Sunday, June 30, 2024

Harnessing Neurodiversity: Empowering Individuals to Launch Successful Startups

 

Image via Freepik

Harnessing Neurodiversity: Empowering Individuals to Launch Successful Startups

Written by: Jackie Waters

Suppose you're navigating the entrepreneurial landscape with neurodiversity, such as a learning disability or ADHD. In that case, you're already equipped with unique strengths and perspectives poised to set you apart in the business world. The path to success involves leveraging these innate abilities while addressing the distinct challenges you may face. This LDASC guide empowers you with practical advice, helping you harness your potential and carve a successful entrepreneurial journey.

Identifying Strengths and Navigating Challenges

Your arsenal of neurodivergent traits, such as unmatched creativity and meticulous attention to detail, are your superpowers. Recognizing these alongside potential difficulties in networking or multitasking equips you with the insight to craft bespoke strategies for your enterprise. This knowledge allows you to adjust your business model in ways that amplify your strengths and effectively address challenges.

Designing a Distinctive Brand Identity

Dive into online logo makers to craft a logo that captivates and stays memorable for your enterprise. Your text logo is instrumental in shaping a powerful initial impression for those you aim to serve, and it deeply influences the development of your brand's identity. The good news is that you can skip the hefty designer fees and develop your own logo with an online tool; select an icon you like and incorporate your desired colors and fonts.

A meticulously designed logo ensures your enterprise distinguishes itself in a dynamic market. Embracing this strategy is crucial for fostering a unique brand that stands out. This pursuit is foundational in building a brand presence that is both distinctive and recognizable.

Leveraging Support Networks

The entrepreneurship journey need not be solitary, especially for those with neurodiversity. Numerous organizations and government agencies exist specifically to support neurodivergent entrepreneurs like you.

They offer a treasure trove of resources, guidance, and networking opportunities to cater to your unique needs. Engaging with these organizations can give you the tools and connections necessary to navigate the entrepreneurial ecosystem more effectively.

Establishing a Productive Workspace

A structured work environment can significantly enhance productivity and focus, particularly for those with learning disabilities and ADHD. Creating a workspace that aligns with your preferences and needs sets the stage for routine and predictability, which can help alleviate anxiety and improve concentration. This structured approach to your work environment is a proactive step toward ensuring that your neurodivergent traits are harnessed for success, rather than becoming barriers to your progress.

Innovating Through Neurodiversity

Your neurodivergent traits are a source of innovation and creativity, offering perspectives that diverge from the norm. This unique outlook on problem-solving and creativity is invaluable, enabling you to tackle challenges with fresh eyes and pioneer innovative solutions. By embracing your neurodiversity, you position yourself as a trailblazer in your field, utilizing your distinct strengths to foster innovation and drive your business to new heights.

Assembling a Synergistic Team

Success in entrepreneurship is rarely a solo endeavor. Building a team that complements your skills and fills in the gaps where needed is essential.

Surrounding yourself with individuals who bring diverse talents and perspectives to the table enhances synergy and propels your business forward. This collaborative approach ensures that all facets of your business are covered, leveraging collective strengths to achieve common goals.

Mastering Effective Communication

Effective communication is the cornerstone of successful business interactions. Investing in developing your communication skills, through coaching, training, or therapy, is invaluable.

As someone with neurodiversity, mastering clear and concise communication can empower you to convey your ideas more effectively, build stronger relationships, and negotiate successfully. This skill benefits your business interactions and contributes to your personal growth and confidence as an entrepreneur.

Conclusion

As a neurodivergent individual stepping into the entrepreneurial arena, you possess a wealth of unique talents and perspectives invaluable in today's business world. Embracing the strategies outlined in this guide will enable you to navigate the challenges and leverage your strengths, paving the way for a successful and fulfilling entrepreneurial journey.

Remember, your neurodiversity is not just a part of who you are. It's a powerful asset that can drive innovation, creativity, and success in your business endeavors.

 

If you enjoyed this article, you can find more helpful content at LDASC.blogspot.com!

Stand by Your Beliefs and Make a Difference

 


Photo Credit: Gus Tu Njana via Unsplash

Stand By Your Beliefs and Make a Difference

Written by: David Dixon

No matter your beliefs, you can make a difference in your community by taking action and exercising your right to vote. You can also get involved with local organizations that share your values and stay positive in the face of adversity. If you're really passionate about making a difference, you could start your own nonprofit. Read on for some thoughts from LDASC.

