During this National Mental Health Awareness Month, one program is proving critical help doesn’t have to come with a price tag or a waiting list.
This May, a spotlight on one mission that removes some of the largest barriers to vital help while navigating a mental health crisis: accessibility, affordability and extended support.
The goal of every mental health resource or crisis center is to save lives and help people prosper. The same is true at Here Tomorrow- the program is run by a licensed psychologist with the help of dedicated professionals, but the approach is slightly different — one where people aren’t numbers or clients.
“The people we work with — you’d call clients or customers — we call them friends,” Kenney said.
Kenney says the program’s mission is simple, but different than most: immediate, judgment-free suicide prevention support for up to 12 months from people who truly understand — all at no cost, thanks to state grants and individual support.
“We’ll never charge for any of our services to our friends, period,” Kenney said.
After experiencing a mental health crisis or suicidal ideation in the U.S., it typically takes 60 days or more to get connected with a licensed therapist.
“I can get you in two days,” Kenney said. “Because I have 50 of them that are under contract with us because they want to be a part of this and that doesn’t exist anywhere.”
For local mental health crises requiring hospital treatment, Kenney said the results speak for themselves.
“We have reduced their return to the hospital by 60%. And if we get them with a licensed therapist, we’ve reduced that to zero,” he said.