Working at the Family Solutions Center is something of a homecoming for her. She had already spent about seven years with FSC's parent organization following the completion of her fellowship in 2000.

As part of FSC's comprehensive treatment team, Blachly-Flanagan assesses each patient and helps to direct the level of care needed. "I meet with children and parents for the initial diagnostic and assessments, followed then by weekly to monthly sessions to monitor overall progress," she explained, emphasizing that there is no single solution to any given problem.

Each program is designed not only to treat problems directly, but to educate those involved with a patient, from parents to school teachers. As a psychiatrist Blachley-Flanagan must sometimes prescribe medications in the course of treatment.

"When needed, using medication that has been well studied to help relieve symptoms can improve quality of life," she said. "The hope is that people will be able to function better overall in the future."

"Unlike what you might see on television, there is no one way to assess or treat a problem," Blachly-Flanagan continued. "There is no magic pill. You need to know the history and situation of each patient including medical, family and school, gathering as much information as possible."

Ultimately, the goal of the program is to guide patients and families through a broad range of difficulties and help them to be successful. "We look at the whole situation and try to help kids navigate through some of the chaos in their lives."

The Family Solutions Center, headed by Youth Medical Director Dr. Carmel Flores, is currently located at 1321 Research Park Drive in Beavercreek. For more information contact TCN Behavioral Health Services, Inc. by calling (937) 376-8701. TCN Behavioral Health Services, Inc. is a non-profit contract agency of the Mental Health & Recovery Board of Clark, Greene, and Madison County.