Dear Help Group Friends & Families,
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, but what is mental health and why is it important for our overall health?
According to the CDC, “Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act.” Both mental and physical health are important for our overall health. For example, depression increases the risk of physical health issues, while the presence of chronic conditions can increase the risk of mental illness.
Mental illnesses continue to rise and are among the most common health conditions in the US.
- More than 1 in 5 US adults live with a mental illness.
- Over 1 in 5 youth (ages 13-18) either currently or at some point during their life, have had a seriously debilitating mental illness.
- About 1 in 25 U.S. adults lives with a serious mental illness, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or major depression.
More than ever, we need to increase our understanding of mental health and reduce stigma. When the pandemic began, one of the first things we did at The Help Group was offer a monthly webcast to talk about critical issues like mental health conditions. We think it’s important to talk about it, educate others, and help people understand their options. If you haven’t had a chance to see our webcast library, I encourage you to do so here.
The Help Group also offers a number of therapeutic programs and services. Lumina Counseling, our newest service, contracts with more than 30 insurance companies to provide mental health services to people of all ages – individuals, couples, and family therapy. Our extensive experience and deep-rooted knowledge in delivering mental health services enables us to offer unparalleled quality therapy to individuals seeking professional care.You can learn more about Lumina under the “Did you know” section of this newsletter.
Of course, if you or someone you know is in need of therapeutic services, please do not hesitate to get in touch with me directly. We are here for you.
Dr. Jason Bolton
VP of Community Partnerships & Admissions
jbolton@thehelpgroup.org
#ICYMI: Watch our most recent webcast...
Let’s Flip The Script: What if ADHD is a Strength, Not a Weakness?
ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is a neurological disorder that impacts the parts of the brain that help us plan, focus on, and execute tasks. However, there are numerous strengths and benefits that also come with ADHD. Watch the recording to learn practical tips and tools for teens and adults with ADHD that can help improve their outlook and life.
Ten Hidden Strengths of ADHD
According to scientific literature from 2022, 50 to 70% of people with autism spectrum disorder also present symptoms of attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD). While you may think that automatically puts those individuals at a disadvantage, there are several strengths that are often overlooked when it comes ADHD.
DID YOU KNOW ....
The Help Group has programs that provide therapeutic support?
Lumina Counseling
Lumina offers insurance and private pay individual, group, couples and family therapy to people of all ages, both in-person and online, throughout the Los Angeles area.
The Help Group Schools
The Help Group’s specialized day schools offer preschool, elementary, middle school, high school, and transition-age programs, and are certified by the California State Department of Education. Our therapeutic schools offer inclusive and differentiated college prep instruction paired with intensive therapeutic and behavioral services for students with social and emotional challenges, including depression and anxiety.
Advance LA
Advance LA provides teens and young adults with special needs and their families support in the transition to adulthood, including one-on-one life skills coaching, social events, workshops and conferences.
Kaleidoscope
The Help Group’s Kaleidoscope program supports LGBTQ+ children, youth, young adults and their families in building healthy relationships, strong social connections and critically needed life skills through its high quality, evidence-based programs.
Project 6
A 24-hour therapeutic residential program located in Van Nuys, CA, Project Six utilizes a relationship-based treatment model, with evidence-based practice at its core. Its treatment philosophy promotes progress by teaching residents how to develop age-appropriate interpersonal skills that contribute to overall social-emotional, behavioral, and academic improvement.
UPCOMING PROGRAMS & EVENTS
Jump Into Summer with Specialized Day Camps – Only a Few Spots Left!
Kids Like Me’s summer camps return on Monday, June 12th! These camps are a safe and enriching environment for neurodiverse 6-17-year-olds with autism spectrum disorder and other special needs to engage, experience, and explore. Campers will be matched to ensure an appropriate peer group for learning and fun. Siblings are welcome!
…And did you know we are vendored with some of SoCal’s Regional Centers? Click below to see the list of regional centers. We also accept Self Determination funds!
13 specialized schools. 4 campuses. One Community.
Some children with learning differences, autism spectrum disorder and other social and learning challenges need extra support this summer. The Help Group’s Summer School is our ESY program that will address these needs through a rich array of offerings taught by special education teachers as well as a multi-disciplinary team including clinicians, speech pathologists and occupational therapists. The Help Group’s Summer School is open to Help Group students and students in the community.
Parent-to-Parent Support Group Meetings
Thurs., April 20th & May 4th | 6-7pm
Join us for our next P2P support group meeting for parents of young adults with social/learning differences. This support group provides an opportunity to connect with other parents, share stories, and learn from one another. Parents will select topics and group leaders will facilitate discussions and offer guidance.
Parents Like Me
Parent Support Group
Wed., June 5th | 6-7pm
Announcing Parents Like Me Parent Support Groups for parents and caregivers of neurodivergent kids and teens 17 years of age or younger. These are free online sessions that provide a safe space for parents and caregivers to share, connect, and provide support for one another.
ABOUT THE HELP GROUP
The Help Group is the largest, most innovative and comprehensive nonprofit of its kind serving children, adolescents and young adults with special needs related to autism spectrum disorder, learning disabilities, ADHD, developmental delays, abuse and emotional challenges through its wide range of specialized education, therapy and outreach programs. Recently, The Help Group launched programs to serve LGBTQ+ youth. At the heart of its efforts is the commitment to helping young people fulfill their potential to lead positive, productive and rewarding lives.
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