Latest News & Events
Grant to Support Opioid Recovery Center in Mohave County
Kingman Daily Miner Article; Kingman, AZ
Southwest Behavioral & Health Services has received a $849,915 grant from the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. The money will be used for a Comprehensive Opioid Recovery Center with an Integrated Systems Approach that will serve individuals in Mohave County.
Coping With COVID-19 Stress
Payson Roundup Article; Payson, AZ
The COVID-19 pandemic is taking a toll on more than physical health, the economy and first responders. It is also driving a rise in mental and behavioral health issues. Robin Mathews, with Southwest Behavioral & Health Services, talked about coping with COVID-19 at the Oct. 8 virtual Payson Inter-Agency meeting. She said because of COVID-19 many are experiencing very high levels of anxiety. Substance abuse, self-harm and suicide rates are all up.
A Healthy Mind is Key to Surviving the Pandemic
The Foothills Focus Article; Phoenix, AZ
This year has been long and, for many, full of stress. Routines might have been lost and morale may be down, but there are tons of little things you can do to make it a little more positive and enjoyable. Having a balance of a healthy mind and body is the key. If you need help changing your mindset, all DVUSD high school campuses have a Southwest Behavioral counselor on site. They are taking online therapy sessions until schools are back on campus.
KJZZ Podcast: Unsheltered, Episode 6: Sentenced
KJZZ Podcast; Phoenix, AZ
Sentences for misdemeanor crimes typically include fines and probation. While it's easy to say those sentences aren't harsh, for the poorest people in Arizona, the effects of these penalties often far outweigh the seriousness of their crimes. For the large number of Americans who are one unexpected expense away from losing everything, a fine or probation could be what makes them homeless. In this Episode of their "Unsheltered" podcast, KJZZ interviewed Carolyn Moore, an SB&H Success Story, as well as Paul Buttermore, Program Director for SB&H's Community Resilience division.
Healing With Laughter
The Daily Courier Article; Prescott, AZ
Christine Hayes, SB&H Program Director in Prescott Valley, shares her personal journey as a Certified Laughter Therapist, and the importance of laughter therapy as a means of treating one's mental health in times of chaos.
Marine Corps Vet Assists the Homeless
Glendale Republic Article; Glendale, AZ
Former Marine Corps infantry veteran Paul Buttermore serves as a Program Director for Southwest Behavioral & Health Services' Community Resilience division. He works with members of the Phoenix community who are often underserved, homeless and seriously mentally ill. In this role, he also helps veterans find a voice and achieve independence by assisting them with basic needs.
Programs Help House the Homeless
West Valley View Article; Goodyear, AZ
Near the beginning of each year, the Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) sponsors a Point in Time event, with scores of volunteers taking to the streets to count “unsheltered” homeless people. Eddie Thompson was one of them. Eddie shared his story, the support he has received from community programs, and his plan to start classes at Southwest Behavioral, sit down with a psychologist, and figure out how to deal with problems in the past so he won’t be out on the streets.
Raising Arizona Kids September Digital Issue - Southwest Autism Center of Excellence
Raising Arizona Kids Feature; Phoenix, AZ
Southwest Autism Center of Excellence was one of many community resources featured in the September digital issue of Raising Arizona Kids magazine; this "Special Needs Resources" issue includes a directory of resources offering help for children with learning differences and resources for families with disabled or medically fragile children, as well as tips for what parents can do to get help for children who are struggling in school.
When it Comes to Mental Health, Race Matters
Peoria Independent Article; Peoria, AZ
Ed McClelland, SB&H's VP Community Services, shares his 30 years of experience in the community behavioral health industry; the struggles he has seen that individuals and family members go through when faced with mental illness challenges; witnessing people overcome great odds and come out on the other side of what might be considered the worst time of their lives; having the privilege of working with and caring for individuals from a variety of ethnic communities; and that when it comes to mental health, race matters.
Trends in Telemedicine
Psychology Today Article; New York City, NY
Rocksheng Zhong, MD, SB&H Northern Arizona Medical Director, discusses the pros and cons of the sudden elevation of telepsychiatry due to the Covid-19 pandemic, from a niche practice to the standard way of providing behavioral healthcare.
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