Michelle Gaskill-Hames’ Post

Embracing Leadership: The Vital Role of Latinas in the Mental Health Field Hello everyone, As a licensed clinical professional counselor, I am deeply passionate about the intersection of mental health and leadership, especially concerning the representation and involvement of Latinas in these critical roles. Today, I am reaching out to share my thoughts and to celebrate the strides we are making as Latinas in the mental health field. In recent years, the call for diversity in all professional fields has grown louder, and mental health is no exception. Diversity not only enriches our understanding and approach but also ensures that services are culturally sensitive and broadly accessible. As Latinas, we bring a unique perspective shaped by our cultural heritage, personal experiences, and community values, which are indispensable in addressing the multifaceted needs of those we serve. Leadership, particularly in mental health, requires compassion, resilience, and dedication—qualities that many Latinas naturally embody due to our cultural backgrounds and life experiences. Despite this, climbing the professional ladder can be a significant challenge. Barriers such as socioeconomic disparities, language obstacles, and systemic biases often stand in our way. However, these challenges also forge a path of resilience and innovation that is characteristic of Latina leaders in the field. It is essential to recognize and support the development of Latina professionals. Mentoring, networking, and advocacy are crucial for nurturing the next generation of Latina leaders in mental health. Initiatives aimed at increasing representation and leadership can have a transformative impact not only on individuals but on the entire mental health landscape. By stepping into leadership roles, we not only pave the way for future generations but also ensure that our communities receive care that is culturally attuned and deeply empathetic. Our voices are vital in shaping policies, treatment models, and educational programs that resonate with and effectively serve diverse populations. I encourage other Latinas in the mental health profession to pursue leadership positions and contribute their valuable insights and expertise. Together, we can continue to break barriers and foster an environment where every voice is heard and every individual is seen. Thank you for taking the time to read this post. Let us continue to support each other and push forward with purpose and passion. If you are interested in connecting, sharing ideas, or collaborating to further our impact, please feel free to reach out. Together, let's shape a future where Latina leadership in mental health is not just celebrated but expected. Warm regards, Junice Nunez LCPC Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor

The first ever Anesis Multicultural Mental Health Conference is coming to the Midwest this August! At Anesis Therapy, our commitment goes beyond conversation; it's about action. We recognize the unique mental health challenges faced by communities of color and the urgent need for care that not only understands but celebrates cultural diversity. This recognition drives us to host our first Multicultural Mental Health Conference, aiming to reshape traditional approaches and pave the way for a more inclusive and understanding mental health paradigm. Mark your calendars— August 22nd is approaching! Why Attend? Connect with Thought Leaders: Engage in meaningful dialogue with leading experts passionate about integrating cultural diversity into mental health care. Be Part of the Conversation: Contribute your voice to critical discussions that highlight the importance of cultural awareness in mental health practice. Earn CEUs: Take this opportunity to broaden your expertise and receive Continuing Education Units, enhancing both your knowledge and professional credentials. 👉 Secure your spot and expand your skills while making a tangible difference in the mental health field. Early Registration is currently open: https://lnkd.in/gqVenvBY

Breakthroughs are coming in mental health science. But barriers in research can limit progress and slow the search for new interventions. To advance the field, we must unite research and foster practices that will lead to new, innovative solutions. And we’re committed to helping make this a reality. Working with the research community, we want to help build a more collaborative, coherent and focused field of mental health science. We’re doing this by: 🤝 Empowering a diverse, global field that prioritises lived experiences and draws on a range of expertise. 📊 Fostering a shared understanding of concepts, definitions and metrics to improve communication and innovation in mental health. 🎯 Helping researchers to identify and pursue the most promising areas of mental health based on evidence and impact. But we know we don't have all the answers. We will continue to work with and listen to researchers and lived experience experts to better understand gaps, barriers and opportunities in mental health science. Read more about how we’re facilitating change: https://lnkd.in/eK9T3KkM