Exercise Your Right to Vote

When you vote, you cast a ballot for the candidates that you believe in. Besides electing officials, voting can be to approve or reject initiatives or show your view in referendums. Voting is an essential part of a functioning democracy, and it's one of the best ways to ensure that your community is governed in a way that reflects your values. If you care about your community and the causes that you believe in, exercise your right to vote.

Get Involved

If you're interested in the environment, plenty of organizations could use your help, such as the Farmers Conservation Alliance. This nonprofit organization helps farmers and ranchers implement conservation practices that benefit the environment and their businesses. The alliance provides technical assistance, education, and outreach to help farmers and ranchers reduce their environmental impact and conserve resources.

For those with a heart for animals, consider donating essential goods to your local shelters. While pet food, blankets, and beds are always appreciated, ask about other items like muzzles, crates, and harnesses that may also be needed. Then, look online for veterinarian-recommended options before you purchase.

Many other organizations focus on climate change and are located across the US. And there is an increasing number of organizations that support social justice and racial equality.

Start a Nonprofit

You could start a nonprofit corporation to make a difference in your community and fight for what you believe in. All you need are bylaws that detail how it operates — including when to hold meetings, how votes count toward decisions made within the organization, and rules regarding conflicts of interest between members or director-level positions, to mention a few. Once you establish those details, you can get started on helping people within your community who deserve better lives.

Work in Education Administration

Deciding to work in education administration is a significant career move that often requires advanced knowledge and skills. One effective way to prepare for this challenging yet rewarding field is by returning to school online to earn a Doctorate of Education (Ed.D.). An online Ed.D. program offers the flexibility to continue working while studying; you may consider this an ideal choice for education professionals looking to advance their careers without pausing their current roles. These programs allow you to dig into the offering of educational theory, leadership, policy, and research, providing a comprehensive understanding of what it takes to excel in education administration.

Stay Positive in the Face of Adversity

Hope is a powerful tool — it can give you the strength to keep going when things are tough and inspire others to do the same. If you want to make a difference in your community, staying positive and hoping for the best is essential, even when things seem impossible.

It might seem like your voice doesn't matter, but your attitude can significantly impact those around you. When you stay hopeful, you show others it's possible to effect change, no matter how daunting the challenge may seem. So if you want to make a difference, be the hope that others can rally behind. 

You Can Make a Difference

Stand by your beliefs and encourage positive change in your community. You can exercise your right to vote, get involved with local organizations, or start your own nonprofit. What's important is that you stay positive and hopeful, as your attitude can inspire others to take action.

 

LDA's mission is to create opportunities for success for all individuals affected by learning disabilities. LDASC works on behalf of and serves parents, professionals, and adults with learning disabilities. Visit us online to learn more!

Sunday, March 3, 2024

Fostering Artistic Expression in Children with Learning Disabilities

 



                                                                                                                                    Photo via Pixabay

 

Fostering Artistic Expression in Children with Learning Disabilities

                                                                                                                     written by Jackie Waters

Art possesses an extraordinary ability to break down walls, offering a universal language for self-expression. For children with learning disabilities, delving into the artistic realm can be a transformational experience that accommodates diverse learning methods and enhances self-confidence. This guide from LDASC aims to share invaluable insights into fostering this artistic journey. We’ll also discuss how the act of creating art can be more than just an artistic endeavor – it can also be an emotional and intellectual lifeline!

The Therapeutic Power of the Arts

Introducing art to children with learning disabilities brings more than just a splash of color; it brings a palette of therapeutic benefits. Beyond traditional therapy, artistic activities serve as an alternative approach to self-expression and emotional development. They cater to children's individual learning styles, allowing for both visual and kinesthetic engagement. For example, painting can help children explore their feelings and ideas in a nonverbal way, serving as an emotional outlet. Incorporating technology such as digital art platforms can also enhance this experience by offering specialized features tailored to the needs of children with learning disabilities.

Creating a Creative Haven at Home

Establishing a dedicated space for artistic endeavors within the domestic sphere can substantially enhance your child’s artistic experience. A home studio or even a corner of a room can become a sanctuary for creative expression, where your child feels comfortable and encouraged to explore. This physical space serves a dual purpose: it not only nurtures your child's artistic pursuits but also potentially adds aesthetic and functional value to your home.

