Mental Health Is a Journey and We Are Here To Support You

At Evergreen, we recognize that mental health is a key part to overall health and wellness. That is why we offer a multitude of counseling services meant to address a variety of mental health needs. Just like our services for sexual health and drug use, we meet patients where they are and allow them to determine their own goals. Every person has unique needs and we honor that by creating care plans that are tailored to an individual’s mental health objectives.

There has been an increase in the number of patients struggling with anxiety related to a return to society and what a “new normal” means for them as COVID-19 restrictions lift. Helping patients cope with anxiety is a skill that our staff is highly trained in. Amanda Honan, AVP of clinical services, utilizes 99 Coping Skills, a list of 99 activities that teach individuals experiencing anxiety how to center themselves, process trauma and avoid damaging thought patterns. These activities can be as simple as singing or playing with a pet and as immersive as yoga or learning a new language. We recognize that different skills will appeal to and be beneficial for different people.

While everyone’s response to anxiety and trauma looks different, Khristopher Decker, VP of Behavioral Health at Evergreen, states that “Healing from trauma and anxiety is always possible and it looks different for everyone.”

With May being Mental Health Awareness Month, we want to remind our patients and community that healing is a journey and we are here to support you. In addition to our Mental Health Services, we provide other Behavioral Health Services, such as Substance Use and Drug User Services, as well as a Syringe Exchange Program. Individuals who have a mental health diagnosis can be treated for both psychiatric and substance use by the same provider. Our Substance Use and Drug User Services Programs provide patients with the resources to aid in quitting or regaining control over their drug or alcohol use. We never require abstinence; we meet patients where they are and allow them to decide the goal of their treatment.

Evergreen’s THRIVE program also helps patients who are experiencing chronic illness with their mental health and emotional needs. In addition to art therapy, yoga, guided imagery and acupuncture, THRIVE now offers reiki. Reiki is a healing technique where the practitioner channels energy into the patient by means of touch, activating healing and restoration of the physical and emotional self. Many of our THRIVE patients have found that reiki is beneficial when experiencing anxiety, trauma and other mental health obstacles.

Evergreen offers patients with mental health symptoms support and options. We are a judgment-free space that is inclusive of all individuals and their unique life experiences. Whether patients are looking for solutions or just want to be heard, Evergreen is a place of healing for the community.

If you are in immediate danger or experiencing a medical emergency after hours, please call 911. For more information about our mental health services, please visit our website or call us at 716.847.2441 (Buffalo) or 716.664.7855 (Jamestown). We are here to help.