Clients find support from staff and peers
When clients first walk through the doors of Community Behavioral Health, they almost all have one trait in common: they think they are alone in their struggles.
It doesn’t take long for people to realize two things: they have Community Behavioral Health advocates in their corner to help them get their lives back on track, and they have the support of others who are fighting similar battles.
“It’s very comforting when you find out you aren’t the only one in the world who has a drug addiction,” said Christy Morris, director of behavioral health services for Community Behavioral Health in Hamilton, Ohio. “You aren’t the only one who went to jail, disappointed loved ones, lost custody or struggled with an addiction.”
From the moment someone is referred to—or decides to reach out to Community Behavioral Health—the process for getting well begins immediately.
“What sets us most apart from other organizations is that we do walk-in assessments, and there is no waiting list to see a doctor,” Morris said. “People can get help immediately. If they need housing assistance, we can help them. If they need help finding a job, we can connect them with our job employment services. Most importantly, we are able to connect them with counselors and groups that help them get through whatever they are facing.”
One of the most effective treatment tools is group participation utilizing evidence based curriculum to guide people through a recovery process.
“They get very close to their peers,” said Mary Beth Martini, mental health and substance abuse clinical supervisor. “They share intimate things, and they are able to see that somebody 11 weeks into the program is getting clean and building family support. They see them reconnecting with their kids, and it builds hope. It’s within their grasp – change is possible in their life.”
On the flip side, they are able to look back at the people who have just arrived, and recognize they don’t want to be back in that place.
“I’ve been here for about three years, and it’s pretty awesome to see our clients’ successes,” Martini said. “They will be walking down the hall, and you will notice their skin and hair look better, they are healthier and we can just really see the transition in front of our eyes.”
No matter how many groups are in place, what makes the programs successful are the people, said Steve Cahill, director of alcohol and drug court services.
“We have a quality staff,” he said. “That makes this organization stand out.”
One example, he said, is staff member Etta Caver – a nationally renowned women’s advocate.
A significant amount of women that seek treatment at CBH also are dealing with current or past abuse.
Caver not only leads a class called Group Perspectives, but she also helps women in need work on safety and escape plans, he said.
“When they are ready to get out of their situation, she empowers them to do that,” Martini added.
At Community Behavioral Health, we know that mental and behavioral issues are not always independent of one another. Often times, substance abuse is accompanied by a mental illness. That is why we treat each individual comprehensively, with mental health, substance abuse and employment services.
- Walk-In Assessments Available Monday - Friday
- No Wait Time For Treatment
- Structured Treatment Programs
- Medicated Assisted Therapy
Hamilton Office
820 S. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
(513) 887-8500
Middletown Office
1659 S. Breiel Blvd.
(513) 424-0921
Jackie December 31st, 2015
Posted In: Uncategorized