“It lightens the load,” said Ms. Lee, whose depression has led her to think about suicide. “It brings peace, so I do not forget who I am.”

The garden, on the scraggly outskirts of town, is one of seven in Fresno created for immigrants, refugees and residents of impoverished neighborhoods with mental health money from the state. At the Slavic Community Garden, Ukrainian refugees persecuted for their religious beliefs in the Soviet Union now grow black currants for jam, dill for pickles and soups, and medicinal calendula flowers from Ukrainian seeds.

The thinking of community leaders and health professionals is that gardens can help foster resiliency and a sense of purpose for refugees, especially older ones, who are often isolated by language and poverty and experiencing depression and post-traumatic stress. Immigrant families often struggle to meet insurance co-payments, and culturally attuned therapists are in short supply.

The budget, about $171,000 a year for construction and maintenance of the community gardens and adjoining meeting spaces here, is made possible by the California Mental Health Services Act of 2004, which put a 1 percent tax on personal income of $1 million a year or more.

Spending state money this way has been controversial, with some advocates for those with mental illnesss arguing that gardens are an unaffordable frill in an era of diminishing resources. From 1995 to 2008, the state cut $700 million a year in core mental health services like psychiatric facilities.

“Should they be a priority when there is no evidence of how many seriously mentally ill are served?” asked Curtis A. Thornton, a member of the Fresno County Mental Health Advisory Board.

The one-fourth of the tax proceeds that is designated for prevention, early intervention and innovative approaches to care finances a range of roughly 400 projects throughout the state.

Many immigrant and refugee cultures do not have a tradition of formal mental health treatment, said Rocco Cheng, a psychologist and a director of the California Reducing Disparities Project, a statewide policy study. “Therapy is a Western concept,” he said. “The Hmong do not have a word for mental illness.” But, he said, they are well able to grasp the idea of mental, physical, spiritual and emotional wellness.

On a recent morning, Yer Vang, 53, sang a plaintive song about loneliness as she worked her rows of “zab zi liab,” a medicinal plant used to treat high blood pressure. Across the way, Mee Yang, a 65-year-old shaman, weeded long beans beside makeshift scarecrows made of rows of T-shirts slung over a wire. She said she suffered from diabetes and depression and worried about making ends meet (about 45 percent of Hmong children in Fresno County live in poverty, according to a recent report by the Asian Pacific American Legal Center and the Asian Law Caucus).

“This is my happiness,” Mrs. Yang said of the garden. “You feel the world in this place, and it brings you back home.”

Four of the seven gardens are dedicated to Southeast Asians, many of whom were subsistence farmers in their homelands. The Hmong garden was established two years ago by the Fresno Center for New Americans, a nonprofit refugee organization. During the Vietnam War, many Hmong experienced rape, starvation and the murder of family members. Mrs. Yang survived by eating longleaf jungle plants, “the kind Americans put in the mall to decorate,” she said.

Ghia Xiong, a psychologist with the center, is willing to meet clients on their own turf. He consults with the gardeners over a shovel instead of in an office. He said the garden “de-stigmatizes” mental health treatment by providing a safe place to talk. “Many Hmong have been in refugee camps, where there was fear and intimidation,” he said. “Then they get to America and it’s ‘O.K., open up.’ ”

Neng Yang, an outreach specialist with the center, said, “Sometimes you’ll drop by and see three or four ladies crying together, rain or shine.”

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TAHLEQUAH —
Promoting good mental wellness has been a practice since the mid-19th century.

The American psychiatrist Isaac Ray, one of the 13 founders of the American Psychiatric Association, said mental hygiene is an art to protect the mind against incidents and influences that could inhibit or destroy its energy, quality or development.

According to the Mental Health Foundation, good mental health, or wellness, is characterized by a person’s ability to learn, to feel, express and manage a range of positive and negative emotions; to form and maintain good relationships with others; and to cope with and manage change and uncertainty.

