Since 1949, the United States has recognized May as Mental Health Awareness Month — dedicated to recognizing the needs of those with mental or behavioral health diagnoses, reducing the stigma associated with mental health issues, and helping those in need to get connected with the right treatment professionals.
Unfortunately, all too often people in need of emotional support or mental health care hesitate to seek the help they need.
The National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI) continues to work tirelessly to remove the stigma of mental illness and to connect those in need with compassionate, skilled therapists. Their series, Stories of Hope, has helped bring mental and behavioral health out of the shadow of stigma, and offers some critical clues why people often hesitate to get the help they need…
Tega, a high school student, was afraid to talk about her mental health. “Growing up in my African household,” she said, “we wouldn’t bring up feelings of discomfort or depression because the answer was always the same: pray about it. Pray the depression away.” She suffered from chronic anxiety and panic attacks until a friend told her, “you’re never weak when you seek help.” Through treatment, Tega was able to address her issues of childhood trauma and to tackle her mental health challenges head-on. “Seeking help for my mental health has helped me so much that I now talk about it openly on my different platforms,” says Tega. “I remind people of color to seek help when they need it, and I talk about mental health awareness and resources.”
Julie noticed concerning changes in her daughter Michelle’s behavior beginning around age 12. Michelle struggled with issues of anorexia and diet, as well as anxiety and depression. By high school, Michelle began to grapple with the fact that she had an eating disorder. Julie said, “I took her to a therapist who listed eating disorders as among her areas of expertise, and after talking with Michelle and I, both together and separately, she determined that Michelle was suffering from Anorexia.” Michelle entered a residential treatment program plus follow-up treatment by both counselors and nutritionists. Despite treatment, however, in July 2019, Michelle took her own life. Julie urges others not to hesitate to connect with a caregiver. She plans to publish Michelle’s book of poems to enlighten others and as part of her own healing process.
Demphis reports having suicidal thoughts since an early age. “No innocent child fully understands that they may inherit a genetic predisposition to an illness,” said Demphis, but I knew early on that my inheritance was depression and anxiety. No matter where I went, I was always pulled aside and told to be everything but myself.” Demphis’ obsession with suicide came to a head one day during summer camp in 2012. “ I remember getting ready to brace myself almost in a daze, unable to control myself and sift through life any longer. As soon as I prepared to do it, the most beautiful thing happened. Every door in the university dorm on my floor opened, and a sea of people that I felt so alienated from suddenly interrupted my attempt to take my life. Looking back, I am extremely grateful that they did.” Fortunately, Demphis received the necessary care and today reports, “I am strong, tenacious, and blessed.”
Dabnis reported always feeling like a lost child until entering treatment. “I’ve always felt misplaced. Like this sad lost child. The one thing that solidified this “lost” identity was not being anchored in any one place for too long. I moved around so much as a child, and through that I learned to reinvent myself every time.” In college, Dabnis dreaded breaks and vacations. “Seems like the times when a college student should be most relieved were the times when I was most anxiety ridden.” For Dabnis, human connection was the answer. “I would have moments in my early adulthood when I felt so defeated and so alone, like no one could see me. And then another stranger with a familiar warmth would enter my little sphere and remind me of why I’m here. These experiences gave me humility and compassion toward anyone who’s ever faced food scarcity and any form of instability. It also gave me the drive to want to achieve more for myself.”
How Key Assets Kentucky Is Helping
The goal of Key Assets Behavioral Health is to be the safety net for children, families, and adults in our community, regardless of the crisis. Among our core beliefs is the idea that we provide ongoing support to help our clients not only in moments of crisis but beyond. This support may take many forms, including psychological assessment or testing, targeted case management, or individual or group therapy.
Each day we work hard to help our community by providing counseling services to people who have emotional or mental disorders or concerns.
Therapy can be beneficial for anyone, no matter the situation. People just like you seek out therapy for many reasons. Some want to better understand their emotions. Others need support to help them get through a difficult season in their life. Other individuals may be going through a difficult life event or change and need assistance in persevering.
Seeking out a therapist is not a sign of weakness—nor should it be a source of shame. Deciding to pursue therapy is empowering and allows you to take back control of your life!
You may think mental health counseling is expensive or not easily available. At Key Assets Kentucky, our qualified therapists are both affordable AND accessible. We are a community-based health care system, so if you can’t make it to one of our offices, we can come to you!
Contact us today at 859-286-5744, or complete our easy referral form: https://www.keyassetskentucky.com/self-referral/
Bachelor’s degree in social work with a minor in criminology.
