President NAATP Board Chair, Meadows Behavioral Healthcare
We are in a mental health crisis that has been going on since before COVID yet only 1:10 people who need treatment get it. We get the reasons, Finances, Insurance, Stigma, etc.
There is another reason. Fear. Fear of the unknown, fear of our own demons, fear of giving up our coping strategies. Fear of the treatment process itself.
There are “haters” out there who highlight the negative experiences and focus on the bad actors in our industry. The recent book “Rehab – an American Scandal” is just one example. There are good guys and bad guys in every industry, and the treatment space is no different. Focusing on the handful of negative experiences is irresponsible – it can in fact impact someone’s decision to go to treatment.
It’s time to pull back the curtain and provide the tools and steps to thrive in treatment and experience the joy of recovery! There are also many of us who devote our lives to the work. Let’s introduce some of them, and their stories, and make treatment more relatable – as well as to inspire others to join us in our mission.
Learning Objectives:
Identify key fears and misconceptions that prevent people from seeking treatment and recognize how negative narratives influence willingness to engage in mental health and recovery services.
Describe practical tools and inspiring provider stories that demystify treatment, increase engagement, and motivate both clients and professionals to embrace and support the recovery process.