May is National Mental Health Month, and the core message being shared by many mental health advocates is that wellness is essential to living a full and productive life. Wellness isn’t simply the absence of disease, or disorder. It is the overall well-being that can be linked to the balance among a person’s emotional, physical, spiritual and mental health, according to Mental Health America.

Every individual experiences stress presented by daily activities at school, work or other situations, and it is important to recognize someone in need of support. Common signs in children or adults include a noticeable change in daily activity, said Calming Connections Clinical Director Dr. Laurna Champ.

“Common signs that there may be something going on mental health-wise or behavior health-wise is significant or sudden changes in behaviors – from sudden changes in a child’s or an adult’s actions or reactions or interaction styles. For example, if the child or the adult is generally involved in everyday activities and suddenly withdraws or significantly decreases that, it’s something to be aware of,” she said. “Or, if they’re moving along in life pretty smoothly and all of a sudden they start being gone every evening or not coming home at the same general time they did. Or significant change in activities at school, grade changes. It doesn’t mean there’s something wrong, but it means you might want to look at what’s going on here.”

Other changes could be significant changes in eating or sleeping habits, Champ said.

“With children particularly, we get growth patterns going on. Sometimes children eat a lot more right before they start growing or a lot less. And the same with sleep,” she said. “If it’s the week school’s out or the week before Christmas, they might sleep less. But if it’s a regular, typical time of the year and we see the child, or an adult, sleeping a lot more or a lot less, that could be something to look at.”

Steps recommended by MHA to build and maintain well-being include a balanced diet, regular exercise, enough sleep, a sense of self-worth, development of coping skills that promote resiliency, emotional awareness and connections to family, friends and the community. Making regular visits to a medical or mental health professional is also suggested.

When a person knows he or she may have a problem, it is important to talk to a  trusted person, said Champ.

“Find somebody in the community you trust, whether it’s with the church or someone you work with, and certainly in Tahlequah there are many mental health, behavioral health agencies if you have insurance,” she said. “You would want to call your insurance and find out what agencies cover your insurance. If it’s a child and you have SoonerCare, you would want to make sure the agency takes SoonerCare. You may just want to go to talk your pastor or youth director. Or if it’s during the school year, children can go talk to their teachers or their school counselors.”

Solutions Behavioral Health, at Tahlequah City Hospital, is a 10-bed inpatient behavioral health unit for people over 60 years old, said SBH Program Director Christy Hern.

“We provide inpatient care for individuals who require mental or emotional treatment in a setting that can also address medical needs. Each patient participates in an individualized course of treatment, combining group therapies, individual counseling, therapeutic activities, family support and family education,” she said. “Our goal is to rehabilitate the whole person and return him or her to a more useful, productive and positive life.”

Hern said challenges patients may be facing include loss of a lifetime companion, loss of family and friends, declining physical and mental health, loss of independence, financial constraints, changes in self-image, unrealized expectations about the golden years, and changes in their professional, personal and financial life due to retirement.

To help reduce suicide and accidental gun-related injuries or death, Cherokee Nation Behavioral Health is providing gun locks through a grant provided by the Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Suicide Prevention Program. Lee was a senator’s son who committed suicide, and Congress set aside funds for suicide prevention efforts, said CNBH Prevention Program Supervisor Melissa Pitts Johnson. The grant program is its second year.

“One of the things research shows us is that in states where there is a high percentage of gun ownership, we typically have higher rates of completion for suicide,” she said. “One of the ways that we can combat that is through what’s called means restriction. Just locking up your gun can be a deterrent, and it’s basic violence prevention. It’s just good safety and gun ownership [practice].”

Johnson said 5,000 Master Lock units, which come equipped with sticker-labeled locks presenting a toll-free suicide prevention hotline, have been purchased through the grant. About 1,500 to 2,000 units have been distributed so far, and scheduling of times and dates at clinics in the 14-county area is under way to distribute the remaining locks.

