|
Phoenix-Area Mental Health
Services (Gay & Gay-Friendly) |
Note: Prior to
January, 2008, we were not aware of any Phoenix-area mental
health services that were specifically "gay-friendly" for GLBT
individuals or their family members. That's not to say
that they don't exist -- if they do, we simply were not aware of
them. In January, 2008, we were contacted by a gentleman
affiliated with the National Alliance on Mental Illness of
Arizona (NAMI Arizona) who wanted to let us know that the
national NAMI organization, through their
Multicultural Action Center (MAC), had recently published some
resources to assist GLBT individuals dealing with mental illness
issues (whether shorter term issues such as depression, anxiety, or
substance abuse disorder, or potentially longer term mental
illnesses) and their families and friends. Those resources
can be found in our Resources section, under the "Health
& Mental Health" section. Below is some brief
information from the local NAMI Arizona website (which is
subject to revision at any time, so always go to their website
for the most up-to-date information) about services offered in
Arizona. It is our understanding that the NAMI Arizona
organization is working towards making their services more
"gay-friendly" for GLBT individuals and their families and
friends. Again, check with them directly if you have any
questions regarding the services they offer and whether a GLBT
individual/family member/friend would be comfortable talking to
their staff or in their support groups about mental illness
issues AND related GLBT issues.
From the
National
Alliance on Mental Illness of Arizona (NAMI
Arizona) website (Jan., 2008):
"All
of NAMI Arizona programs are
FREE
to the general public. They are sponsored by NAMI Arizona as
a community service for families in many cities and towns
across the state."
Education
Programs:
Long
term mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia,
depression, and bipolar disorder, cause differences in
thinking, feeling, mood, and interpersonal
relationships. Research has shown that mental illnesses
are neurological brain disorders. Currently they cannot
be prevented or cured but do respond to a combined
treatment of medication, psychosocial rehabilitation,
and support. By educating ourselves and the community at
large, we become empowered to dispel the stigma,
misinformation, and discrimination that surround serious
mental illnesses.
Support
Services Programs:
Support
groups statewide offer opportunities to share feelings
and concerns, network about resources and information,
and give and receive mutual support. Those affected have
comfort in knowing “they are not alone” when mental
illness strikes their family.
Public
Information and Awareness Programs:
NAMI
Arizona presents public information and awareness
programs to both inform the public about mental illness
and reduce stigma that is attached to mental illnesses.
Advocacy
Programs:
NAMI
Arizona members promote a coordinated continuum of care
for persons with serious mental illnesses that is
community-based, treats people with dignity, promotes
recovery and rehabilitation, fosters empowerment, and
provides for choice. Our voices raised in unison gain
respect and impact others.
Be sure to check the
NAMI
Arizona website for additional information about their
programs, scheduling information about upcoming classes,
access to their online brochures, and access to the many
links on their Resources page.
Local GLBT-Friendly Mental Health Services:
-
Stonewall Institute
The valley's only state licensed
outpatient program to offer mental health counseling,
addiction treatment, and DUI services all under one roof and
specifically designed for the LGBT community. Also offers
alcohol and drug screening, assessment, individual and group
counseling services, and aftercare.
- Want to determine if you or someone
you know has a problem with alcohol or drugs? Click below
for a brief self-assessment questionnaire:
See Also:
|
