New Therapies, Newly Renovated Facility Offer New Hope: Cayuga County Community Mental Health Center
In the past 15 years, many remarkable new therapies and medications have vastly improved the outlook for the five million plus people who suffer from severe mental illness, according to Katharine O’Connell, Director of Community Services at the Cayuga County Community Mental Health Center (CCCMHC). Yet one in five of those people have never received treatment. “That’s deeply troubling,” she said. “We want people in our community to know there is help and that they are not alone.”
Ribbon Cutting Celebration
Along with the many new treatments that are now available, the Cayuga County Community Mental Health Center will have a ribbon cutting and open house on October 20th from 5:30 – 7:30PM to celebrate their newly renovated facility located at 146 North Street. This event is open to the community to enjoy art exhibits, refreshments and tours.
Facility Improvements
CCCMHC staff member Kerrie Catalino-Carranti shared that they have received great feedback, about the renovations, from the people they serve. “I think people feel a sense of ownership and pride. To walk into a clean building with adequate space and updated furniture sends a message that they are valuable members of this community. People have definitely responded to the expansive windows, which I think are the best feature of the renovations. We are working on warming up the wall space with artwork. The Social Club Plus is creating an acrylic painting that compliments the blue/green hues that are reflected in the rest of the building. The Social Club Plus members are really proud of the painting and it shows their investment in the new space.”
The new facility is “beautiful, airy and light,” according to O’Connell. “We have wonderful, large new rooms for group therapy and a new play therapy room for working with children, which was a gift from The Allyn Foundation. There is a beautiful new state-of-the-art medication room and a library resource room for staff. All the programs and staff are now under one roof, which makes a positive difference in the delivery of services to our clients and the community. The building is a living statement that the staff and the County Legislature want to provide respectful, welcoming space for people who need our services and that we value and respect them.”
O’Connell continued, “There is also a new kitchen, dining room and social space, which can be used for psychosocial and educational programming.” Psychosocial programming includes “Social Club Plus,” a social group for adults dealing with chronic mental health challenges. Activities include discussion groups on such topics as depression or job skills, outings, preparing and serving meals together, and the opportunity for participants to share their gifts, such as singing, quilting, or art. “It’s a very person-centered program which helps people with their recovery,” O’Connell said. There are more than 60 members now and anyone in the community can call the Center if they are interested in taking part.
Services
As a county-run facility licensed by the NY State Office of Mental Health, the CCCMHC primarily serves individuals with chronic and persistent mental health challenges. Many also have substance abuse and/or alcohol problems. The majority of their clients are adults, according to O’Connell, but there are also many children served.
“Individuals typically come to us with depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, acute anxiety, or eating disorders,” she said. As an outpatient mental health center we provide a higher level of care. We provide individual, family and group therapy, medication evaluation and management as well as intensive case management services.
O’Connell said that far too many people fear that seeking help at the CCCMHC would mean they are “crazy.” She said, “If communities could accept that mental illness is just that-an illness and no different from cancer or heart disease, that would go a long way to reducing the stigma.
O’Connell added that one of the most important benefits of receiving mental health therapy is realizing that you are not alone. “People tend to become even more isolated when they don’t seek help. We need to let them know that mental illness is nothing to be ashamed of, and there is help and support available for them.
First Friday
On November 4th, CCMHC will join in Auburn’s First Friday event, with an exhibition of artwork from their clients. The featured artist for First Friday is Angela Wright, and the display will be exhibited at Auburn Public Theater, in the café space. Live music and refreshments will be offered. CCMHC will also show pieces of artwork created by other members.
Peers of Cayuga County
Peers of Cayuga County (PC Squared) bring together peers who identify themselves as being diagnosed/labeled with a mental illness to support and validate each other. PC Squared is offering a one day conference called, “Creative Changes: One Step at a Time.” It will be held on Wednesday, October 12, from 8:30AM – 3PM at CCMHC. The conference invites peers to discover the types of resources that are available to them in the county and state, that can assist with their life journey. Participants can register by calling 315.253-5919. There is no cost and lunch is provided.
History
The CCCMHC began in 1956. Since then, services have grown to include diverse and valuable new programs and support systems to address the effects of mental illness and the needs of the community. Now, a beautiful new facility provides a state-of-the-art therapeutic environment. For more information, please call 315.253-0341.
-Partial content provided by Bev Miller, Living Well Citizen Columnist