Hi 👋🏽 I’m Dr. Claire! I'm an unapologetic humanist and intersectional mental health, public health, and racial & social justice thought leader, speaker, practitioner, and advocate. Welcome to week 14 of 𝗠𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗗𝗿. 𝗖𝗹𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗲 ™ where through this weekly series, I address mental health and social justice through a human-centered and intersectional lens. May is Mental Health Awareness Month and in recognition of the importance of our well-being, for the month of May, 𝗠𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗗𝗿. 𝗖𝗹𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗲 ™ will be celebrated as 𝗠𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗵 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗗𝗿. 𝗖𝗹𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗲 ™ ! All month long, I will highlight mental health, discuss mental health and social factors that impact our well-being, and share tips, resources, and facts. ❤️ As an intersectional mental health and racial and social justice practitioner and thought leader, I’m deeply concerned about the human condition and experience. I understand that who we are, how the world views us, what access to resources and basic rights we have, determines a lot about our overall well-being. 💙 We are all interconnected and have a shared identity should we choose to fully embrace our own humanity and that of others.  🧡 No one is a monolith and diversity is the true beauty of life. As with each month, many cultures, causes, and sectors are honored all month long, or for specific weeks, or a particular day. There are way too many for me to accurately acknowledge and not mentioning them doesn’t mean they aren’t important. It means that I'm human and limited in my capacity. ⭐ In addition to Mental Health Awareness Month, here are a few other observances in May: ➡ Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month (AAPI) ➡ Fibromyalgia Awareness Month  ➡ Jewish American Heritage Month ➡ Mother’s Day ➡ National Missing and Murdered Indigenous Person Awareness Day ➡ Nurses Week 💛 All those represented in the groups, sectors, and communities I mentioned have intersecting identities. Each individual within these groups also has a high likelihood of being in direct or indirect contact with biological, environmental, or social factors that impact their mental well-being, or that of someone they know. ❤️ As we celebrate and honor the diversity of each other and our needs, please remember that Mental Health is everyday, not only in May. 

🌟 Register Now for the South Asian Mental Health Conference! 🌟 Are you asking yourself if you should register for the South Asian Mental Health Conference? The answer is Yes, absolutely! Eight years ago, my co-founder Nina Kaur and I made a pivotal decision. We halted the cycle of saving up for conferences only to encounter the disappointment of silenced voices, rejected proposals, and a lack of mentorship and support in our journey towards South Asian Mental Health advocacy, particularly in Punjabi Mental Health. As graduate students, we grappled with finishing our dissertations and navigating mental health spaces without succumbing to the impacts of imposter syndrome. Recognizing the need for mentorship and consultation, we founded the South Asian Mental Health Consortium. Over the past 8 years, our mission has been to bridge the gaps left by other spaces. Our conference is inclusive—welcoming proposals from high school students, graduate students, interns, post-docs, and providers alike. We aim to provide everyone with the opportunity to experience a culturally rooted, professional conference. Join us in this movement to elevate each other and see South Asian Mental Health thrive. You deserve to be in a space where your voice is heard and valued, free from the shackles of imposter syndrome. Let's build a community where everyone feels seen, heard, and supported. Together, let's empower each other , learn , grow and continue to make strides in South Asian Mental Health! https://lnkd.in/gHJEEdEe

July is National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to highlight the unique mental health challenges faced by Black, Indigenous, and other people of color (BIPOC). This year, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Minority Health (OMH) focuses on improving mental health outcomes through the theme "Be the Source for Better Health: Improving Health Outcomes Through Our Cultures, Communities, and Connections." This theme emphasizes understanding how social determinants of health impact the mental health of these communities. Join the National Institute for Children's Health Quality (NICHQ) in our fight against the significant mental health disparities faced by minorities. 💡Access resources and insights for providers, public health professionals, and patients and families to best navigate and support mental health challenges in MCH: https://bit.ly/3LBBqmd - Eliminating the Consequences of Maternal Depression - https://bit.ly/3LGejH6 - Maternal Depression: Everyone Can Play a Role to Help Families Thrive - https://bit.ly/4cPJhJ9 - Five Ways Pediatrics Can Support Social Emotional Development - https://bit.ly/3LBR5ly 💡Additionally, NICHQ’s Department of Health Equity Innovation presents “The Equity Exchange: Navigating Equity Fatigue and Weathering,” July, 25th at 1 pm EDT. This free, virtual event will be a space for conversation regarding strategies for maintaining momentum and engagement in equity initiatives, and addresses the unique mental health challenges faced by racial and ethnic minority communities in the context of equity work. Register here: https://bit.ly/46i4eK2

