*All videos are Closed Captioned on Youtube*
Savannah was referred to our YES Waiver program in November 2019. At that time, she was engaging in self-harm and was also fighting depression and anxiety.
Initially, Savannah had difficulty attending school and expressing her thoughts and feelings. However, Savannah made the choice to commit to taking control of her mental health.
Along with our treatment team, we discussed with Savannah the type of therapies she might be willing to participate in to promote her growth. Savannah choose equine therapy, community living support and art therapy.
Savannah worked weekly with each provider, and especially loved equine therapy. The results of her hard work are evident. Her school attendance has improved and reports building better relationships with her teachers and peers.
Savannah is living proof of the ability a person has to their goals with team support, commitment and perseverance. Prior to graduating from YES Waiver, Savannah was asked what she learned from participating with the YES Waiver program. Savannah shared the program helped to increase her self-awareness and improved coping skills. Savannah stated, “I’ve learned a lot about myself.”
Maria* presented to therapy with Paula Moore, PsyD at the IDD STARS Clinic due to depression, pervasive anxiety and a preoccupation with protecting herself. She was also diagnosed with mild Intellectual Disability and ADHD. Early on, although cooperative, progress was minimal. After securely establishing rapport, she began to show signs of growth in therapy. She responded particularly well to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Not only was she responsive in therapy, but she also demonstrated a keen ability to follow-through on CBT strategies outside of session.
Janet successfully completed a full protocol of Cognitive Processing Therapy for childhood trauma. She reported feeling uncomfortable with the memories and struggled talking about them.
Joshua* is an nine-year-old boy whose journey we celebrate. He was a client of both the Feeding Clinic and the Positive Behavior Supports (PBS) program. When we met him at age five, Joshua was non-verbal and had periods of aggressive behavior.
Eileen is a 24 year-old woman diagnosed with a severe intellectual and developmental disability. Because of her diagnosis, Eileen has had to endure several unique challenges. One challenge in particular has caused Eileen some distress over the years - not being able to control her urination and defecation, having to wear supportive undergarments since she was an infant.
The phone rang at 6 p.m. on a Wednesday night at the Crisis Line. Isabella Rowe, a fairly new member of the Crisis Line team, answered the call. The caller shared he was having a really rough time getting through a terrible divorce and was currently homeless. He was feeling desperate and so hopeless that he had thoughts of dying by walking in to traffic earlier that day. Many of these feelings were due to the love he felt for Sanaa, his service dog of 7 years, who helped him due to a seizure disorder. The caller had a really hard time finding a spot in a shelter since most won't take Sanaa. The caller reported feeling increasingly worried about caring for her properly on the street.
Anaira noted Maritza’s baby seemed happy and well cared for, but during her observations, she became concerned about Martiza when she noticed changes in Martiza’s self-care.
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The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD strives to provide high quality, efficient, and cost effective services so that persons with mental disabilities may live with dignity as fully functioning, participating, and contributing members of our community, regardless of their ability to pay based on a sliding scale rate schedule. Privacy Statement Contact Us