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.

How Dads are Impacted When Kids Have Disabilities

Posted on June 19, 2011 by Dr. G

Examination of contributing factors to the higher rates of depression seen among men with teen or young adult children with autism may help us better appreciate what it’s like to walk in the shoes of a father of a child with a significant disability. Continue reading →

Posted in Autism, Families, Key Ministry, Parents | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Be Not Anxious…Small Groups, Retreats and Mission Trips

Posted on June 15, 2011 by Dr. G

Today, we’ll continue our look at challenges church participation poses for children and teens with anxiety disorders by looking at several potentially anxiety-inducing experiences…small groups, retreats and mission trips. Continue reading →

Posted in Anxiety Disorders, Inclusion, Ministry Environments, Strategies | Tagged , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Be Not Anxious…”Doing Church” With Separation Anxiety or Panic Disorder

Posted on June 13, 2011 by Dr. G

Today, we’ll continue our look at challenges church participation poses for children and teens with anxiety disorders by discussing specific situations likely to cause distress for kids with separation anxiety and panic disorder.
Continue reading →

Posted in Anxiety Disorders, Inclusion, Key Ministry, Stories, Strategies | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Challenges Kids With Anxiety Face in “Doing Church”

Posted on June 12, 2011 by Dr. G

A child with significant anxiety will likely face multiple impediments to full participation in the children’s or youth ministry of their local church. The specific thoughts, experiences and situations that create obstacles to participation and growth will be unique to each child, but the list below describes common challenges parents and church staff can anticipate when ministering to children and youth with anxiety. Continue reading →

Posted in Anxiety Disorders, Hidden Disabilities, Inclusion, Key Ministry, Resources, Stories, Strategies | Tagged , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Be Not Anxious…Conditions That Can Mimic Anxiety in Children and Teens

Posted on June 9, 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 other conditions that can mimic signs and symptoms of anxiety in children and teens. Continue reading →

Posted in Anxiety Disorders, Key Ministry | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Be Not Anxious…Signs That a Child Might Struggle With Anxiety (Part Two):

Posted on June 8, 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 complete our look at signs church staff, volunteers and parents might observe in the child struggling with anxiety. Continue reading →

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Be Not Anxious…Signs That a Child Might Struggle With Anxiety (Part One):

Posted on June 6, 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 begin to look at signs church staff, volunteers and parents might observe in the child struggling with anxiety Continue reading →

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

Be Not Anxious: The Many Faces of Anxiety in Kids

Posted on June 5, 2011 by Dr. G

Welcome to our Summer Blog Series examining the impact of anxiety disorders on church participation and spiritual development in kids. In today’s post, we’ll look at the different ways in which anxiety disorders occur manifest in kids. Continue reading →

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What Can the Church Do to Help Families of Kids With Mental Illnesses?

Posted on June 3, 2011 by Dr. G

What would you like to see the church do to better serve families of kids with mental illnesses? Aware of any innovative strategies employed by churches or small group within churches that have helped to demonstrate the love of Christ while meeting immediate needs? Please post comments and links below. Continue reading →

Posted in Hidden Disabilities, Inclusion, Key Ministry, Strategies | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Be Not Anxious…How Common are Anxiety Disorders in Kids?

Posted on June 2, 2011 by Dr. G

Kids with anxiety disorders are different from their peers in that they misperceive the level of threat or danger in their environment. Fear and worry become a cause for concern when they significantly interfere with a child’s ability to function in an age-appropriate way in school, with friends, as a member of their family or in extracurricular activities, including church.
Continue reading →

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