“The state has been passing them out in a concentrated area, mainly around Oklahoma City, for several years now, and they’ve have been able to track, anecdotally, that it has decreased incidents of suicide,” said Johnson. “ And they’re working with the life line to track how many people are calling that life line because they read that number on the lock. Creek Nation has a grant, too, as does the Kiowa Nation. So we’re all kind of working together to strategically spread out our money for suicide prevention across Oklahoma and trying to work together so  the messaging is consistent. So all over Oklahoma we’re doing similar things, and we’re engaging in the same kind of activities so that nobody is missed.”

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In this week’s Your Money, Declan Curry looks at the help available for people trying to buy a new home, and security concerns about smart meters.

He also speaks to Jane Harris of Rethink Mental Illness about the way money issues can add to mental health problems.

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Today, we know that mental illnesses are biological and that many have a genetic predisposition. We know that they can be successfully treated and we have a growing number of effective, research-based interventions at our disposal.

More people than ever are aware of these facts and are willing to seek help. Through Mental Health First Aid, we have a public health approach to helping those affected. Every day we learn more and we expand the scientific base of diagnosis and treatment.

In the last 50 years, we have moved from assessing these illnesses on the basis of moral judgments and abstract theories to research-based clusters of symptoms and the recent decision by the National Institutes of Mental Health to seek “to transform diagnosis by incorporating genetics, imaging, cognitive science, and other levels of information to lay the foundation for a new classification system.”

The intent is to bring about a revolution in science and practice through “collecting the genetic, imaging, physiologic, and cognitive data to see how all the data — not just the symptoms — cluster and how these clusters relate to treatment response.” his approach will more decisively than ever before close the gap between “health care” and “behavioral health care” (NIMH, 2013 —­ About NIMH Director’s Blog Posts from 2013, Transforming Diagnosis, Thomas Insel, April 29).

We will have the ability to map the physical markers of these illnesses and — just as the tests run in general medicine — to guide diagnosis and treatment based on these markers.

But there is more reason for excitement. Treatment of mental illnesses and substance use disorders are often lumped together under the rubric of “behavioral health.” The use of the term reflects the frequent prevalence of disturbances in behavior that are often the most visible indicators of these illnesses. Science-based shifts in our understanding, along with growing societal acceptance of mental illnesses as treatable conditions, are bringing mental illness into the heart of health care.

Among the most significant drivers of health care cost is the prevalence of unhealthy behaviors. Improving health behaviors — like exercise, healthy eating and smoking cessation — can dramatically improve health outcomes and decrease health care costs. These changes require people to change lifestyle — to alter their perceptions and emotional reactions to food, exercise, smoking and stress management. Interventions that address misperception and emotional responses have long been a part of treatment for so-called behavioral disorders. Recovery from depression, anxiety or addiction depend on just such changes. Behavioral health can now be seen as the treatment of illnesses that affect behavior and improving behaviors that promote health.

Moving forward, health care will involve the whole person with an increasing awareness that the line between physical and mental health is thin or non-existent. Science has made it possible for those affected by mental illnesses to be correctly diagnosed and effectively treated and lives saved. Applying the same science through the integration of “behavioral health” treatment with the development of health behaviors can help all of us lead longer, better lives. May is Mental Health Month — mental health is all about better health!

Maggie Labarta is president/CEO of Meridian Behavioral Healthcare Inc. in Gainesville.

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Mental health and the lack of resources, particularly in rural areas, is a hot-button issue these days when conversations around reducing gun or gang violence take place. Having the ability and knowledge to help someone through a mental health crisis can literally be a lifesaver.

Mental Health First Aid is a training course designed to give members of the public key skills to help someone experiencing a mental health emergency.

Just as CPR training helps a layperson with no clinical experience assist an individual following a heart attack, Mental Health First Aid helps a layperson assist someone experiencing an emotional crisis, such as contemplating suicide. In both situations, the goal is to help support an individual until appropriate professional help arrives.

On June 19, the Mental Health First Aid program will be offered in Underwood, Wash., at the Underwood Community Center, and on June 20 the same training will be held in Goldendale, Wash., at Klickitat Valley Health. The training lasts eight hours and trainees become certified at the end of the program.

