罢别濒别肠补谤别鈥檚 Corporate Proposals Department went on an enriching tour across Bay Area programs this month, experiencing firsthand the exceptional care provided at Willow Rock PHF, Villa Fairmont MHRC, Jay Mahler Recovery Center, and Alameda County Youth CSU.

Through meaningful conversations with administrators and staff and by participating in client groups, the team gained valuable insights into the daily impact of 罢别濒别肠补谤别鈥檚 mental health services. These visits offered a deeper understanding of the unique approaches and dedication that distinguish 罢别濒别肠补谤别鈥檚 programs in behavioral healthcare, which will help the team to prepare rich and informative proposals for new business.

We extend our gratitude to all the programs that opened their doors and shared their stories, helping strengthen the connection between our corporate initiatives and frontline services.

The gathering brought together key mental health advocates and state leaders, including , who expressed interest in visiting 罢别濒别肠补谤别鈥檚 Oregon programs. The event connected numerous 色中色 leaders with state officials and community partners:

色中色 Leadership Present:

• Sarah Gibney, Oregon ACT Administrator

• Jena Russell, VP of the Pacific Northwest

• Catie Grieve, Oregon RDO

• Allison Waters, Oregon Floating Administrator

• Meghan Lawless, Rhone and Stults Program Director

• David Ochoa, Gresham Recovery Center Administrator

• Scott Tucker, 72nd Ave Recovery Center Administrator

hosts these award receptions to recognize contributions to mental health advocacy and care. The event celebrates individuals and organizations that significantly impact mental health services while fostering crucial partnerships between care providers, advocates, and government leaders.

The LA Step-Down program proudly recognizes its extraordinary office coordinators as part of . 鈥淭heir dedication, hard work, and attention to detail make a huge difference daily,鈥� shares administrator Gavin Tochiki. 鈥淭heir commitment to supporting our staff and the individuals we serve is truly inspiring.鈥�

From coordinating vital appointments to ensuring smooth operations, these team members are the program鈥檚 backbone. Their unwavering positivity, professionalism, and compassion create an environment where staff and clients thrive.

This recognition during Filipino American History Month celebrates their invaluable contributions to LA Step-Down. Thank you!

In recognition of , 罢别濒别肠补谤别鈥檚 Willow Rock Psychiatric Health Facility (PHF) staff and clients celebrated culture, community, and cuisine. The event featured traditional Filipino dishes, including the beloved lumpia, while staff members Kristina Tu, Joemar Michel, Ross, and Geraldine Veras shared insights into Filipino American heritage.

Filipino American History Month, observed each October, commemorates the first recorded presence of Filipinos in the continental United States in October 1587. Today, Filipino Americans represent one of the largest Asian American groups in the United States, contributing significantly to American culture, healthcare, and communities for over four centuries.

The celebration at Willow Rock PHF exemplifies 罢别濒别肠补谤别鈥檚 commitment to cultural recognition and inclusivity. We applaud Willow Rock for creating opportunities for education and connection among staff and clients!

罢别濒别肠补谤别鈥檚 innovative approach to addiction recovery has caught international attention, as KyungSun Yu from South Korea鈥檚 leading newspaper, Yu鈥檚 investigation into addiction treatment solutions led her to visit the Muriel Wright Crisis Residential Treatment (CRT) and Substance Use Treatment Services (SUTS) programs.

The connection began with , who shared her firsthand observations of the program鈥檚 success during a visit to South Korea. Having witnessed numerous clients achieve positive outcomes through Muriel Wright鈥檚 services, Judge Yew highlighted the program as an exemplary model for addiction recovery.

This insight proved particularly relevant to Yu鈥檚 investigation, as . With limited rehabilitation facilities and rehabilitation awareness, the country seeks effective solutions for its increasing addiction rates.

Inspired by Judge Yew鈥檚 recommendation, Yu and her colleague traveled to observe Muriel Wright鈥檚 operations firsthand. Their visit offered valuable insights into recovery principles and approaches that could help address South Korea鈥檚 evolving needs in addiction treatment.

This international recognition highlights 罢别濒别肠补谤别鈥檚 commitment to sharing effective recovery practices globally, potentially influencing addiction treatment approaches beyond our borders.

Morton Bakar Center, a community behavioral healthcare pillar, has achieved a remarkable honor: a zero deficiency rating from the (CDPH). This perfect score represents the highest possible achievement for a long-term care facility, demonstrating excellence across all safety and quality standards.

This comprehensive state inspection examines every aspect of operations for healthcare facilities, particularly those providing specialized treatment programs. The evaluation scrutinizes safety protocols, care standards, and facility management鈥攁 flawless score is rare! This achievement reflects the team鈥檚 meticulous preparation and unwavering dedication to patient welfare.

