Wasatch Behavioral Health’s Post

Read our new guide, which offers lessons learned from the field to advance racial equity at the intersection of criminal justice and behavioral health! Join us as we take meaningful steps to address racial disparities in the criminal justice system and reduce the overincarceration of people living with behavioral health needs. Learn more here: https://bit.ly/3RFX3FC

Keon L. Gilbert, Dr.PH., M.P.A. and Elizabeth Baker, Ph.D., M.P.H. (Department of Behavioral Science and Health Equity), and colleagues from Metro Theater Company Prison Performing Art and Prison Performing Arts recently published the research article "Say Something, Do Something: Evaluating a Forum Theater Production to Activate Youth Violence Prevention Strategies in Schools" in the 'International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.' The research takes a look at theater-based interventions which "have been shown to enhance social emotional development by privileging youth voices, and building youth capacities and strengths" according to the article. More: https://lnkd.in/dCUN8Ztt #research #healthandwellness #prevention #journal #publichealth #prevention #development

💡 What enhancements could we make to the pretrial period to improve outcomes for defendants and increase public safety? A new video made in partnership with the Early Justice Strategies Lab at George Mason University reveals recommendations straight from the source—256 defendants across Indiana. From financial support to mental health care, learn what services can make a difference and how to move towards a more equitable system. 📺 Watch the full video—insights like these can help shape the future of pretrial policies. 🔗 https://bit.ly/3YNYXIB #CriminalJustice #PretrialReform #PublicSafety

Incorporating the voices of those with lived experience is crucial for creating effective and compassionate justice systems. Check out this insightful article by the CSG Justice Center on how centering lived expertise can transform policies and practices for the better. 👉 Read more #JusticeReform #LivedExperience #CommunityVoices #PolicyChange #CSGJusticeCenter https://lnkd.in/g-fp5jDS

Such a need for any provider working in Therapeutic Consultation!

The Dane County Community Justice Council (CJC) includes Community Champions, County and City of Madison Leaders, Criminal Justice Experts, and committed staff collaborating to improve the criminal justice system with effective and equitable solutions. Below find the Year in Review which summarizes the work on community justice, behavioral health, pretrial, racial disparities, and a community justice initiative. On to 2024!

What an incredibly powerful story and so fundamentally important. While I am so happy the featured young man was able to find help, I continue to be bothered by the perpetuated approach to fixing mental health access in our country: increased hours as an alternative pathway to licensure. The social work profession has continued to pertetuate the same narratives that are already known: there is a mental health crisis in our nation. This concern has been a long standing issue in our nation and yet the same approach to rectifying the problem continues to be perpetuated. Yes, I would agree that supervised hours are necessary, and yes I would agree that the test needs reform. However, there are other elements that must be examined (yes I know jurisdictions differ): 1. Increasing availability of cost-effective supervision—While I have been fortunate to find a practice where I was not charged for supervision, that was not the case for some of my colleagues who have paid almost $20,000 for supervision for a profession that does not always pay what therapists are worth. 2. Granting full licensure once the exam is passed— a major barrier is that interns who have passed their exam are required to maintain their intern credentials rather than being granted full licensure, which would allow access to other insurance panels that do not accept interns (again, yes I know that some jurisdictions may differ). 3. Increasing pipelines with therapist from different cultures—one of the biggest things I hear is “my therapist doesn’t look like me so they won’t understand my struggle.” While will not debate this point, the reality we face on the mental health profession is that the profession does not match the America that exists. I have faced this myself when I wanted to break into the work of treating birthing persons with postpartum depression, I was told I wouldn’t understand because I am not a woman. Yet, access to practitioners were limited and when there was nowhere else to turn, I was considered. Access to mental health is access to mental health and we should consider how to build bridges and competence until there can be a “therapist match” for the client. 4. Expand Insurance coverage and pay: Many therapists are leaving the profession because they are burned out from being undervalued and underpaid. I will let those smarter than me argue this, but if we are to look at the mental health crisis, we must look at all sides. Is the shortage because we don’t have therapists or because therapists are leaving? While the question might appear to look at the same thing, how we ask the question may lead to a different answer. 5. Examining those in positions of power: my own journey is that there has been a consistent look at increasing CEUs. Should we focus on things that matter to the professionals. While there are many more points to be made, I think we can all agree, we have some work to do.

For this month's first CACTI Blog, check out Kiley McNeil's journey! "With Dr. Tomasa's most recent project on sexual violence in the disability community, I was able to see the behind-the-scenes progress on her research manuscript. As I continue working with Dr. Tomasa to explore ways to help develop the trauma-informed care curriculum, I am committed to embracing the uncomfortable conversations." Read Kiley's full blog here: https://bit.ly/kileycacti

Can you imagine a world where every person's rights are upheld, including the right to mental health? In 1948, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights established the inherent rights of every individual, transcending borders and backgrounds. During #InternationalHumanRightsMonth, raising awareness of human rights issues and sharing resources can contribute to a healthier world. To learn more, visit: https://ow.ly/3K4u50Qgwr5

Important Reconition - Staff from For All Seasons Behavioral Health and RCC and Harriett's House Inc accepted a proclamation declaring January 2024 as National Human Trafficking Awareness Month. Human trafficking is a serious issue affecting men, women, and children who are targeted with the use of force, lies, and threats to work against their will, often for little or no pay, or to have sex for money or something of value such as food, shelter, clothes, or drugs. Increased public awareness and education within organizations will provide more opportunities to identify and aid in the fight against human trafficking. According to For All Seasons, there are several factors that make the Eastern Shore an attractive destination for traffickers, including proximity to large metropolitan areas and three international airports, location along the heavily traveled East Coast corridor, home to popular tourism and recreational activities, and a high rate of seasonal employment. Individuals in the transportation, retail, tourism, law enforcement, farming, human services, and educational sectors are particularly helpful in identifying possible victims. Join us in raising awareness and fighting against human trafficking. More information on this issue can be found at https://ow.ly/b75u50QuNsL.