One Huntsville marriage counselor says he has been receiving more phone calls for help from couples who are cooped up together during this pandemic.
More people are spending time in their homes, which can create stress for some couples. He says the best thing to do to reduce that stress is to make sure you schedule time together and schedule time apart from each other.
[HUNTSVILLE, AL]- WellStone is proud to partner with Huntsville Police Department as they offer Crisis Intervention training courses for their officers. The Crisis Intervention Training (CIT) program is a community partnership of law enforcement, mental health professionals, mental health consumers and family member advocates. HPD recently published an official informational piece to make details more clear and information more easily accessible.
The program is nationally standardized and trains officers in technical skills to prepare them to respond to mental health-related calls in a manner that minimalizes trauma and effectively diverts individuals into the system of care. With the teamwork of Mental Health Officers (MHOs) and WellStone professionals, our community is better equipped to successfully assist the mental health crises that our area experiences every day.
As stated in the brochure, approximately 40% of individuals living with a mental illness will be arrested at least once in their lifetime. With this being said, it is necessary that law enforcement find more efficient methods to serve that population, in not only techniques for responding, but in hopes to avoid time in prison. The piece lists two primary goals of the program:
“This entire process and system depends heavily on community collaborations and efforts,” WellStone’s CEO Jeremy Blair comments. “We are very fortunate to reside in such a community as Huntsville that encompasses leaders on a local and state level who care so genuinely about the needs of the people. That kind of initiative is crucial for the success and overall well-being for our city and HPD has undoubtedly been a monumental contributor in supplying the necessary actions to better improve the mental health needs of our community.”
In March 2020, the Alabama House of Representatives passed a bill (HB 326) that includes an increase of mandatory CIT hours for all officers. Under the Alabama Peace Officers Standards and the Training Commission, officers are now required to receive 16 hours of training compared to the previous 8-hour requirement. We appreciate Representative Rex Reynolds in his sponsorship of this bill.
WellStone looks forward to the continued partnership with the Huntsville Police Department, the expansion of knowledge of CIT in the community and the progression of mental health awareness in North Alabama.
View the brochure here.
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About Wellstone Inc.: WellStone Inc. is a non-profit community organization that provides mental health and substance abuse services supporting the integrated health of the whole person. WellStone operates 12 facilities throughout North Alabama and Cullman. WellStone is certified through the Alabama Department of Mental Health. WellStone offers programs for children, adolescents, adults, substance abuse, school-based outreach, community services and more. For more information, visit www.wellstone.com. Additional media inquiries can be directed to the Communications Office by emailing pr@wellstone.com or by calling (256) 705-6301.
The COVID-19 pandemic has proven to be one of the most uncertain and stressful times for many of us. It can begin to weigh us down. And if you feel overwhelmed, stressed or anxious right now, you are not alone.
Wallace State Community College is now offering free counseling services to students, and in the current crisis, these services are being offered in a virtual environment. David A. Smith, M.S., LPC-S, of WellStone is available four days a week to assist students, no matter how big or small their issue may be.
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — The coronavirus has impacted life for all of us, and for many, it’s a stressful time. Kids are also feeling the stress. Appointments are up at WellStone where therapists at their Nova Clinic are seeing more kids right now who are dealing with stress and anxiety due to COVID-19.
Local students are getting mental health services more easily thanks to a partnership between local school systems and WellStone.
The school-based therapy program helps children who struggle with anxiety, moodiness, and other mental health problems. Students who enroll in the program get counseling during school hours from the school-based WellStone counselor.
In this WHNT feature story, learn about the new Madison County Probate Court and WellStone partnered Assisted Outpatient Treatment Program (AOT) starting February 3, 2020.
[Huntsville, AL] – WellStone announces the strategic expansion of its School-Based Therapy Program with the placement of a therapist in every Madison County and Huntsville City school, beginning with the FY19-20 academic year. The School-Based Therapy Program is operated by WellStone’s Nova Center for Youth & Family, and it serves over 1,500 students in 60+ schools across North Alabama each year.
The program helps children and adolescents who are facing behavioral, emotional, cognitive or crisis management issues to receive counseling during school hours. WellStone School-Based Manager Brittany Scott says, “Far too often, students aren’t able to receive the counseling services they need either because they lack transportation to a counselor’s office, or they miss too much time at school. On-site counselors remove barriers to treatment by providing proximity and easy access to services. This arrangement benefits parents as much as the students.”
Scott continues, “Expanding this program is an incredible milestone for WellStone. Our partnership with the public-school systems demonstrates how we can impact students’ mental health and wellness when we collaborate to achieve common goals.” She adds, “The mental health of our students is becoming more and more of a priority. When we work with education and community leaders who share that passion, our possibilities are endless.”
Dr. Cary Grant of Huntsville City Schools adds, “Nova’s school-based therapists are essential to our students who have situations and barriers that are out of their control. The Nova therapist allows students to be in attendance while simultaneously receiving counseling services that address barriers that could potentially hinder their educational progress. Overall, we are pleased that our students and parents can conveniently and confidentially receive counseling services that provide interventions and strategies throughout the student and parents educational career.”
More Huntsville City Schools professionals shared their praise for WellStone’s School-Based Therapy Program:
Allen Perkins serves as Madison County Schools Director of Equity and Innovation. He shared, “I truly appreciate our partnership with WellStone. Our students, schools and community benefit greatly from Wellstone’s services.”
