Centerstone : Transforming Mental Health Care for a Brighter Tomorrow
In a world where the pressures of life can often seem overwhelming , Centerstone of Indiana stands as a beacon of hope and support for those battling mental health challenges . A nonprofit health care facility specializing in mental health services and addiction recovery for individuals of all ages , Centerstone aims to eliminate barriers often associated with mental health treatment . Headquartered in Nashville , Tennessee , Centerstone has facilities in Illinois , Florida , and Indiana .
It is no secret that those often most affected by the current mental health crisis are the nation ’ s youth population . One of Centerstone ’ s newest locations in Jeffersonville , Indiana focuses on working with the schools to help combat this challenge . “ Our therapists and family support specialists are embedded in the school and have their own offices on site ,” said Kati Guernsey , Director of Child and Family Services at Centerstone . “ It helps us intervene as things happen in real time .”
Centerstone ’ s Mental Health Safety Net Program , sponsored by a special Samtec Cares grant , works directly with school counselors , principals , and school social workers to tend students in need of mental health support , whether they be uninsured or underinsured . The unique program helps get in front of the challenges faced by youth and young adults by providing life skills training that are often overlooked in the typical school curriculum . “ It ’ s really a crucial service ,” said Kati . “ Life skills can be anything . It ’ s your behavioral skills , how you regulate your emotions , interacting with your community , how to apply for jobs , and so much more . These are skills that help society function .”
Currently , over 30 kids are participants in the Mental Health Safety Net Program . The curriculum captures the life skills of all ages . For younger kids , lessons cover topics like how to get along with others , how to listen , or how to take turns with your peers . Older students benefit from topics dealing with employment skills , how to have healthy relationships , stress management , and coping skills .
“ We ’ ve seen such a difference these skills can make in the lives of young people . For example , if a child isn ’ t receiving training on how to deal with coping skills or anxiety , they are much more likely to turn to substance abuse when they are older , get involved in illegal activities , and so on ,” explained Kati .
The need for mental health care shows no signs of slowing down and Centerstone Indiana plays a huge role in staying in front of the challenge . “ We tend to focus on explanations of why people do the things they do ,” said Kati , “ but we should really be focusing on how we can prevent these harmful things . These life skills training are giving young people tools on how to navigate situations and get through life .”
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Centerstone Centerstone . org • ( 812 ) 258-0310
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22 EXTOL | FALL 2023