CRESTVIEW — Mattie Williams' anxiety and anger were out of control. “I was way off,” she said. “I was bad. I was in trouble all the time.”
But two years of coping skills and anger management counseling at Bridgeway Center "helped a lot,” she said. “They make sure I take my medicine and get to my appointments."
The nonprofit organization — established in Valparaiso in 1966 — has provided mental health care in Crestview since the 1970s. Facilities include the U.S. Highway 90 West Wellness Center; Railroad Avenue, which has counselors, psychologists, psychiatrists and social workers; and Soundside Wellness Consultants, with outpatient counseling on Ferdon Boulevard North.
“We provide substance abuse and mental health therapy as well as psychiatric medication and management,” chief administrative officer Bonnie Rushton said. In addition, DUI offenders can take driver's education courses.
BABY COURT
Through First Judicial Circuit Judge Terry Ketchel's “baby court” initiative, Railroad Avenue office workers intervene in family trauma cases when parents’ behaviors might otherwise result in a toddler's removal.
“We work very closely with the local judiciary, the child dependence program, juvenile justice, local mental health association,” Rushton said.
“We do assessments to see what the child needs to assure the child and the parents are getting through the experience as quickly as possible," licensed clinical social worker Denise Lee said.
“We’re trying to keep the child in the home,” outpatient services supervisor Debby Gillespie said.
THERAPY SESSIONS
Kimberly Cook said she once spent most days home alone, afraid to go out, and overeating. “So many times, my husband didn’t know what to do with me.”
After consistently attending the Highway 90 center's weekly therapy sessions, she joined TOPS — Taking Off Pounds Sensibly. “It helps me get more independent and, because of the work I do there, and with my own therapist, I’m driving again,” she said.
The facility offers a library, lounges, billiards, classes and exercise programs, supervisor Sheri Mayhair said. Clients can cook, learn coping skills, take relaxation therapy and watch movies on Fridays. The backyard has picnic tables, and "we’re going to try our hand at gardening come this spring,” she said.
‘THEY’VE GOT MY BACK’
Helping people, and fighting mental health's stigma, is Bridgeway's mission, Rushton said. “So many of our mental health patients and clients have no history of violence. Just because you’re schizophrenic doesn’t mean you’re going to do a mass shooting.”
“It’s done a lot of positive things for me,” a client who wished not to be identified, said. “I was very depressed, very unsure and by myself. They’re a lot of good people here.
"They’ve got my back.”
That's the point, Rushton said. “There is very little financial reward, but easing the suffering of our clients and improving the quality of their lives and their family’s lives — that’s the intangible benefit you can’t put a price on,” she said.
Bridgeway Center offices offer: a Nurturing Parenting Program; outpatient therapy services and case management; medical staff treatment; a psychosocial wellness center; driving school; and employee assistance programs. See www.bridgewaycenter.org for more information.
FYI
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Bridgeway celebrates 50 years providing mental health care in Crestview