W
ith one in five
adults experiencing
mental illness in
2020, a crisis exacerbated by
the stressors of the COVID-
19 pandemic, understanding
how — and where — to access
mental health care has become
more important than ever. Yet
those resources aren’t always
easy to find.
That’s why Mind Matters, a
free virtual program on March
3 for Metro Detroiters, wants
to help people learn how to
navigate Michigan’s mental
health care system.
As a joint partnership
between JVS+Kadima
and Michigan Medicine
Department of Psychiatry,
Mind Matters will tackle five
subjects crucial to mental health
care access: being diagnosed,
treatment models, financial
resources, how to advocate for
yourself or a loved one and
resources for caregivers.
The free event will include
panel discussions with mental
health experts and personal
stories.
“
As we have seen an increase
in mental health challenges, we
hope to provide information
and support to those wondering
how to access services or what is
next,
” says Aubrey Macfarlane,
COO of JVS+Kadima.
“The panelists in this
program will bring a wide
variety of expertise,
experience and
information to
those interested
in learning more
about the mental
health system and
mental health
diagnosis.
”
GETTING MENTAL HEALTH
RESOURCES “IN YOUR
FACE”
Dr. Roberto Rinaldi, vice
president of clinical integration
at JVS+Kadima, says mental
health resources have always
been there —
however, they’re
not always “right in
front of you,
” so to
speak.
“There are so
many layers,
” he
says of Michigan’s
mental health care system.
“There’s a system in place and
that system is not always easy,
so it’s not just knowing how to
start getting into the system, but
once you’re in it, how do you
navigate it?”
It’s a concern many
Michiganders face.
“It’s there,
” Rinaldi says of
resources like hotlines and
mental health authorities.
“However, it’s just not in your
face.
”
Through the 90-minute
program, participants will learn
how to take that first step and
how to navigate the process that
follows, from a financial aspect
to types of treatment available.
This can help people learn not
only how to find help, but also
how to figure out the right
therapeutic fit.
“Mind Matters makes it
easier to understand,
” Rinaldi
says of the mental health care
system. “It gives it a different
perspective. It allows individuals
to understand what they need
to do and how they need to do
it in order to receive what they
need and what they deserve.
”
FINANCIAL AND
CAREGIVER RESOURCES
ARE A PRIORITY
Rinaldi will join the panel
discussion to focus on resources
for caregivers, one of the most
under looked elements of
mental health care, he explains.
“We often forget that while
the individuals diagnosed need
services, so do their caregivers,
”
he said.
This includes caregivers
making their own mental
health a priority and how to
find resources like support
groups. Participants will also
learn about strategies like
relaxation techniques and
therapy specifically designed for
caregivers to help them navigate
their own wellness and care.
Rinaldi says financial
resources are another key area
that remains difficult for people
to navigate.
“I think a lot of people hold
back,
” he says of seeking out
mental health care. “It’s tough,
navigating Medicaid, Medicare
and [other financial resources]
the county can provide.
”
The lack of “in your face”
Aubrey
Macfarlane
Dr. Roberto
Rinaldi
ASHLEY ZLATOPOLSKY CONTRIBUTING WRITER
34 | FEBRUARY 24 • 2022
HEALTH
Accessing Mental
Health Care
Learn how to navigate Michigan’s mental health
care system through free Mind Matters webinar.