Technologies like augmented reality apps can help you visualize this space before making any physical changes, ensuring that the area is both functional and inspirational. Just make sure that you save all receipts and paperwork related to the changes you make to your home, as these will come in handy should you decide to sell down the road and need to prove the update’s reflection in your property value.

Exploring Diverse Artistic Opportunities

Diversity in artistic engagement extends far beyond painting and drawing. Activities like adaptive music classes, sensory-friendly theater, and inclusive dance workshops offer children multiple avenues for artistic exploration. Each of these activities is designed to cater to different abilities, thereby ensuring inclusivity. For example, tactile art classes use textured materials that engage children who are more kinesthetically inclined. Assistive technology, such as adaptive musical instruments, can further enrich these experiences, making the arts more accessible to children with varied learning styles.

Open-Ended Art Activities

The beauty of art lies in its lack of boundaries. Encouraging open-ended art activities allows children to explore without the pressure of creating a 'perfect' end product. Activities like freestyle painting, collage making, or clay modeling provide children the freedom to engage with different colors, shapes, and textures. This approach not only fosters creativity but also enhances fine motor skills and emotional well-being. Software like virtual reality art studios can offer an expansive, immersive canvas for such open-ended activities, with the added benefit of being easily tailored to individual needs.

Tailoring Activities to Individual Strengths

One size doesn't fit all, especially when it comes to artistic expression. Tailoring artistic activities to suit each child's unique strengths and interests is paramount for nurturing their creative potential. Whether it's through modifying existing activities or introducing new ones, adapting to each child's needs ensures a more personalized, enriching experience. For example, children who excel in visual-spatial tasks might find 3D sculpting particularly engaging. Technologies such as 3D printing can bring their creations to life, offering a tangible reward for their creative efforts.

Start Your Own Art-Based LLC

If all this work with the arts inspires you to start your own business, it’s important to remember to structure it professionally. Establishing your own limited liability company (LLC) is a great way to protect yourself legally, as well as provide certain tax incentives that can be a big help to your budget. If you aren’t sure where to begin, you can launch your South Carolina LLC through ZenBusiness, a formation service that’s cheaper than hiring a lawyer but can still ensure that your paperwork is filed quickly and accurately.

The artistic voyage for children with learning disabilities is one laden with opportunities for self-discovery, skill development, and emotional growth. By incorporating the recommendations provided in this article – and perhaps even starting your own art-based business – a nurturing and accommodating environment can be established, where children with learning disabilities can freely explore their artistic abilities. The mission is clear: to cultivate the untapped wellsprings of creativity, one artistic endeavor at a time.

 LDASC is here to create opportunities for those affected by learning disabilities. Feel free to leave a comment if you have any questions!

Monday, August 21, 2023

Assisted Living for People With Mental Health Disorders

 


Assisted Living for People With Mental Health Disorders

from: Senior Homes                                         

Reviewed By: Dr. Brindusa Vanta, MD

If you've found your mental health declining as you age, you’re not alone. One quarter of all seniors report anxiety or depression. Men aged 65 and older are at the highest risk of suicide. Those age 85 and older, regardless of their gender, are the second-most likely age group to die from suicide in the United States. Older adults experience stressors that can impact mental health, including financial worries, grief and loneliness. Declining physical health and struggling with tasks you once found easy compound the situation. However, poor mental health isn’t a normal part of aging.

Despite the high rate of mental health concerns in seniors, less than 50% receive treatment, according to data from 2019. Senior living is one option for better mental health. An assisted living community provides stability, structure and support. Living in a community helps combat loneliness, which is one of the biggest contributors to depression. Having support with carrying out activities of daily living while simultaneously eliminating the need to cook or do housekeeping also lowers stress and gives seniors time to do what makes them happy. 

Understanding how senior living can benefit mental health can help you decide whether a move to assisted living can improve your well-being. 

Common Mental Health Conditions That Impact Seniors

Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety disorders are characterized by excessive nervousness, fear and worry that interfere with your ability to function and be happy. It’s estimated that nearly 4% of older adults worldwide have an anxiety disorder.

Risk Factors for Seniors

  • Chronic medical conditions
  • General poor health
  • Medication side effects
  • Decreased mobility

How to Manage Anxiety

Typically, a combination of psychotherapy and medication manages anxiety disorders. It also helps to get plenty of sleep, avoid stimulants such as caffeine and talk about worries. Senior living can help ease worry or stress because you know there’s someone available to help in an emergency. 

Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder causes extreme mood swings, from euphoria to depression. These swings impact your sleep, judgment,  behavior and daily activities. Although bipolar disorder is usually seen in young people, 0.1%-0.5% of seniors are diagnosed with late-onset bipolar illness.

Risk Factors for Seniors


How to Manage Bipolar Disorder

There are a number of medications that can help you manage bipolar disorder. Non-medication treatments include psychotherapy and stress management techniques. 

Depression

Depression is a mood disorder that affects how you feel, think and manage daily activities. Symptoms include feeling hopeless, irritable, sad or worthless. Other common signs include having difficulty with concentration, loss of energy and a loss of interest in hobbies and activities you once enjoyed. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate that 1%-5% of older Americans living in the community and over 10% of seniors who are hospitalized or require home care have depression.

Risk Factors for Seniors

  • Serious health conditions, such as cancer and heart disease
  • Some medications

How to Manage Depression

Professionals can help you manage depression through psychotherapy and medications. It also helps to connect to family and friends, stay active and take care of your body by exercising, eating well and getting enough sleep.

Eating Disorders

Eating disorders are serious mental illnesses that affect a person’s eating behaviors. Those with eating disorders are often preoccupied with their weight, food and body shape. Symptoms can include binge-eating, avoiding food, excessive exercise, use of laxatives or forced vomiting. As eating disorders are normally considered a disease of young people, there isn’t data about the number of older adults impacted. 

Risk Factors for Seniors

How to Manage Eating Disorders

Psychotherapy and counseling services are useful to help people cope with eating disorders and self esteem issues. Residential senior care that provides meals in a community setting can help increase appetite and ensure you’re getting adequate nutrition.

Medication Misuse

Medication misuse is defined as improper use of  prescription medicine, including opioids, anti-anxiety medicines and stimulants. In 2018, nearly 1 million people age 65 or older reported having a substance use disorder.

Risk Factors for Seniors

  • Changes in metabolism
  • Increased sensitivity to drugs
  • Taking more medications for other health conditions

How to Manage Medication Abuse

There are drug treatment centers designed specifically for seniors. This can include support groups for older adults with substance use disorder. Doctors recommend inpatient treatment if detox is needed, as seniors are at increased risk of complications.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is often triggered by witnessing or experiencing a traumatic event. Symptoms can include anxiety, flashbacks and nightmares. It’s estimated that between 1.5% and 4% of people aged 60 and over have PTSD. This may have been diagnosed at a younger age or caused by a traumatic event experienced as a senior. 

Risk Factors for Seniors

  • Lack of support after traumatic event
  • Additional stress after the event, such as an injury
  • Loss of support structures

How to Manage Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Medication and psychotherapy are the most common treatments for PTSD. A senior living community can help people with PTSD develop social connections.

Risks Factors for Mental Health Conditions in Seniors

In addition to specific risk factors for the conditions discussed above, there are more general risk factors for mental health conditions that older adults experience. These include:

  • Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia
  • Certain medications
  • Chronic pain
  • Chronic stress
  • Grief
  • Isolation and loneliness
  • Change of life circumstances, such as retirement or loss of a spouse

Warning Signs of Mental Health Disorders in Seniors

Mental illness often goes undiagnosed in seniors. Symptoms can be dismissed as normal signs of aging, meaning older adults don’t get the care they need. The following warning signs could indicate that you’re experiencing mental illness:

  • Fighting with friends and family
  • Changes in sleeping and eating patterns
  • Feeling emotionless
  • Thinking of hurting yourself or others
  • Feeling angry, upset, confused or scared
  • Withdrawing socially
  • No longer maintaining personal care routines
  • Loss of interest in activities

Housing Options for Seniors Living With Mental Health Conditions

There are many living options for seniors that can benefit people with mental health conditions. Different housing options work for different people. 

Assisted Living for People With Mental Health Conditions

Assisted living is a residential care option where seniors live in individual rooms or apartments and receive assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs). Community amenities include meals, transport and social activities. The built-in social network can help combat depression, anxiety and other conditions. 

PROSCONS
Nutritional meals are providedMay not be able to provide a high level of care for seniors with severe symptoms
Social calendars keep seniors active and engagedSome seniors struggle in a highly social environment
Staff are available 24/7 to provide supportMoving from a familiar environment may exacerbate some conditions
Includes personal care, housekeeping and linen services to help people with mental health disorders maintain their hygiene and living space

Nursing Homes for People With Mental Health Conditions

Nursing homes are designed to provide the highest level of care to seniors. People in nursing homes don’t need to be hospitalized but can’t be cared for at home or in assisted living. Round-the-clock caregivers can ensure people with mental health conditions always have access to assistance. 

