Did you know that May is Mental Health Month?  In 2013, President Obama proclaimed May as National Mental Health Awareness Month and brought the issue of mental health to the forefront of our nation's thoughts. But why? Studies show that 1 in 5 Americans will have issues with their behavioral health at one point or another in their lifetime. Each year millions of Americans face the reality of living with a mental health condition. Therefore, during the month of May, Kings County Behavioral Health is bringing awareness to mental illness. Every year we battle stigma, provide support, and educate the community on the topic. It's no easy task but each year the movement grows stronger.

We believe that these issues are important to address year round, but highlighting these issues during May provides a time for people to come together and display the passion and strength of those working to improve the lives of the tens of millions of Americans affected by mental illness. Kings Believes that Each Mind Matters.

For more information visit www.eachmindmatters.org

Check out this video from Mental Health America: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZTt-v5FYpds

Kings County Behavioral Health completed two days of training with professional and faith leaders focused on spirituality.  The trainings on April 17 and 18 in Hanford had over 70 attendees for each session. The first was for professionals called Spirituality 101: Addressing the Spiritual and Cultural needs in a Behavioral Health Setting, and the second was for faith leaders titled Mental Health 101 A Training for Faith Leaders and Faith Based Community Members.  These trainings were offered at no-cost to participants through the Mental Health Services Act (MHSA).

This effort stems from the larger statewide wellness and recovery approach that seeks to improve the overall wellness of people (mind, body and SPIRIT). The statewide Spirituality Initiative acknowledges the benefits and importance that spirituality can play in the lives of people and can be a catalyst in the wellness and recovery of Californians who may be experiencing some type of behavioral health issue (depression, anxiety, addiction, trauma, severe mental illness).  This training was the first large scale attempt in the Valley!

The MHSA Three Year Plan community process served as a spark in bringing this effort to Kings County. The Kings County Spirituality  Initiative seeks to engage and collaborate with local faith based organizations and institutions who express interest during the community process in helping those in the community who may be experiencing a wide array of behavioral health issues.  The goal of the initiative is to partner with interested organizations and provide training and basic information on mental health, resources, and practices and also to assist in building capacity through training. For more information on the Spirituality Initiative contact Monique Hall at Monique.hall@co.kings.ca.us . Visit our calendar to see when the Spirituality Committee meets again, http://www.kcbh.org/calendar.html 

Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is an evidence based trauma treatment proven to decrease symptoms of PTSD, anxiety and depression. The therapy is focused on children 3-18 years of age, but requires parent/caregiver participation. 

The therapy has also been proven to decrease shame, improve parenting skills, and strengthen the child-caregiver relationships. Depending on the type of trauma (single event or complex trauma) it can range from 12-15 sessions or 25-30 sessions. Trauma Focused CBT is provided by Behavioral Health at no cost and we are the only providers in the county . The child’s experience and reaction to the event is what determines trauma, not the event itself as children are very resilient.  

A Fresno Bee article in November of 2014 cited several studies that shows untreated childhood trauma not only has an impact on the mental and emotional wellness of the individual as a child and later adult, but it also has an direct impact on health problems, addictions, educational attainment, job security and poverty. Addressing childhood trauma is critical in improving the lives of those children, families and our community.