At The CARE Center, we are passionate about getting kids and non-offending caregivers the mental health services they need and deserve. We know that untreated trauma can have severe, long term effects on our kids, who, of course, grow up to be adults. This untreated trauma can lead to a significantly higher risk of substance abuse, mental health issues, health issues, and even early death. This is public health crisis. The CARE Center Mental Health Program’s ultimate goal is to give kids the services they need to heal and then grow up to live their happiest, healthiest lives.
We are so excited to continue to develop our mental health program. I (Hannah) am so excited to begin my LPC supervision in the upcoming months so I can begin to see our kids on site, in our beautiful new building that under construction now. We are looking to provide TF-CBT (trauma therapy), PCIT (parent child interaction therapy), and other evidence based treatment on site, in addition to the mental health services we already provide.
If you want to be a part of the incredible progress of the CARE Center’s mental health program with financial support, please reach out to our Director of Development & Communications, Camden Means at Camden@carecenter-okc.org.
If you need guidance on mental health services, please reach out to our Mental Health Coordinator, Hannah Griffis, at hannah@carecenter-okc.org.
Meet Hannah Griffis!
The CARE Center provides access to free mental health services for all of our kids. Just like every child should have access to a doctor for an illness or injury, we believe every child should have access to mental health care!
Q&A with Hannah Griffis
As we wrap up Mental Health Awareness Week 2020, we hope to have taken some of the fear and stigma out of seeking mental health services. It’s okay to not be okay, and it’s okay to ask for help.
Here are a few mental health related questions we get asked on a regular basis:
Where do we start with getting mental health services?
The best place to start is by telling your child that they are brave. Tell your child they did the right thing by telling you what was happening. Tell your child you believe them, support them, and will do whatever they need. We encourage parents to listen attentively if their child wants to talk about what happened, but we discourage parents asking follow up or leading questions. Give your child space to feel heavy feelings, but let them know they can absolutely look forward to feeling better. At this point, it’s appropriate to get mental health services (counseling/therapy) set up for your child and/or family.
How do I get services started and how do I pay for the services?
When you’ve made the decision to get therapy started, you can start by reaching out to your child’s doctor or insurance provider to determine which providers are in network. Private insurance companies typically require a co-pay for mental health services. Medicaid (Soonercare) will cover all mental health service costs for your child, as long as you see a provider who accepts Medicaid. Some additional options include reaching out to your human resource office and consulting about Employee Assistance Program (EAP) options. Sometimes companies will provide compensation for 6-8+ sessions for their employees and dependents. If you are a part of a faith community, many churches or faith organizations will also provide therapy through a licensed provider for a certain number of sessions.
Is my child’s life ruined?
It can be easy to feel like your child will never be the same after a traumatic event or experience. The truth is, your child will never completely forget or be able to erase what happened to them. That event or experience is written into their story. BUT – it isn’t their whole story and it doesn’t define who they are, their chance of success, or their future. Our kiddos are incredibly brave and resilient and they WILL HEAL. Additionally, the number one factor in kids healing and moving forward is having supportive, caring adults in their lives. If YOU are OK – your kiddo is going to be okay. It might feel 100% horrible today, but it will feel 99% horrible tomorrow, and things will get less horrible and MUCH more hopeful as time and services progress. We are here for you.
Oklahoma County Mental health Resources
Heartline – Contact for resources of all kinds, including crisis mental health services.
Website
Planet Rock (Kids Only) – Walk In’s Welcome
4130 N. Lincoln Blvd.
OKC OK 73015
405-425-0333
320 12th Ave. NE
Norman OK 73071
405-364-9004
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