Need Therapy? In West Africa, Hairdressers Can Help.

Reconsolidation of Traumatic Memories (RTM) is an unconventional therapy for treating PTSD without the intense emotional pain of traditional approaches like reliving traumatic memories. Despite barriers like minimal research and skepticism, early evidence suggests patients may be more likely to complete RTM therapy and eliminate their PTSD symptoms quicker than with traditional forms of therapy.

As the number of students seeking mental health support increased, the University of Arizona’s Counseling and Psych Services increased the number of students it’s able to see — up to about 1,500 students a month — as well as the number of staff — from about 40 people in 2019 to 70. This staffing increase makes it easier for more students to access care. The center also provides options for students who struggle with the cost of mental health services.

Street medicine teams across California are bringing therapy directly to unhoused people to address the widespread but overlooked mental health crisis among people experiencing homelessness. These teams conduct flexible, location-based therapy sessions using coping strategies adapted for life on the street, such as journaling and coloring. Multiple patients credit street therapy with helping them stabilize enough to navigate the complex housing application process and maintain housing once obtained.

In an effort to promote health and wellness and reduce instances of officer misconduct, the Baltimore Police Departmenr launched a program in 2018 that connects officers with counseling, substance use treatment and other mental and physical health supports. Over the course of the program, more than 250 officers have signed themselves into a voluntary, confidential alcohol addiction program and been able to keep working.

After the pandemic, many teens are still opting for telehealth therapy rather than in-office care. Telehealth makes therapy more accessible for those who need it, particularly through collaboration with mental health platforms like Daybreak that partner with school districts across the U.S. to provide access to virtual therapy in schools. Daybreak’s data shows that 92% of families see behavioral improvements and 80% of school staff see attendance and grade improvements in students who participate in therapy.

Amongst an increased need for mental health care, Monadnock Family Services is offering group therapy to children to get them in for some level of care as staff shortages make offering individual therapy too difficult. The American Psychological Association found that group therapy is as effective as individual therapy for most conditions — as well as more efficient. Monadnock Family Services offers a variety of groups depending on a patient’s interests and identity, like groups for those who enjoy hiking to groups for members of the LGBTQ+ community.

The Behavioral Health Urgent Care and Access Center at Integrated Services of Kalamazoo (ISK) works with local law enforcement to assist those experiencing mental health crises and divert them from having to visit emergency rooms or face incarceration. The ISK Center offers same-day treatment for substance abuse as well as mental health care. In the Center’s first month, they received 19,619 calls for service from the Kalamazoo County Sheriff’s Department, 2% of which were flagged as behavioral health calls.

The “Together with You” center employs psychologists to provide mental health care to civilians in need, including children. Similar centers have also emerged in the area to address rising mental health concerns, like Kimnara Pidtrymky (Support Room) to provide free psychological services to children, both in person and online. These centers — and others like them — often collaborate all in an effort to reduce mental health stigma in the country.

The Fresno Center provides immigration services and culturally relevant mental health care to members of the Southeast Asian community. The Center provides therapy in native languages and works to destigmitize mental health in an effort to heal decades of generational trauma.

ACCESS Open Minds connects youth and young adults to mental health support, including therapists, caseworkers and peer navigators to help them get the care they need. One of ACCESS’s main goals is to bridge the gap between the complexities of the mental health care system and the community. By creating these youth wellness hubs and connecting people with the appropriate services, ACCESS has decreased the number of hospitalizations and emergency room visits and increased the number of people getting mental health care.