Now Reading
Envision:You Presents 2020 ‘Lean On Me Award’

Envision:You Presents 2020 ‘Lean On Me Award’

Envision:You

Envision:You will recognize Colorado State Representative Leslie Herod and the Mental Health Center of Denver at the annual Envision:You Garden Party, scheduled August 1, with their first annual Lean on Me Award.  

The Mental Health Center of Denver is the community mental health center for the City and County of Denver. Last year, the organization provided treatment, prevention, and crisis services to more than 21,458 individuals and additional 73,108 outreach services throughout the community. The Mental Health Center of Denver’s primary mission is built upon the values of diversity and inclusiveness.

Steven Haden, CEO and cofounder of Envision:You, tells OUT FRONT:

“We were founded in 2018 to address the behavioral health needs of Colorado’s LGBTQ+ community. Since our inception, the Mental Health Center of Denver has been an instrumental and invaluable partner. This year, we are honoring the Mental Health Center of Denver with our corporate award.

“The award goes to an exemplary organization that promotes the mental health of its employees, stakeholders, and community. The Mental Health Center of Denver works to increase access to quality, culturally relevant mental health services, and programs for marginalized communities including LGBTQ+ folks.”

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning (LGBTQ+) individuals often face significant barriers when accessing mental health services. Barriers to care include discomfort or fear of disclosing LGBTQ+ identity because of real or perceived homophobia, biphobia, and/or transphobia, a patient’s own internalized homophobia, biphobia, and/or transphobia, and heterosexist and/or cisgendered assumptions on intake forms and during healthcare encounters.

Moreover, the historic and continued pathological treatment of LGBTQ+ identities by the medical/psychiatric community, including previous experiences or stories of “corrective” or “reparative” therapies as well as the historical inclusion of homosexuality in DSM (removed in 1973) and the controversial continued inclusion of gender dysphoria in the DSM IV, may contribute to mistrust of mental health professionals on the part of individuals who identify as being part of sexual and/or gender minority groups. This is among many reasons providers should have the requisite training to support the behavioral health needs of LGBTQ+ individuals.

Heidi Eastman is a licensed, clinical social worker with more than 20 years of experience in mental health and recovery services. She is also the vice president of rehabilitation services at the Mental Health Center of Denver, overseeing programs such as 2Succeed in Education and Employment. 

“I’m incredibly proud to work for an organization that considers it essential to recruit staff representing diverse life experiences,” she says. “Supporting our staff that identifies as LGBTQ+ is an important part of my work in Rehabilitation Services because it helps us create safe and welcoming spaces for people who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community. The Envision:You Lean on Me Award is an honor for our organization.”

Carl Clark, M.D., president/CEO of the Mental Health Center of Denver told OUT FRONT:

“One of the most important messages for an individual struggling with mental health issues is, ‘You are not alone.’ Those words also ring true for organizations that join forces to take a stand against inequity. It’s a real honor to stand alongside and collaborate with Envision:You. Together, we are making great strides to address the disparity in care and unique mental health challenges facing the LGBTQ+ community.”

Haden provided further insight into their work and the importance of organizations like the Mental Health Center of Denver:

“Queer people are truly diverse. In addition to being LGBTQ+, they may be any race or ethnicity, rich or poor, speakers of English or other languages, and in families that are or may not be religious. All these factors, and others, can affect their mental health. For more than three decades, the Mental Health Center of Denver has been committed to serving the needs of diverse individuals whose identities are complex. The organization understands that people are rooted in cultures that give their lives meaning, texture, and direction. For this reason, Envision:You is proud to award our first annual Lean on Me Award to the Mental Health Center of Denver.”

Haden added, “In order to provide services and care to LGBTQ+ people in the most effective way, behavioral healthcare providers must be able to understand how queer people’s identities, experiences, and relationships with the world around them might affect their mental health. Therefore, Envision:You is developing a comprehensive provider training program to ensure members of the LGBTQ+ community receive culturally relevant and affirming care. This program will support organizations like the Mental Health Center of Denver as they expand their core competencies.”

The Mental Health Center of Denver, the University of Denver, and Envision:You have partnered on the Colorado Behavioral Health & Wellness Summit. This is the second-annual event, and it is scheduled this year from November 9 to 12. Participants will be able to discover new tools and resources, discuss practical strategies for change, and connect with colleagues and experts alike. 

Speakers and presenters will engage the community to break down silos statewide and to bridge the gaps in communication and collaboration. Specifically, the Summit will provide various audiences with approaches to, awareness and education, training and clinical practice, and policy advocacy and action. Due to the COVID pandemic, more than 30 workshops will be offered online. 

To find affirming resources and learn more about the no-cost, virtual behavioral health program, visit envision-you.org

If you or someone you know is experiencing an emotional or mental health crisis, please contact Colorado Crisis Services by calling 844-493-8255, or text TALK to 38255.

What's Your Reaction?
Excited
0
Happy
0
In Love
0
Not Sure
0
Silly
0
Scroll To Top