The Skamania Klickitat Community Network is sponsoring the program, with partial funding provided through a grant from United Way. Skamania County General Services and Klickitat Valley Health are also providing support.

Jim Pinnell, with Central Washington Comprehensive Mental Health, will lead the class. Clock hours are available through ESD 112.

The cost is $50 per participant, which includes training manuals, morning coffee and lunch. Both programs begin at 8 a.m. and finish at 4:30 p.m.

Mental Health First Aiders learn a single five-step strategy that includes assessing risk, respectfully listening to and supporting the individual in crisis and identifying professional help and other resources. Participants are also introduced to risk factors and warning signs for mental health or substance use problems, engage in experiential activities that build understanding of the impact of illness on individuals and families, and learn about evidence-supported treatment and self-help strategies.

Trainees are taught how to apply the five-step strategy in a variety of situations, such as helping someone through a panic or anxiety attack, engaging with someone who may be suicidal or assisting an individual who has overdosed.

The evidence behind the program demonstrates that it does build mental health awareness, helping the public identify, understand and respond effectively to signs of mental illness.

Mental Health First Aid targets a wide audience; individuals who might benefit from the training include first responders, teachers and other school employees, clergy, social service workers and health professionals. MHFA training is meant for the general public as well, and does not require any background knowledge about mental health or counseling.

To register, contact Johanna Roe with the Skamania Klickitat Community Network at gorgeparents@gmail.com or call 866-631-1997. The registration fee must be paid on the day of the training by check made out to Skamania Klickitat Community Network.

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The Fort Frances branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association is very happy to be bringing Kendra Fisher, a former member of the national women’s hockey program and mental health advocate, to our community.
Fisher grew up in Kincardine, Ont. and succeeded in earning a goaltending position for Team Canada.

But she was diagnosed with a severe anxiety disorder, coupled with severe panic attacks, depression, and agoraphobia, which forced her to leave the national program in order to seek help to learn how to live with what had become a crippling disease.
Fisher now shares her personal journey and has joined efforts to bring mental health issues to the forefront.
It is her hope that her story will offer both hope and promise to others dealing with mental illness.
Fisher will be speaking at the Fort High library this Wednesday (May 29). Doors will open at 6:30 p.m., with her presentation to start at 7.
Admission is free.
She also will speak at two general assemblies of Fort High students that afternoon.
In addition to her Fort Frances engagements, Fisher also will be speaking in Sioux Lookout, Dryden, and Kenora next week.
For more information, visit www.cmhaff.ca

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Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health investigators determined that the Pasadena psychiatric hospital did not provide “adequate medical or mental health treatment” to the patient, who had post-traumatic stress disorder and a history of sexual and physical abuse, the 2011 department report said.

The alleged incident was one of several described in investigative reports released by the county department as part of a whistle-blower lawsuit against the hospital. The suit, filed in 2010 by a former mental health worker, alleged that company officials defrauded the federal government by providing “substandard care” to patients.

The hospital, known for decades as a place for wealthy and famous patients to seek care for mental health problems and drug and alcohol abuse, is accredited by the Joint Commission and has 118 licensed acute care beds and 38 residential treatment beds. The facility attracted federal authorities’ attention after several reports by The Times, beginning in 2008, about patient deaths and an alleged rape of a teenage girl.

Patients at Las Encinas are at no greater risk than patients at any other acute psychiatric hospital, said Patric Hooper, one of the hospital’s attorneys. “The hospital is constantly, constantly striving to lower the risk and to provide the best patient care possible,” he said. 

Tragically, he said, incidents can occur at “even the best facilities.” “All you can do is try to respond to them and make certain you correct anything that needs correcting…. That is what they have always tried to do at this facility.”

The director of nursing told an investigator that the facility had not reported the incident to the police or the county Mental Health Department, according to the documents. The department said in an interview that hospitals must report all alleged incidents of injury or abuse to the agency within 24 hours.