Pursuing my master’s degree in social work from the University of Kentucky.
I love working with the youth population and have a strong passion for helping others.
Fun Fact(s): I love pasta, coffee, and spending time with my family.
Early childhood development degree from Grand Canyon University.
Master’s in addiction counseling as well as a master’s in education and mental health from Lindsey Wilson College.
10 years’ experience teaching HeadStart and experience working with substance use.
Fun Fact(s): Outside of work, I love my family, friends and being outdoors.
Trained and certified in Trama Informed Cognitive Behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and Dialectical Behavioral therapy
Provided individual and group therapy, specifically focusing on survivors of domestic violence and therapy with children
Over 20 years’ hospital setting and in-home hospice care experience
Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Fun Fact(s): Presently, my favorite activities are spending time with my family members – especially my grandchildren, gardening, and bicycling
Trained to conduct ADOS-2 Assessments
In Training for EMDR Certification
Undergraduate degree in Clinical Psychology and a double minor in Veteran Studies and Social Intelligence and Leadership at Eastern Kentucky University. Master’s in Clinical Mental Health from EKU.
Loves working with teenagers and young adults and specializing in gender and sexuality issues.
Fun Fact(s): Originally from Philly. Loves going Shark Cage Diving and Rock climbing with her husband. Has an 8-year-old dog named Charlie and who is spoiled.
In Training for EMDR Certification
I received my Master’s in Clinical Social Work from the University of Kentucky.
I have experience with medical case management at UK Good Samaritan Hospital as well as a psychiatric inpatient at Eastern State Hospital. My approach is person-centered but integrative.
Fun Fact(s): I’m originally from Southeastern Kentucky and I love the mountains of Appalachia. I enjoy working with all types of populations!
Trained to conduct ADOS-2 Assessments
Bachelor of Arts in Sociology/Criminology from Morehead State University
Master of Education in Counseling & Human Development from Lindsey Wilson College
Has over 25 years of experience providing mental health and substance use therapy services to primarily incarcerated individuals and adjudicated youth.
Fun Fact(s): Enjoys yoga, hiking, biking, participating in interesting adventures with her life partner, and spending time with Louie, “the coolest dog in the universe!”
I have over ten years of experience and further education working with families and children in their development and life fundamentals.
I truly think this field is my passion, and watching the growth is extremely rewarding for me!
I strongly believe that if we can make a difference in someone’s life in any way, we should go for it.
I hold my associate’s degree in early childhood education and hope to pursue my bachelor’s soon.
Fun Fact(s): I own my own metaphysical store! Entrepreneurship is also a strong passion of mine as well.
I have had a passion for helping others since I was a little girl. I’m thankful to be a part of this amazing team and for fulfilling my purpose of helping others.
I am currently enrolled at SNHU, where I am in the Human Services program. Pursuing my Bachelor’s degree.
I love spending time with my family.
Fun fact(s): I can sing! I’ve been singing in church since the age of 5.
I received both my bachelor’s degree and my master’s degree from Eastern Kentucky University. I received my Bachelor of Science degree in psychology with a concentration in children and adolescents. I received my Master of Arts degree in clinical mental health counseling.
I enjoy working with all populations and ages. I have a passion for working with children and their support systems to assist them in reaching their goals.
I am an advocate for destigmatizing mental health care.
I have an integrative therapeutic approach, often using techniques from person-centered approaches, play therapy and mindfulness.
Fun Fact(s): I enjoy reading and playing video games. My favorite form of self care is meditation and using mindfulness strategies!
Certified Domestic Violence Advocate
In Training for EMDR Certification
Several years of experience helping victims of interpersonal violence, clients with substance use disorders, and children
Background in conducting gender-responsive and trauma-informed assessments
Fun Fact(s): She loves to cook for family and friends
5 years of experience providing therapy and mental health services in both inpatient and outpatient settings
Emphasis on motivational interviewing and nurturing a collaborative relationship with clients to address crises, ongoing life stressors, and symptoms of mental health diagnoses.
Preferred treatment modalities: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Person-Centered, Interpersonal Therapy
EMDR-trained
Passionate about working with the geriatric population, as well as survivors of trauma and individuals (of all ages) who experience depression and anxiety.
Fun Fact(s): A Lexington native, presently living in Berea, KY, who enjoys nature, crafting, and writing poetry.
Enjoys working with people in all stages of life, drawing on their strengths to move through life’s struggles and live fully in ways that once seemed impossible
Undergraduate degree in Psychology and Sociology
Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Missouri
Fun Fact(s): I’ll choose a family hiking, camping, or hammocking adventure over a fancy dinner 8 out of 10 times, especially if all the kids, grandkids, and giant Labradoodle come along.