Staff and residents celebrated this milestone together, joined by 罢别濒别肠补谤别鈥檚 President and Chief Executive Officer, Anne Bakar. The accomplishment validates the center鈥檚 commitment to exceptional care.

This recognition reinforces Morton Bakar Center鈥檚 position as a leader in behavioral healthcare, exemplifying 罢别濒别肠补谤别鈥檚 mission of delivering outstanding patient-centered services with compassion and expertise.

The following post is from our Recovery-Centered Clinical System (RCCS) Tidbit of the Month series. Each month, the RCCS Steering Committee creates practices to support our recovery culture within our programs and among staff. Click here to learn more about the RCCS.

RCCS Tidbit of the Month: Gratitude

A Component of the Five Awarenesses of the RCCS Program Culture

The Power of Gratitude

Scientific research continues to reveal what many have long known: gratitude transforms lives. Through neuroscience and positive psychology, we鈥檝e learned that practicing gratitude brightens our outlook and reshapes our brain鈥檚 response to experiences.

Understanding Our Brain鈥檚 Natural Bias

Our brains tend to stick to negative experiences like Velcro while letting positive ones slip away like Teflon. This natural tendency helped our ancestors survive, but today, it can keep us caught in cycles of worry and stress. The good news? Gratitude can help reverse this pattern.

Simple Daily Practices

1. Choose a peaceful moment in your day

2. Reflect on 3-5 things that bring you joy or appreciation

3. Share your gratitude with others to amplify its effect

Practice:

Starting Your Gratitude Journal:

Best Practices:

• Focus on meaningful connections鈥攑eople, pets, health

• Write with specificity and heart

• Vary your entries to maintain freshness

• Stay open to discovering new sources of appreciation

Gentle Reminders:

• Let gratitude flow naturally, never forced

• Avoid rigid rules or requirements

• Take your time鈥攖his is about joy, not obligation

• Allow your practice to evolve with you

Remember: Gratitude isn鈥檛 about denying life鈥檚 challenges. It鈥檚 about building resilience and finding balance by appreciating life鈥檚 large and small gifts.

And here鈥檚 a throwback to Halloween 2018 at the corporate office!

The following post is from our Recovery-Centered Clinical System (RCCS) Tidbit of the Month series. Each month, the RCCS Steering Committee creates practices to support our recovery culture within our programs and among staff. Click here to learn more about the RCCS.

RCCS Tidbit of the Month: Authentic Power

A Component of the Five Awarenesses of the RCCS Program Culture

At 色中色, we are committed to recovery-based services. As part of that journey, we鈥檝e made significant strides toward reducing and eliminating the use of coercion and force in mental health care.

No Force First

In the 1990s and early 2000s, industry leaders like Bill Anthony began challenging mental health providers to rethink the use of force. He famously stated, 鈥淭here is no such thing as 鈥榝orced recovery.鈥欌�� Actions like seclusion, restraint, or forced medication starkly contradicted the principles of recovery.

色中色 adopted the 鈥淣o Force First鈥� approach in our subacute and SNF programs. This commitment was guided by the principles of our Recovery-Centered Clinical System (RCCS) and trauma-informed care, making it clear that the use of force is a treatment failure. Over time, many of our programs successfully eliminated seclusion and restraint.

Our work didn鈥檛 stop there. We developed Creating Healing Environments, a toolbox rooted in RCCS, Trauma-Informed Care, and thedeveloped by Dr. Sandra Bloom. This approach, used in subacute and acute programs, focuses on creating safe, healing cultures that reduce the need for control and coercion.

While the journey has been successful, it hasn鈥檛 been without its challenges. We learned to understand our clients鈥� trauma histories better and address their loss of power and choice. CPI training and the RCCS Control-Choice Continuum have been critical in helping us navigate risk and create opportunities for clients to practice self-control and decision-making.

Practice:

Shifting the power dynamic requires constant attention to how we use power in our programs, from how we speak to the rules we create. Here鈥檚 how you can begin making that change:

For Program Leaders:

• Review program rules: Are any rules creating bogus power? Can they be safely modified to offer clients more choice and control?

• Ask yourself these questions:

  • What is the rule?

  • Why do we have the rule? Does it still make sense, or does it unintentionally create adverse outcomes for clients and staff?

  • How can we modify the rule to provide more choice and authentic power?

For Program Staff:

Work directly with clients to explore areas where they feel powerless. Help them identify opportunities to build authentic power and take steps to regain control over their lives.

For Everyone:

Reflect on recent actions or behaviors that may have resulted in a power-over outcome. Ask yourself:

• Is there anything different I can do next time?

• How can I practice now to create a more powerful outcome?

By focusing on authentic power and collaboration, we can further our commitment to recovery and make a lasting impact on the lives of those we serve.