In the 2011 case, the patient called the Department of Mental Health and told officials that a staff member had abused him and sent him sexually suggestive text messages, according to the report. The patient also reported the alleged abuse to the Pasadena Police Department. Hospital officials acknowledged that they had copies of the text messages, the report said.

In the investigative report, the Mental Health Department concluded that the hospital had evidence that supported the allegations and “did not act in a timely manner” to address the patient’s needs. Hooper said this week that the report was preliminary and unverified and that officials later concluded that no sexual assault occurred. He said that for privacy reasons, he could not provide more details.

The court documents also included reports of alleged assaults that, investigators wrote, might have been prevented if patients were better supervised.

A female patient allegedly assaulted two fellow patients, causing one to fall and fracture her hand, according to a 2011 report in the court documents. Even though the patient was hearing voices and was at “high risk for violence,” the hospital decided not to put her on a one-on-one observation because it would have agitated her further, the documents said.

The Mental Health Department determined that the patient should have been more closely supervised because she presented a danger to others. At the least, the investigator wrote, she should have been put under one-on-one supervision after the first incident.

“Had that been done, the second assault may have been prevented,” the report read.

In another case described in a 2012 report, a psychotic male patient with a history of violence allegedly walked up to a fellow patient who was eating lunch and hit him in the face, resulting in stitches for the victim. The Mental Health Department determined that the hospital didn’t provide adequate supervision. It wasn’t until the next day when he punched a social worker that the hospital provided the one-on-one supervision, the documents said.

Last year the Mental Health Department directed the hospital to develop policies to better evaluate patients’ potential for aggression.

The investigative reports show that the hospital hasn’t taken the steps necessary to keep patients safe, said Colleen Flynn, the attorney representing former mental health worker Shelby Eidson in the whistle-blower suit.

“These documents show that patients at Las Encinas are at still at risk,” Flynn said. “We will continue with our case to try to hold them accountable and return to the government money that the hospital fraudulently billed.”

But Kathleen Kim, a Loyola Law School professor who sits on the Las Encinas board of directors, said the hospital is well-reputed and “incredibly committed to patient care and patient safety.” Any incidents that may have occurred in the past were isolated, she said.

The ongoing litigation, Kim said, has “exposed in an insensitive way the complexities of acute mentally ill patients and the complexities of acute psychiatric care in a public forum.”

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anna.gorman@latimes.com

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• Psychological disorders are 20% to 40% more common in women than men
• Investigation found women are increasingly expected to function as carer, homemaker and breadwinner
• Men have higher rates of alcohol, drug and anger problems, according to University of Oxford’s Professor Freeman

By
Tara Brady

PUBLISHED:

23:35 EST, 22 May 2013

|

UPDATED:

04:26 EST, 23 May 2013

Women experience more mental health problems than men due to the stress of juggling many roles, according to a new book. 

Professor Daniel Freeman, of the University of Oxford, said the first systematic investigation of national mental health surveys showed psychological disorders are 20 to 40 per cent more common in women than men in any given year.

Stress related to pressure on women to fill many different roles is likely to be a major factor for higher rates of everything from depression to phobias, according to Professor Freeman, a clinical psychologist.

The investigation found that psychological disorders are 20 to 40 per cent more common in women than men

‘The biggest discrepancies occur in conditions for which we know the environment, rather than genes, makes the greatest causal contribution,’ he said.

‘It’s certainly plausible that women experience higher levels of stress because of the demands of their social role.

‘Increasingly, women are expected to function as carer, homemaker, and breadwinner – all while being perfectly shaped and impeccably dressed.

‘Given that domestic work is undervalued, and considering that women tend to be paid less, find it harder to advance in a career, have to juggle multiple roles, and are bombarded with images of apparent female ‘perfection’, it would be surprising if there weren’t some emotional and psychological cost.

