PURPOSE

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The HMHI will raise awareness of the current mental health crisis in Dallas and the surrounding area through community education, outreach, and free counseling services to improve the mental health and increase outcomes for children, adolescents, parents, and families.

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WHAT DOES THE HMHI PROVIDE?

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In an effort to address the growing mental health crisis, in 1996 Congress passed the Mental Health Parity Act with its promise to make mental health treatment just as easy to access through group health plans as other medical services. Yet still today-nearly 30 years later- the vast majority of Americans are denied access to high-quality psychological services, and disproportionately so among underserved communities.

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During the COVID-19 pandemic, the CDC and Mental Health America reported surges in anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation. The COVID-19 Pandemic also had a disproportionate impact on youth and racial and ethnic minorities, leading to 50% of 11-17-year-olds experiencing thoughts of suicide or self-harm post-pandemic (and growing).

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Our HeadFirst Mental Health Initiative will provide evidence-based mental health treatments and practitioners with underserved families in need, based on the clinical and cultural preferences of both the clients and therapist at no cost to the clients.

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Benefits to the client will include free high-quality, culturally sensitive mental healthcare; benefits to participating therapists will include direct clinical experience, administrative support, an opportunity to take part in a national effort to broaden mental health access, equity, and inclusion, as well as free CE offerings, opportunities for speaking engagements, and social networking events through the HeadFirst Mental Health Initiative.

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HOW DO I REQUEST SERVICES FOR MY FAMILY?

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To apply for FREE mental health counseling services through the Initiative, visit the website at www.HMHIdallas.com/apply-now to complete the application for eligibility.

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