PROSCONS
Medical staff on hand to manage symptoms and medicationLack of control and independence can increase feelings of hopelessness
Healthy meals provide nutritionResidents are often cut off from their community, leading to feelings of isolation
Structured schedules help reduce stress and improve sleepThe expense of nursing home care can increase stress and anxiety

In-Home Care for People With Mental Health Conditions

In-home care provides personal care services and assistance with activities of daily living in the home. Home health care provides skilled nursing in the home and can include medication management. Seniors can get assistance maintaining personal routines and housekeeping, which are often neglected when someone has a mental health condition. 

PROSCONS
Caregivers regularly visit, providing social interactionMay not provide the level of care required
Stay in the home, providing a stable environmentAssistance isn’t normally available around-the-clock
Seniors can stay living with loved ones who don’t require assistance, keeping support structures intactLess social interaction than other senior living options

The Benefits of Senior Living for Seniors With Mental Health Disorders

For seniors with mental health conditions, senior living can be a step toward restoring their well-being. The benefits of assisted living for seniors with mental health disorders include:

  • A sense of belonging: Assisted living facilities come with a built-in community and opportunities for socialization.
  • Peace of mind: Staff are always on-site, alleviating worries about falls, medications and other issues.
  • Healthy routines: The routines reduce stress and help ensure personal needs are taken care of.
  • Engagement and activities: Friends and activities in assisted living communities give residents a new sense of purpose. 

What to Look for in an Assisted Living Community for Seniors with Mental Health Disorders

Click the button below to download your Check List for Assisted Living Communities for Seniors with Mental Health Disorders.

Download


When Should Someone With a Mental Health Condition Consider Senior Living?

The stability, structure and sense of community found in assisted living can help seniors manage mental health issues. Here are some signs that it may be time to for an older adult to consider a senior living community:

  • Unwillingness or inability to care for themselves
  • Social isolation
  • A need for help managing medication
  • An inability to follow their treatment plan
  • Independent living is no longer safe
  • Rising anxiety over safety concerns or isolation

Who May Not Be a Good Fit for Senior Living?

Senior living isn’t for everybody. People who experience moderate-to-severe mental health symptoms may not be able to get the care they need in senior communities. In most states, assisted living facilities can’t accept residents if they pose a danger to themselves or others, as they require special medical care. Staff in assisted living facilities do not have specialized mental health training, which can limit the type of care they offer. 

State Resources for Mental Health Assistance

STATE DEPARTMENTCONTACTASSISTANCE AVAILABLE
Alabama Department of Mental Health(800) 367-0955
  • Crisis centers
  • Mobile crisis care
Alaska Department of Health, Division of Behavioral Health(800) 465-4828
  • Alaska Careline
  • Mental health continuum of care
Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System(800) 654-8713
  • Funds mental health care for eligible residents
Arkansas Department of Human Services(501) 686-9164
  • Public mental health system
  • Drug treatment programs
California Department of Health Care Services(800) 541-5555
  • Peer support services
  • Specialty mental health and drug programs 
Colorado Department of Human Services(844) 493-8255
  • State mental health hospitals
  • Colorado Crisis Care
Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services(860) 418-7000
  • Directory of services
  • Trauma-related services
  • Behavioral health homes
Delaware Department of Health and Social Services(302) 255-9399
  • Mental health and substance abuse programs
  • Delaware Psychiatric Center
  • Peer support and community-based services
Florida Department of Children and Families(800) 985-5990
  • Crisis services
  • State mental health facilities
  • Community programs
Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities(800) 715-4225
  • Georgia Crisis and Access Line
  • State mental health hospitals 
Hawaii Department of Health(808) 453-6981
  • Community mental health centers
  • Hawaii State Hospital
  • Crisis helpline
Idaho Department of Health and Welfare(800) 926-2588
  • Adult behavioral health program
  • Crisis centers
  • Recovery community centers
Illinois Department of Human Services(800) 843-6154
  • Coordinates mental health treatment organizations

  • Mental health hospitals 
Indiana Family and Social Services Administration(800) 901-1133
  • Mental health hospitals
  • Recovery and rehabilitation programs
Iowa Department of Health and Human Services1-800-972-2017
  • Crisis services
  • Inpatient psychiatric services
  • Disaster assistance

Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services(785) 296-4986
  • Treatment and recovery support
  • Mental health nursing facilities
Kentucky Department for Behavioral Health, Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities(502) 564-4456
  • Regional community mental health centers
  • Peer support services
  • Supportive housing
Louisiana Department of Health(225) 342-9500
  • State psychiatric facilities
  • Behavioral health clinics
  • Suicide prevention training
  • Peer support programs
Maine Office of Behavioral Health(207) 287-3707
  • Crisis services
  • Early intervention
  • Residential treatment
  • Recovery support
Maryland Department of Health(410) 767-6500
  • Behavioral health walk-in and urgent care centers
  • State mental health hospital 
Massachusetts Department of Mental Health(833) 773-2445
  • Behavioral health helpline
  • Supplemental mental health services for eligible residents
Michigan Department of Health and Human Services(888) 733-7753
  • Peer support helpline
  • State psychiatric hospitals
  • Behavioral health clinics
Minnesota Department of Human Services(651) 431-2225
  • Crisis services
  • Rehabilitative services
  • Short-term inpatient treatment
  • Residential care
Mississippi Department of Mental Health(601) 359-1288
  • Mobile crisis response teams
  • Peer support and community services 
  • State hospitals and community mental health centers
Missouri Department of Mental Health(800) 364-9687
  • Crisis intervention hotline
  • Evaluation, treatment and rehabilitation services
Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services(406) 444-3964
  • Crisis intervention and response
  • Drop in center
  • Mental health centers
  • Mental Health Nursing Care Center
Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services(402) 471-3121
  • Psychiatric hospitals
  • Prescription assistance program
  • Community-based services
Nevada Division of Public Health and Human Services(775) 684-4200
  • Inpatient services
  • Crisis response
  • Substance abuse prevention and treatment
New Hampshire Bureau of Mental Health(833) 710-6477
  • Community mental health centers
  • Mental health helpline
  • Rapid response crisis system
New Jersey Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services(800) 382-6717
  • Peer support programs
  • Community wellness centers
  • Recovery support
  • Early intervention services
New Mexico Human Services Department(800) 283-4465
  • Oversees organizations that provide mental health services
New York Office of Mental Health(800) 597-8481
  • Crisis prevention
  • Mental health program directory
North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services(984) 236-5000
  • Crisis care
  • Community behavioral health clinics
  • Assertive community treatment
North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services(701) 328-8920
  • Regional human service centers
  • State hospital
Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services(614) 466-2337
  • Mental health insurance assistance
  • Behavioral health care
  • Substance abuse programs
Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services(405) 248-9200
  • Support groups
  • Urgent recovery and crisis center
  • Community behavioral health clinics
Oregon Health Authority(503) 945-5772
  • State hospital
  • Community mental health program
  • Peer-delivered services
Pennsylvania Department of Human Services(800) 692-7462
  • Crisis hotline
  • Care provider database
  • Assertive community treatment
  • Peer support programs

Rhode Island Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities and Hospitals(401) 462-2339
  • State psychiatric hospitals
  • Peer support programs
South Carolina Department of Mental Health(803) 898-8581
  • Crisis resources
  • Community mental health centers and clinics
  • Treatment plans
South Dakota Department of Social Services(605) 773-3165
  • Community mental health centers
  • Peer support
  • Crisis services
  • Inpatient treatment
Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services(855) 274-7471
  • Crisis services
  • Peer recovery services
  • Safety net
  • Older adult programs
Texas Health and Human Services Commission(877) 541-7905
  • Crisis services
  • Mental health housing
  • Peer support
Utah Department of Health and Human Services(801) 538-3939
  • Treatment services
  • Crisis services
  • Recovery support
Vermont Department of Mental Health(802) 241-0090
  • Peer services
  • Psychiatric hospital
  • Outpatient programs
  • Community rehabilitation and treatment
Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services(804) 786-3921
  • Community services
  • State psychiatric facilities
Washington Health Care Authority1-800-562-3022
  • Oversees organizations that provide mental health services
West Virginia Bureau for Behavioral Health(304) 558-0627
  • Comprehensive behavioral health centers
  • Recovery support
Wisconsin Division of Care and Treatment Services(608) 266-1865
  • Care and treatment facilities
  • Community treatment services
  • Peer services
Wyoming Department of Health(800) 535-4006
  • Peer support programs
  • Crisis support
  • Community mental health treatment