‘These are the kind of pressures that can leave women feeling as if they’ve somehow failed; as if they don’t have what it takes to be successful; as if they’ve been left behind. And those kinds of feelings can lead to psychological problems like anxiety and depression.’

Men have higher rates of alcohol, drug and anger problems, according to Professor Freeman

‘The Stressed Sex: Uncovering the Truth about Men, Women, and Mental Health’, published today discloses that women have higher rates of depression, panic disorder, phobias, insomnia, post-traumatic stress disorder and eating disorders.

Men have higher rates of alcohol, drug and anger problems, according to Professor Freeman and co-author Jason Freeman, a writer and editor.

Professor Freeman is a professor of clinical psychology, a Medical Research Council (MRC) Senior Clinical Fellow, in the University of Oxford’s Department of Psychiatry and an honorary consultant clinical psychologist at Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust.

He said traditionally it has been said that overall rates of mental health problems in men and women are the same ‘but the evidence shows that this is simply not the case’.

‘Overall, in the current environment women are bearing the brunt of mental health problems,’ he said.

‘But let’s be clear, even for problems that are more common in women – such as anxiety and depression – they also afflict very significant numbers of men. 

‘So it would be wrong to categorise mental health troubles as essentially a female problem. Rates of mental health problems are too high in both genders.’

According to Mind, the mental health charity, around 300 people out of 1,000 will experience a mental health problem in Britain every year.

Around 230 of these will visit a GP, 102 will be diagnosed with a mental health problem, 24 will be referred to a specialist psychiatric service and six will become inpatients in psychiatric hospitals.

While women are more likely to report psychological problems than men, Professor Freeman said this does not explain the overall gender differences.

He acknowledged that the findings are bound to be controversial but said the issue cannot be ignored because psychological disorders account for almost half of all ill-health in under 65s and affect up to nine million adults in the UK.

In fact, Professor Freeman argues that the taboo around gender differences in mental health must be broken in order to tackle disorders more successfully in future.

‘Given the extent of the burden on society and individuals alike, understanding what causes mental health problems, and thus being better placed to prevent and treat it, is vitally important,’ he added.

‘But our ability to do that is going to be hampered if we assume that gender isn’t significant. In fact, it may often be a crucial contributory factor.

‘Men and women are very much from the same planet but they may be breathing air of different qualities. If we ignore the potentially higher rates of psychological problems in women, we deprive ourselves of the opportunity to change the situation for the better.’

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ALEXANDRIA, Va., May 23, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Mental Health America (MHA) and U Squared Interactive (U2) today announced a collaborative, private/nonprofit partnership to provide Americans online, evidence-based tools they can use to address challenging mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. 

U2 has developed a computerized cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) program, Beating the Blues, which specifically addresses this urgent national need.  People will be able to get complimentary access to Beating the Blues US® by making a donation to the work of MHA between now and the MHA 2013 Annual Conference, June 5-8, 2013. To make a donation, go to http://mentalhealthamerica.net/go/may/beatingtheblues.

Depression and anxiety conditions are estimated to affect over 60 million Americans and cost the U.S. economy more than $105 billion in lost productivity every year. Despite the great efforts of health care providers and policy makers, there are simply not enough therapists or funding available to provide access to evidence-based solutions to meet the growing need. 

“We are pleased to join in this effort that will deliver an important tool that will empower consumers and help them chart their path to recovery,” said Wayne W. Lindstrom, Ph.D., president and CEO of MHA. “It builds on our long history of removing obstacles and expanding access to care.”

John Smith, Chief Operating Officer at U2 added: “As the oldest advocacy agency in the U.S., MHA has demonstrated a long standing ability to bring about positive change in the ways in which mental health care has been delivered, and we are delighted to be forming this strategic partnership to help influence both policy makers, health care practice and recipients of care.”  He added, “We want as many people as possible to benefit from this opportunity to get access to our evidence-based CBT program and ask that people circulate the link to the MHA site.”

