Hello everyone, we here at Blu Alliance Counseling Center are excited to share with you that this month of May is National Mental Health Awareness Month. This month is a time dedicated to raising awareness about mental health, reducing stigma, and promoting the importance of mental wellbeing. At Blu Alliance Counseling Center, this month holds special significance as its message is promoting what we strive throughout the year which is to provide comprehensive treatment, support, and resources to our community. As part of our commitment to mental health, we wanted to share with your the valuable information and tools provided by great organizations such as SAMHSA, and Mental Health America to support everyone in understanding and prioritizing their mental health.
Overview of National Mental Health Awareness Month
National Mental Health Awareness Month has a rich history starting in 1949 by the organization Mental Health America which is rooted in the efforts to shine a light on mental health issues and advocate for better access to mental health services. The month-long observance is a vital time for communities to come together to promote mental health awareness, support those affected by mental health issues, and advocate for policies that improve mental health care.
In his 2024 proclamation, President of the United States Joe Biden emphasizes the importance of mental health and the need to address the ongoing challenges many Americans face in accessing quality mental health care. This proclamation is a call to action for all of us to recognize the importance of mental wellbeing and to support those who are struggling.
Importance of Mental Health Awareness
SAMHSA Informational Virtual Events
SAMHSA is providing virtual events you can register to with the links provided below, and they have released an informational video with Miriam E. Delphin-Rittmon, Ph.D., Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use, to share a message for Mental Health Awareness Month 2024.
May 22 | Building Stronger Foundations: The Intersection of Suicide Prevention Infrastructure and Behavioral Health Services
Time: 12 – 1 p.m. ET
This learning session, co-hosted by the MHTTC Network Coordinating Office and Suicide Prevention Resource Center (SPRC), will delve into the multi-faceted approach the SPRC has taken to support states and territories in building effective and sustainable suicide prevention infrastructure.
May 22 | Rooting Young Adult Mental Health Services in Culturally Sustaining Values & Practices, Session 4: Honoring and Supporting Peer Support in Healing-Centered Approaches
Pacific Southwest Mental Health Technology Transfer Center (MHTTC)
Time: 12 – 1 p.m. ET
The Honoring and Supporting Peer Support in Healing-Centered Approaches webinar will explore peer support in healing-centered engagement, including how organizations might value, uplift, and support the wisdom and skill of those with lived experience.
May 22 | SAMHSA and HUD’s Third Annual Commemoration of National Mental Health Awareness Month
Time: 1 – 2:30 p.m. ET
Learn more about the latest developments in mental health resource for HUD-assisted communities. Attendees will get slides and a mental health resource list after the event.
Participants will learn:
- How to Save a Life: Learn from SAMHSA about their 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
- Mental Health Resources: Hear about SAMHSA’s Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs) from the national and local levels.
- Listening Session: Your opportunity to participate in the conversation on mental health in your communities.
May 22 | Eating Disorders in Primary Care and Community Based Clinics: Tools and Resources for the Clinician
National Center of Excellence for Eating Disorders (NCEED)
Time: 3 p.m. ET
Childhood and adolescence are times of growth and development and, thus, periods of increased risk of eating disorders. Assessing growth and development accurately, without weight bias, is essential for the healthcare provider in the screening, treatment, and prevention of eating disorders in pediatric patients.
May 30 | SAMHSA’s GAINS Center Webinar: Utilizing Trauma-Informed Approaches to Support Transition-Age Youth (TAY) in the Criminal Justice System
Time: 2 – 3:30 p.m. ET
This webinar will discuss principles of trauma-informed care and approaches to implementing trauma-informed practices for transition-age youth (TAY) involved with the criminal justice system.
Resources for National Mental Health Awareness Month
To support your mental health journey, we have compiled a list of valuable resources:
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
- Toolkit for National Mental Health Awareness Month 2024: SAMHSA provides an extensive toolkit to help individuals and organizations celebrate and promote mental health awareness.
- Access the toolkit here.
- Presidential Proclamation on National Mental Health Awareness Month, 2024
- Read President Joe Biden’s proclamation, which highlights the importance of mental health and the ongoing efforts to improve mental health care.
- Read the proclamation here.
- National Council for Mental Wellbeing
- History and Importance of National Mental Health Awareness Month: Learn about the history and significance of this observance and how it impacts communities nationwide.
- Mental Health Awareness Month Toolkit: Download a free toolkit designed to help raise awareness and provide support during this month.
- Access the toolkit here.
- Mental Health America (MHA)
- The Mental Health Month Toolkit: MHA offers a comprehensive toolkit with resources and information to support mental health awareness and education.
- Access the toolkit here.
At Blu Alliance Counseling Center, we are dedicated to supporting mental health awareness not just during May but throughout the year. We encourage everyone to take advantage of these resources, engage in conversations about mental health, and advocate for better mental health care in our communities. Together, we can make a difference and help ensure that everyone has access to the mental health support they need.
If you have questions and/or interested in starting your therapeutic journey please feel free to contact us by email [email protected], by phone at 626-541-0009, and scheduling a free 15 minute consultation with one our team members with the links provided at the bottom page of the website.
We have also included a list of therapeutic resources that include directories for therapists who offer sliding scales, and gives access to providers who identify as BIPOC.
Therapy for Black Girls – Therapy for Black Girls is an online space dedicated to encouraging the mental wellness of Black women and girls.
Therapy for Black Men – TherapyForBlackMen.org is a directory to help men of color in their search for a therapist. Using the directory, men can search by therapist location and specialization. Searching by location, the results will include the therapists near you and will display their credentials, location, and the issues they treat.
LatinxTherapy – Demystifying mental health stigmas in the Latinx community nationwide which includes a directory that has Latinx therapists.
InclusiveTherapists – Inclusive Therapists offers a safer, simpler way to find a culturally responsive, social justice-oriented therapist.
Open Path Collective – In partnership with licensed mental health clinicians in private practice throughout the fifty states, Open Path Psychotherapy Collective provides middle and lower-income level individuals, couples, families, and children with access to affordable psychotherapy and mental health education services.
“As Always Blu Specializes In You”
I am the Group Coordinator at Blu Alliance Counseling Center. I contribute to the Blu Alliance Blog where my focus is providing information about therapy in a way that is honest, and relatable. My educational background includes a BA in Psychology from Cal State Los Angeles, and an MA in Marriage and Family Therapy from Alliant International University.