Undergraduate degree in Psychology with a minor in Child & Family Studies from Eastern Kentucky University.
Over one year experience in case management, serving individuals and families of all ages, backgrounds, and circumstances in a community-based setting.
Special interest in the vulnerable population.
Fun fact(s): I love football
Undergraduate degree in psychology from Kentucky State University and a Master’s in Education from Lindsey Wilson College
I have training as an Adlerian therapist who utilizes a CBT approach
I have a special interest in anxiety, depression, and suicide
I love to work with clients of all ages and populations
Fun Fact(s): I enjoy swimming for self-care and walking with my dog.
Undergraduate degree in Human Development and Family Sciences with an emphasis in Family Social Services
Master’s degree in Applied Human Development and Family Sciences with a specialization in Marriage and Family Therapy
I enjoy working with individuals & families who have been impacted by abuse. I have a passion for assisting and supporting clients to reach their highest potential. I meet clients where they are and accommodate treatment based on individual therapeutic needs.
Fun Fact(s): I love to golf!
Several years of experience working with survivors of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV), identifying food deserts in Kentucky, and assisting families facing food insecurities. Enjoyed working with at-risk youth and hosting groups geared toward empowering teen girls.
TF-CBT trained
EMDR-trained
Interested in CPT, Art Therapy, utilizing ACEs, and trauma-informed care with diverse populations. Would like to help remove stigmas associated with mental health and eliminate barriers to service.
Passionate about the fact that healing from trauma can be powerful and positive for everyone
Fun Fact(s): An avid reader and absolutely loves relaxing at the beach
Undergraduate degree in psychology at UK. Master of Social Work at the University of Michigan.
I have training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Parent-Child Interaction Therapy, Child-Parent Psychotherapy, and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
I love working with children of all ages, their resiliency is inspiring!
Fun Fact(s): I have a VERY active puppy named Oaks! We love to spend time outside.
Undergraduate Degree in Psychology and Spanish
Master of Social Work Degree from the University of Kentucky
In Training for EMDR
Two years of experience working with adolescents and parents
Can provide therapy services in English and Spanish
I enjoy working with people of all ages and walks of life.
Fun Fact(s): I love trying new hobbies and foods. My favorite hobbies right now are cooking, weightlifting, pickleball, and reading.
Undergraduate degree in social work from the University of Kentucky, master’s in social work from the University of Kentucky
I have training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Trauma Systems Therapy
I have a special interest in LGBTQAI+ populations, transgender transitioning support and gender-related support, grief and bereavement
I love to work with clients of all ages
Fun Fact(s): I have pet reptiles including a turtle and several snakes
Over six years of experience as a case manager for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities
Expertise in helping victims of domestic violence
EMDR-trained
Likes working with people of all ages and developing solid therapeutic relationships with clients, providing a space where people can feel safe and heard to promote healing and positive change
Fun Fact(s): She enjoys spending time with family, friends, and her (adorable) dog
Undergraduate degree in history from Asbury University.
Deep appreciation for person-centered work.
An avid reader of classical and fantasy literature.
Writer of stories.
Fun Fact(s): I prefer manual typewriters to computers by far
Currently pursuing a Master of Social Work degree and has Undergraduate degrees in Anthropology & Criminology from West Virginia University
Special interest in PTSD and trauma care, intellectual and developmental disabilities, and foster parent support
I enjoy working with junior high and high school-age clients
Fun Fact(s): I love punk rock music, sewing my own clothes, and spending time at my family’s farm!
Undergraduate in Social and Criminal Justice from Georgetown College
Experience with case management from the detention center
Enjoys making various connections within the community for further collaboration of services
I love working with clients of all ages
Fun Fact(s): The beach is my happy place; I go as often as I can.
Undergraduate degree in psychology from Eastern Kentucky University
7 years of case management experience in the residential and community setting
I enjoy working with clients of all ages and am interested in gender-related support, ASD, and medically complex populations.
Fun Fact(s): I love to explore caves with my family and read anything fantasy. Avocados are my favorite food!
BASW from the University of Kentucky
10 years of case management experience
I enjoy working with clients of all ages
Fun Fact(s): I have 2 dogs and love to garden
Passionate about helping adults and children with all areas of mental health
Graduated from the University of Kentucky with a Bachelors’s and the University of the Cumberlands with a Master’s.
Background in substance abuse treatment
Credentials: M.A., L.P.C.A., and T.C.A.D.C.