Beating the Blues has treated over 300,000 people worldwide with 22 peer-reviewed and published studies that demonstrate its effectiveness at treating mild and moderate depression and anxiety conditions. In the U.S. it is already deployed in large integrated delivery health systems, health insurers, behavioral health organizations, employers, and within the Department of Veterans Affairs and Defense Department.

The initial objectives of the strategic partnership will be to:

• Raise national awareness of the importance of mental health screening and follow up
• Encourage use of Beating the Blues for those in need
• Offer information and resources through the MHA community network
• Promote and share best practices with American consumers 

About MHA –Mental Health America (www.mentalhealthamerica.net), founded in 1909, is the nation’s leading community-based network dedicated to helping all Americans achieve wellness by living mentally healthier lives. With our 240 affiliates across the country, we touch the lives of millions—Advocating for changes in mental health and wellness policy; Educating the public providing critical information; and delivering urgently needed mental health and wellness Programs and Services. 

About U2 Interactive – U2 Interactive’s mission is to support all healthcare stakeholder communities in creating innovative and cost effective computer based solutions for everyday health problems, lifestyle issues, and long-term conditions. U2 Interactive believes in delivering evidenced based treatment via interactive and easy to use software programs.

U2 is jointly owned by UPMC Ultrasis PLC and head quartered in Pittsburgh, PA.

About Beating The Blues US® – is the American version of Beating the Blues, a computerized CBT program that has treated over 300,000 people worldwide.  There are 22 peer-reviewed and published studies that demonstrate its effectiveness at treating mild and moderate depression and anxiety conditions. In the U.S. it is already deployed in large integrated delivery health systems, health insurers, behavioral health organizations, employers and within the VA and DoD.

SOURCE Mental Health America

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SALT LAKE CITY, May 23, 2013 /PRNewswire-iReach/ — Gary Larcenaire, the CEO of Valley Mental Health in Salt Lake City, has recently announced the publishing of his new article, “My View: Mental Health Needs Our Attention.”

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130523/CG19804)

The article, published in Salt Lake City newspaper Deseret News, expresses Larcenaire’s sentiments about the need for mental health treatment across the United States. It provides an analysis of mental health statistics and stigma, examines budget cuts to the mental healthcare industry, and explores the potential of the Excellence in Mental Health Act.

According to Larcenaire’s article, there is a desperate need to bridge the mental health gap in Utah alone, where 5.4 percent of adults and 4.7 percent of minors are in need of mental health treatment. About 44,641 people receive treatment, but there are still 102,131 individuals who require care and cannot access it.

“Those suffering from mental illness can be helped,” states Larcnaire. “Each and every day, programs help people address their illnesses and change their lives. When people receive timely and effective treatment, it reduces expensive ER visits and hospitalizations.”

The article goes on to explain that budget cuts have hindered the strength of mental health outreach centers. Passing The Excellence in Mental Health Act could provide 1.4 billion dollars in Medicaid funding over the next decade, which results in greater support systems for families across the United States who deal with mental sickness each day.

Larcenaire is the head of Valley Mental Health, a non-profit behavioral healthcare provider that helps those who need mental health and substance abuse and prevention services. Valley Mental Health offers more than 62 programs across Salt Lake, Tooele, and Summit counties. The staff of Valley Mental Health, which includes therapists, case, managers, and social workers, serves children, youth, young adults, and seniors.

Individuals interested in reading the article can visit Deseret News for more information. Details of Larcenaire and his work can be found on the Valley Mental Health website.

About Gary Larcenaire:

Gary Larcenaire is the CEO of Valley Mental Health in Salt Lake City and works tirelessly to help out those in need who suffer from mental diseases. Since 1987, Valley Mental Health and its workers have provided comprehensive treatment and services for people of all ages who are experiencing serious mental illness, substance use disorders and behavior problems. For more information, please visit http://www.deseretnews.com/article/765627161/Mental-health-needs-our-attention.html?pg=all

Media Contact:

Jack Almeida Gary Larcenaire, (949) 555-2861, admin@rocketfactor.com

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