Today, the 2b Inclusive team participated in a one-day workshop, exploring the intricate relationship between psychosis, traumatic experiences, environmental and social determinants. The session, facilitated by @Matt Ball, delved into the Dissociachotic Framework – an approach to understanding extreme states often referred to as 'psychosis'. Big thanks to Matt Ball for an incredible insightful workshop! Matt's dedication to teaching the hearing voices approach and his extensive work in the field is truly admirable. We appreciate your support on our learning journey! 👏 🔍 Key Insights: - Dissociachotic Conceptual Framework: Explored the innovative Dissociachotic framework, offering a refreshing alternative to conventional diagnostic narratives in mental health. - Human-to-Human Relationship Approach: Learned about a non-goal orientation, human-to-human relationship approach to working with distress, fostering connection and understanding. - Supporting Articulation of Unique Narratives: Explored the skills in supporting individuals in distress to articulate their unique and meaningful narratives behind their Dissociachotic states. 🧠 Something important to remember: "If a person says to you the world is not safe, listen to them". 🌐 About Matt: Founder and Director of Humane Clinic. Finalist in the Global Nursing Award 2022. Awarded Mental Health Nurse of the Year in 2017. At 2b Inclusive, we're dedicated to helping our team grow 🚀We firmly believe that nurturing the knowledge and skills of our team guides their approach and enhance the quality of service we deliver to our clients🌟

 🌈Celebrating Mental Health Clinicians Every day, behavioral health clinicians are committed to helping others navigate through life's challenges, develop their identity, live authentically, and promote emotional well-being. Their dedication is truly commendable and deserves recognition. From Peers, Case Managers, Therapists, Physician Assistants, Nurse Practitioners, Psychologists, and Psychiatrists, these professionals play a critical role in our communities, providing a safe space for individuals to express themselves and embark on a journey towards wellness and a more fulfilling life. Their empathy, expertise, and dedication make a profound difference in the lives of countless individuals and families. As we observe Mental Health Awareness Month, let's take a moment to celebrate the invaluable contributions of mental health clinicians. Their efforts have a ripple effect, creating positive change and fostering healthier, more resilient communities. Here are a few ways we can honor and support mental health clinicians: 🙏 Express Gratitude 💪 Raise Awareness: Spread awareness about the importance of behavioral health care 🤝 Advocate for Support: Advocate for policies and initiatives that prioritize mental health care accessibility, funding, and support for clinicians.  🙌 Self-Care: Remember to prioritize your own mental health and well-being.   At VHBH we will be introducing you to our clinicians on Linkedin through out this month. Look out for the next video introduction to one of our team at Vail Health Behavioral Health. #mentalhealthawarenessmonth #mentalhealth

In recent research examining the skills and support needs of artists working across mental health contexts the importance of Duty of Care frameworks and the gaps were highlighted. Providing support structures such as peer networks and professional supervision, managing workloads, and offering professional development opportunities. should be standard aspects of professional practice. (Creative Australia 2023, Creative Solutions: Training and sustaining the arts for mental health workforce ) https://lnkd.in/gEzFwpBa

MINNESOTA 🚨📞👧 Call To Action TUESDAY To raise awareness about the need for increased funding for our mental health system, the Mental Health Legislative Network has scheduled a statewide call-in day for this Tuesday, April 16th. Please put a note on your calendar that day to call or email the Governor, the Senate Majority Leader, the Speaker of the House, and your state senator and representative: Governor Tim Walz: 651-2013400 or email https://lnkd.in/gvHWerWa Majority Leader Erin Murphy: 651-296-5931 or email https://lnkd.in/g7pb2zi7 Speaker Melissa Hortman: 651-296-4280 or [email protected] To find your reps: https://lnkd.in/gpn_YwyZ Your message can be: Dear (Governor/Representative/Senator_____) Our kids can’t wait to access mental health care. No child should have to wait weeks or months to access needed mental health care. Not treating their symptoms makes it difficult for them to do well in school, socially, and at home. (share your own story or what you’ve seen) Low rates are creating barriers to accessing needed mental health care. I ask you to increase funding specifically for our mental health system. Minnesota can do better for our children. We must address the critical need for mental health care. NAME ADDRESS PHONE NUMBER More info you can use or mention‼️ The agreed-upon targets for state funding this year are too low to address the mental health crisis in our state. But we can’t wait until future years to fund our mental health system. With half of all mental illnesses emerging by age 14, our immediate focus is on our children’s mental health system. We know that children and youth are waiting for weeks and months to access therapy, day treatment, in-home services, residential treatment, and even hospital beds. Early and intensive interventions will help them to be healthy adults.