BETTER COORDINATED CARE FOR ALL

Whether itʼs researching the opioid epidemic or supporting new mothers, Behavioral Health Counseling student Judy Liberatoscioli is focused on improving the continuum of care for diverse populations.

AN EARLY FOCUS ON MENTAL HEALTH

Liberatoscioliʼs interest in mental health began in middle school, when she saw a surge of LGBTQ teen suicides and witnessed her best friend struggling to come out to his family. “This all made me wonder why there is no system in place to handle youth who were bullied or depressed or exhibited any other mental health symptoms, but felt uncomfortable reaching out for help,” she says.

WORKING WITH A PURPOSE

Through a co-op at Drexelʼs Mother-Baby Connections, Liberatoscioli has seen new mothers make progress and transition into important ongoing support programs. “Itʼs great watching the depression scores drop, and to actually see it in the people.”

Her long-term goal is to improve mental health care for underserved populations, especially children and LGBTQ youth.

“I would like to work with youth, person to person, especially those who experienced trauma. I would also like to work in research policy, to create a better continuum of care for children going through trauma, violence at home, divorce, etc.”

“I think when you are living with purpose and doing things that move you toward your purpose, you notice it in your interactions and in the classroom and you think, ʻThis is something Iʼm going to take with me and put in my bag.' Itʼs going to get me closer to the person I want to be.”