Author Archives: Dr. G

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About Dr. G

Dr. Stephen Grcevich serves as President and Founder of Key Ministry, a non-profit organization providing free training, consultation, resources and support to help churches serve families of children with disabilities. Dr. Grcevich is a graduate of Northeastern Ohio Medical University (NEOMED), trained in General Psychiatry at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation and in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at University Hospitals of Cleveland/Case Western Reserve University. He is a faculty member in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at two medical schools, leads a group practice in suburban Cleveland (Family Center by the Falls), and continues to be involved in research evaluating the safety and effectiveness of medications prescribed to children for ADHD, anxiety and depression. He is a past recipient of the Exemplary Psychiatrist Award from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). Dr. Grcevich was recently recognized by Sharecare as one of the top ten online influencers in children’s mental health. His blog for Key Ministry, www.church4everychild.org was ranked fourth among the top 100 children's ministry blogs in 2015 by Ministry to Children.

An Inclusive Movement

Posted on July 10, 2011 by Dr. G

Over the last couple of weeks, I’ve continued to have experiences that reinforce how important it is for Key Ministry to actively seek out other ministries and leaders who are passionate about sharing Christ’s love with families of kids with disabilities, to offer to support and network those ministries and leaders, and to share our platforms with them in order to assist them in expanding the impact of their ministries. Continue reading →

Posted in Hidden Disabilities, Key Ministry, Leadership, Resources | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

When Christian parents should seek out a Christian mental health professional

Posted on July 5, 2011 by Dr. G

Another situation in which parents of Christian kids should appropriately seek out a therapist with a Christian background occurs when a significant faith component exists to emotions, thoughts or perceptions that are a focus of concern to the parents. Continue reading →

Posted in Controversies, Families | Tagged , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Should Christian Parents Only Use Christian Mental Health Professionals?

Posted on July 2, 2011 by Dr. G

I think the critical issue for parents who have a kid in need of mental health care is finding a clinician with a track record of demonstrating excellence in what they do, regardless of that person’s belief system. Continue reading →

Posted in Mental Health, Parents, Strategies, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , | 7 Comments

Be Not Anxious…Is Medication Safe for Kids With Anxiety?

Posted on June 30, 2011 by Dr. G

One of the greatest ongoing controversies in the fields of child psychiatry and pediatrics is the question of how safe SSRIs are in children, teens and young adults. The safety issue of greatest concern involves reported risks of SSRIs increasing suicidal thoughts during the first 30-60 days of treatment in persons under the age of 25.
Continue reading →

Posted in Anxiety Disorders, Controversies | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Be Not Anxious…The Role of Medication for Kids With Anxiety

Posted on June 29, 2011 by Dr. G

Medication is appropriate for children who experience moderate to severe functional impairment from anxiety symptoms, fail to respond or respond incompletely to psychotherapy or experience one or more comorbid conditions that require concurrent treatment. Medication is also appropriate when anxiety symptoms interfere with the child’s ability to participate in or benefit from talk therapy, or situations when the family is unable to access therapy for geographic or financial reasons. Continue reading →

Posted in Anxiety Disorders, Controversies, Hidden Disabilities, Resources | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Be Not Anxious…Understanding Treatment of Anxiety Disorders in Kids

Posted on June 27, 2011 by Dr. G

In general, the most effective approach to treating kids with significant anxiety is a combination of medication and a very specific counseling approach referred to as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). Continue reading →

Posted in Anxiety Disorders, Hidden Disabilities, Resources | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

Rules of the Community…Everyone Gets to Play!

Posted on June 26, 2011 by Dr. G

Every person or organization with a love for Jesus Christ, a heart for sharing the Good News of His Gospel with kids with disabilities and their families and a demonstrable capacity to do ministry with a standard of excellence that advances God’s reputation in the world gets to “play” with our team. Continue reading →

Posted in Key Ministry, Leadership, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | 3 Comments

Be Not Anxious…Technology as a Ministry Tool for Kids With Anxiety?

Posted on June 23, 2011 by Dr. G

What if churches began to make use of available technology to keep kids who struggle to overcome their anxiety engaged with youth ministry? Could kids who are too shy to attend church or participate in small groups connect with a local church through an online worship experience, coupled with discussion facilitated and monitored by a youth pastor or group leader? Continue reading →

Posted in Anxiety Disorders, Hidden Disabilities, Inclusion, Strategies | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Be Not Anxious…What Causes Anxiety Disorders in Children?

Posted on June 22, 2011 by Dr. G

Welcome to our Summer Blog Series examining the impact of anxiety disorders on church participation and spiritual development in kids. Today, we’ll look at some of the causes of anxiety disorders in children and youth. Continue reading →

Posted in ADHD, Anxiety Disorders, Hidden Disabilities, Key Ministry | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Be Not Anxious…What Can Parents Do to Promote Spiritual Growth?

Posted on June 21, 2011 by Dr. G

Today, we’ll examine steps parents can take to help promote spiritual growth among children and teens with anxiety disorders.
Continue reading →

Posted in Anxiety Disorders, Families, Hidden Disabilities, Parents | Leave a comment