To request services from a school-based counselor or to learn about the School-Based Therapy Program, contact WellStone’s Nova Center at 256.705.6493.
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About Wellstone Inc.: WellStone Inc. is a non-profit community organization that provides mental health and substance abuse services supporting the integrated health of the whole person. WellStone operates 12 facilities throughout North Alabama and Cullman. WellStone is certified through the Alabama Department of Mental Health. WellStone offers programs for children, adolescents, adults, substance abuse, school-based outreach, community services and more. For more information, visit www.wellstone.com. Additional media inquiries can be directed to the Communications Office by emailing pr@wellstone.com or by calling (256) 705-6301.
[SEPTEMBER 3, 2019]— WellStone will be distributing “Recovery Reminder Kits” in honor of Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) Recovery Month. Individuals from the community interested in taking one step toward their recovery journey are encouraged to stop by our offices, receive a “recovery reminder” kit and register for services to begin their registration process.
This year’s Recovery Month theme is Join the Voices for Recovery: Together We Are Stronger. Individuals interested in recovery will receive a “stronger together” silicone ring and card to remind themselves that they are not alone, as well as why they are starting or continuing this process. The rings are intended to be a constant reminder of why the individual is choosing to put their mental health first and finding their way toward recovery. Individuals are encouraged to give or take—keep the ring and wear for themselves or give to someone who supports them. Quantities are limited and will be available to the first individuals to come in and ask for a kit: 250 at the Huntsville office, 200 at the Cullman office and 50 at the Decatur office.
Adult Substance Use Director Lucy Douglas says, “While we know that there are a variety of pathways that lead to recovery and healing, professional counseling and support does help and can accelerate the recovery journey.” Douglas continues, “There are certain occurrences in life that are near impossible to experience and overcome alone; handling a mental illness or substance use disorder are some of those instances.”
“We want our offices to be a safe place where current and future clients of our communities can feel comfortable and maintain their hope and inspiration to live a life of health and well-being,” said Substance Abuse and Prevention Coordinator Tommie Sanders. “While each day and month are a new opportunity to start over, Recovery Month serves as a nice launch for change. We hope that this new idea of initiating a life change will help the individuals who need one extra push to begin the road to recovery.”
DETAILS
Pick-Up Locations:
1909 Commerce Avenue
Building 1
Cullman, AL 35055
4040 South Memorial Parkway
Suite C
Huntsville, AL 35802
801 Church Street
Suite C10
Decatur, AL 35601
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About Wellstone Inc.: WellStone Inc. is a non-profit community organization that provides mental health and substance abuse services supporting the integrated health of the whole person. WellStone operates 12 facilities throughout North Alabama and Cullman. WellStone is certified through the Alabama Department of Mental Health. WellStone offers programs for children, adolescents, adults, substance abuse, school-based outreach, community services and more. For more information, visit www.wellstone.com. Additional media inquiries can be directed to the Communications Office by emailing pr@wellstone.com or by calling (256) 705-6301.
[JANUARY 7, 2019] In 2019, WellStone Inc. celebrates 50 years of operations serving the greater North Alabama community. Founded in 1969, WellStone is North Alabama’s largest and most comprehensive behavioral healthcare provider. WellStone served over 13,175 unduplicated individuals in 2018 and the organization continues to grow throughout Madison, Morgan and Cullman Counties.
WellStone will commemorate its 50th anniversary with annual events including the Beacon of Hope Celebration (May 2019) and the Cullman Partners for Hope Celebration in conjunction with the Cullman Area Mental Health Foundation (September 2019).
Originally founded as the Huntsville-Madison County Health Board, the organization evolved to WellStone Behavioral Health and today, simply WellStone. A strategic merger with the Cullman Mental Health Authority in 2017 expanded the organization’s service area to include Cullman County.
WellStone CEO Jeremy Blair shares, “North Alabama continues to grow at an increasing pace, and we are evolving to serve our community. As the leader in behavioral healthcare, we offer a multi-disciplinary approach and invaluable connections across counseling, substance abuse and a wide variety of programs that can’t be found with an individual provider. Most of all, we recognize and appreciate the importance of the individuals within our care. We’re a people-focused organization, and our clients always come first.”
Blair describes the 50th anniversary milestone as a testament to the commitment of 400+ WellStone employees to delivering on core values (“Caring, Committed and Can-Do”) daily. The growth in client base as well as employees demonstrates the on-going need for services in the community.
WellStone COO Chris Van Dyke added, “Whether you were a part of the team at its founding or you recently joined our ranks, we all share in this milestone as a team. We’re a part of the overall health and well-being of our community, and we take that commitment seriously.”
WellStone will announce further anniversary events and stories throughout the year.
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About Wellstone Inc.: WellStone Inc. is a non-profit community organization that provides mental health and substance abuse services supporting the integrated health of the whole person. WellStone operates 12 facilities throughout North Alabama and Cullman. WellStone is certified through the Alabama Department of Mental Health. WellStone offers programs for children, adolescents, adults, substance abuse, school-based outreach, community services and more. For more information, visit www.wellstone.com. Additional media inquiries can be directed to the Communications Office by emailing pr@wellstone.com or by calling (256) 705-6301.