While it is something that may be ignored from time to time, mental health is incredibly important in one’s daily life. That’s why on March 19, Rancho Cucamonga High School hosted a mental health fair in the library featuring resources for those who are struggling.
At RCHS, those who struggle with maintaining their mental health can go to peer counseling, which is a great option for those who need someone to listen to.
For those who have issues that they would rather get more traditional help for, some students can go to the guidance building to talk to a registered marriage and family associate, such as Crystal Garibay.
“For the associates, usually we provide therapy for those who qualify through their IEP [Individual Education Program],” Garibay said.
She added that they also offer another service, which is typically provided by a trainee therapist for eight to ten sessions. Each student is eligible for this once a year. If students want to take advantage of this opportunity, they can submit a request for it from their guidance counselor.
Other than what the school provides, there are other ways to get help, including Project Sister Family Services, South Coast Community Services, and Discovery Behavioral Health.
Project Sister Services is a non-profit organization that specializes in sexual assault and child abuse help. They offer a variety of services, including education and prevention, as well as free therapy and a 24-hour crisis hotline. Trained advocates can also accompany survivors through “hospitals, forensic exams, law enforcement interviews, and court.”
“We offer 24-hour hotline if you need someone to talk to, having any questions, or any resources that someone is looking for,” said Project Sister Family Services volunteer Elise.
If they don’t offer the service that you are looking for, such as shelters, they can help point you in the right direction.
Therapy is available to survivors and non-offending family members. They offer in-person therapy in Pomana, Monday-Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Simply, Project Sister Services “keep showing up for victims so they can become survivors.”
South Coast Community Services helps treat a variety of conditions through therapy. They have locations to go to for therapy, but they also offer in-home, in-school (including RCHS), post-adoption, and short-term residential programs.
“We come to you,” South Coast Therapist Marissa said.
To get assigned to one of these programs, call the number (877) 564-5860 from Monday through Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. They accept Medi-Cal, Magellan, Kaiser, Cigna Evernorth, Health Net, and Aetna. If patients don’t have insurance, they offer flexible payment options and credit and debit cards.
Discovery Behavioral Health is another option for mental health, but they also specialize in eating disorders and addiction help. They are based in Irvine. Discovery Behavioral Health Clinical Outreach Manager Jessica said that their therapy is tailored to the patient.
“It’s really individualized care,” Jessica said. “There’s different types of eating disorders, and people are addicted to different kinds of substances, and there’s different types of mental health diagnoses, so we help with all that.”
Those who want to learn more about them can go to their website. They have been assessed by The Joint Commission National Quality Approval and are certified. They take many different insurances.
One of the biggest things hurting people’s ability to get help is not knowing where to start, but if you are struggling, there are resources, and these are only a few of the many.
