By: Jennifer Hall
Millions of Americans are faced with the daily challenge of living with a mental health condition. According to a recent report from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), one in five U.S. adults (47.6 million people) experienced some form of mental illness during the past year, and about 43% of American adults with a mental health issue received some form of treatment during 2018.
Mental health conditions affect not only the individuals facing these challenges, but also influence relationships with family, friends, and colleagues. Yet despite the common nature of mental illness, fewer than half of those with a mental health challenge are actively receiving treatment. For these reasons, Congress designated October 6–12 as Mental Illness Awareness Week (MIAW), a time when the National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI) and other organizations join together in raising awareness about mental health issues, reducing the stigma associated with mental illness, and promoting treatment options for those seeking help.
Prevalence
Mental illness affects over 46 million Americans, and covers a broad spectrum—from anxiety and depression to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), bipolar disorder, and borderline personality disorder. And mental health challenges are not limited to adults. According to SAMHSA, over 16% of young people aged 6–17 experienced some form of mental illness during 2016.
Increased Risk for Physical Health Problems
Mental health disorders have also been linked to an increased risk for physical health problems. A recent article published in the British medical journal The Lancet noted that people with clinical depression are at a 40% increased risk for developing cardiovascular and metabolic disease. Those with a mental health disorder are also more likely to struggle with addiction and substance abuse issues.
Community Challenges
Many of those with a mental health diagnosis find themselves experiencing additional community challenges. A recent HUD report noted that over 20% of U.S. homeless persons have some form of mental illness—and those with untreated mental illness suffer far higher rates of incarceration than are seen in the general population. Those with a mental illness are also more likely to be stigmatized, which can reduce the chances of finding employment, limit housing options, and negatively impact quality of life.
One way you can help is to educate yourself and others about the facts of mental illness. NAMI promotes several initiatives aimed at protecting people’s access to treatment and services, attaining mental health parity, securing better funding for mental health research, and advocating for better mental health legislation.
NAMI sponsors fundraising and awareness-building events called NAMIWalks around the nation. For those of us in Central Kentucky, area, now’s our chance to participate!
Date: Saturday, October 12
Location: Whitaker Bank Ballpark, Lexington
Distance: 5k walk
Check-in: 10:00 am
Start Time: 12:00 noon
For more info, contact:
NAMI LEXINGTON
498 Georgetown St., Suite 100
Lexington, KY 40508
Julie Joseph, Community Outreach & Program Coordinator
Ph: 859-312-8675
namiwalks@namilex.org
https://www.namiwalks.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.event&eventID=831
At Key Assets Kentucky, we are committed to providing professional and compassionate care to all members of our community. We urge you to get involved in promoting Mental Illness Awareness Week and encourage you to participate in both local events and the national conversation on mental health.
Key Assets Kentucky, is a behavioral health and child caring company based in Central Kentucky. Through our Key Assets Behavioral Health program and Children in Community Care program, we seek to positively impact the lives of children, young people, their families. We specialize in offering support services via residential treatment group home care for youth with autism and/or developmental disabilities, and behavioral health therapy and case management services for youth, adults and families in times of crisis. Key Assets Kentucky is part of the Key Assets Group, an international group of companies delivering a continuum of services for children, adults and families.
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.