Mental health care looks different for everyone

If you have concerns with your mental health, you’re not alone: according to the CDC, 1 in 5 adults in New York State is living with a mental illness, and 1 in 25 lives with a major mental illness like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or major depression. More people than ever are seeking mental health care services. Though there are a lot of people experiencing mental health symptoms right now, we’re also seeing less stigma around getting support. Each person that reaches out for help, or supports a loved one in getting help, is playing a huge part in reducing the stigma around mental illness and mental health care.

This Mental Health Awareness Month (celebrated each May), if you have any concerns about your mental or emotional health, consider reaching out to the understanding and non-judgmental mental health care providers at Evergreen. People getting care for their mental health at Evergreen report a variety of concerns including depression, anxiety, grief, substance use and trauma. Our mental health care providers honor the unique needs of every patient by creating care plans that are tailored to each individual’s goals. Evergreen’s Behavioral Health Center was recognized by the Health Resources and Services Administration for increasing access to care in 2023.

Just like everyone’s mental health needs look different, the best way to care for mental health looks different for every individual. Here are a few of the paths you and your mental health providers at Evergreen might take to support your unique mental health needs and goals.

Counseling

We offer one-on-one counseling services, where patients meet regularly with an understanding and non-judgmental provider to get support, work towards mental health goals and get connected with other services they might need. In-person counseling appointments are available at 206 S. Elmwood, and video appointments are available over telehealth.

We also offer group programs by referral to patients who are enrolled in one-on-one counseling, including a transgender support group, a coping skills group, a grief and loss group and a mindfulness group.

All of our mental health staff are trained to treat a wide variety of mental health disorders including mood disorders, anxiety, trauma and co-occurring disorders. They’re also trained in providing care to members of the LGBTQ+ community, patients with chronic health conditions, sex workers, survivors of domestic violence and sex trafficking, and patients who have experienced racial trauma.

Psychiatry and pharmacy

Evergreen’s on-site psychiatric medical care providers work closely with our counselors to understand each patient’s mental health needs and goals. Some patients find that in addition to counseling, mental health diagnoses and medications can be helpful in understanding and managing their symptoms.

The option to get counseling, psychiatry and pharmacy services all under one roof helps to keep all your providers up to date with your care and limits the number of trips you have to make to different locations.

The pharmacy at Evergreen makes going to the pharmacy so much easier with free benefits like refill coordination and pre-sorted Pill Packs for people who take multiple medications, and can deliver your medications to your home for free.

Physical activity and community

The THRIVE Wellness Center at Evergreen’s 206 S. Elmwood location is here for Evergreen patients who are regularly seeing one of our psychiatric medical care providers to address their emotional, nutritional, physical and social needs at no cost.

Patients report that THRIVE programs like yoga classes, reiki, chair massage, cooking demonstrations, and chronic illness support groups significantly improve their mental health and their day-to-day lives. Ask your provider for a referral to THRIVE today.

Supportive services

At Evergreen we understand the complexity of risk factors that may contribute to mental illness, and we’re committed to making sure that all our patients’ needs are met in order to support their mental wellness.

Making sure our patients have access to safe and equitable housing, nutrition and transportation, stigma-free chronic illness and substance use services, and affirming LGBTQ+ health care, are all key parts of the mental health care that we provide at Evergreen.

We know also that mental health and physical health are correlated, and our primary care providers allow us to explore what may be happening for the whole patient. We offer specialized support for the mental and physical health of people living with chronic medical conditions like diabetes and HIV.

If you are experiencing a mental health emergency after hours, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. 

For more information about our mental health services, please call us at 716.847.2441.