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In a world where the pressures of life can often seem overwhelming, Centerstone of Indiana stands as a beacon of hope and support for those battling mental health challenges. A nonprofit health care facility specializing in mental health services and addiction recovery for individuals of all ages, Centerstone aims to eliminate barriers often associated with mental health treatment. Headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee, Centerstone has facilities in Illinois, Florida, and Indiana.
It is no secret that those often most affected by the current mental health crisis are the nation’s youth population. One of Centerstone’s newest locations in Jeffersonville, Indiana focuses on working with the schools to help combat this challenge. “Our therapists and family support specialists are embedded in the school and have their own offices on site,” said Kati Guernsey, Director of Child and Family Services at Centerstone. “It helps us intervene as things happen in real time.”
Centerstone’s Mental Health Safety Net Program, sponsored by a special Samtec Cares grant, works directly with school counselors, principals, and school social workers to tend students in need of mental health support, whether they be uninsured or underinsured. The unique program helps get in front of the challenges faced by youth and young adults by providing life skills training that are often overlooked in the typical school curriculum. “It’s really a crucial service,” said Kati. “Life skills can be anything. It’s your behavioral skills, how you regulate your emotions, interacting with your community, how to apply for jobs, and so much more. These are skills that help society function.”
Currently, over 30 kids are participants in the Mental Health Safety Net Program. The curriculum captures the life skills of all ages. For younger kids, lessons cover topics like how to get along with others, how to listen, or how to take turns with your peers. Older students benefit from topics dealing with employment skills, how to have healthy relationships, stress management, and coping skills.
“We’ve seen such a difference these skills can make in the lives of young people. For example, if a child isn’t receiving training on how to deal with coping skills or anxiety, they are much more likely to turn to substance abuse when they are older, get involved in illegal activities, and so on,” explained Kati.
The need for mental health care shows no signs of slowing down and Centerstone Indiana plays a huge role in staying in front of the challenge. “We tend to focus on explanations of why people do the things they do,” said Kati, “but we should really be focusing on how we can prevent these harmful things. These life skills training are giving young people tools on how to navigate situations and get through life.”
MORE INFORMATION
Centerstone
Centerstone.org ● (812) 258-0310