The open and airy design creates welcoming, cozy spaces for clients to meditate or gather, while the uplifting colors, interiors, and artwork make for an inspiring environment. Anne expressed her gratitude for the expertise of Cameron Coltharp, VP of Facilities and Real Estate Services, and Jennifer Hinkel, VP of Development, who played key roles in bringing this development to life in partnership with Kern County.

Cameron highlighted the importance of the facility鈥檚 design: 鈥淭he built environment can significantly contribute to client outcomes and employee retention.鈥� He emphasized that the project鈥檚 success was made possible through strong collaborations between 罢别濒别肠补谤别鈥檚 internal departments, our partners, and external design and construction teams.

A time capsule commemorating the program鈥檚 opening was also created, capturing the story behind this incredible achievement. Anne remarked that it was a wonderful tradition that could be continued in future projects.

Reflecting on the team at Kern PHF, Anne praised their motivation, eagerness to learn, and dedication to serving the community. 鈥淭hey have a strong foundation,鈥� she said, adding that while they will need more support as they scale, the relationship with Kern County has become a rich partnership across a broad continuum of services.

New Compass Telehealth Early Intervention is a new program in the heart of Stockton, CA.

New Compass is our first all-Telehealth Early Intervention program in collaboration with Cal MHSA. New Compass provides services to young individuals (ages 13-25) experiencing early signs of psychosis, with a focus on rural communities.

色中色 New Compass is open to individuals who are experiencing early signs of psychosis or are at risk due to family history. The program provides comprehensive Telehealth services, including medication support, individual and group therapy, education, employment assistance, and parent support, all designed to help individuals and families achieve a complete recovery.

The program is currently available in Nevada County, with plans to expand to Mono County soon. 色中色 New Compass offers flexible and individualized support to protect brain functioning, maintain psychosocial skills, and build strong support systems.

New Compass aims to reduce the need for long-term, intensive services while empowering individuals to reclaim their health, hopes, and dreams by providing care in an innovative and accessible way.

New Compass is located at 4545 Georgetown Place, Suite A3, Stockton, CA 95207

For more information, please visit the 色中色 New Compass website.

Contact Information:

ADMINISTRATOR:

• Raksmey Tiano, rtiano@telecarecorp.com

PROGRAM ADDRESS:

• Stockton, CA

HOURS OF OPERATION:

• Monday-Friday: 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

• On-call staff are available 24 hours a day and can be reached at (877) 205-6175

LINKS & RESOURCES:

• New Compass

After over 21 years of dedicated service to 色中色, we are both proud and emotional to announce the retirement of Aida Lodge, our Administrative Services Manager, effective Friday, October 11, 2024. Aida has been an integral part of the 色中色 family, contributing countless efforts to support staff and keep our offices running smoothly

During her tenure, Aida oversaw significant milestones, including the corporate relocation from 1100 to 1080 MVP in 2004 and multiple office expansions. She is concluding her career by leading the current office rightsizing project, a testament to her dedication until the end. Aida is also known for orchestrating 罢别濒别肠补谤别鈥檚 famous holiday parties, where her attention to detail and hosting skills truly shined. She managed to bring the 鈥溕猩� spirit鈥� alive for a family of 200, always with grace and a smile.

Perhaps most memorable, however, was Aida鈥檚 leadership during the pandemic. Alongside her team, she worked tirelessly to receive, repack, and ship thousands of cartons of personal protective equipment (PPE) to programs nationwide, ensuring our staff and clients could remain as safe as possible. Her 鈥渨hatever it takes鈥� attitude exemplified 罢别濒别肠补谤别鈥檚 values from day one.

Congratulations, Aida! We extend our heartfelt thanks for your years of service. You will be deeply missed!

The San Diego Mobile Crisis Response Team (MCRT) team recently participated in the 鈥�,鈥� a local , to raise awareness about mobile crisis services in San Diego County. The team received positive feedback from community members who benefited from San Diego MCRT鈥檚 services, whether for themselves, their friends, family, or clients.

Joining the team at the walk was Bradly Weinstein, San Diego MCRT鈥檚 Human Resources Business Partner, who volunteered his time on a Sunday to support the outreach effort. Brad has been highly involved since starting his role and is passionate about spreading the word about 罢别濒别肠补谤别鈥檚 programs. His participation reflects the commitment of administrative staff to witness the program鈥檚 impact on the community.

Brad鈥檚 involvement underscores the collaborative spirit at 色中色, where both program and administrative staff come together to make a difference. His dedication, alongside the San Diego MCRT team鈥檚 ongoing efforts, highlights the impact of mobile crisis services in the community and reaffirms the trust and support they鈥檝e built with local residents.

Below is the letter from DBH expressing their appreciation for Omar鈥檚 efforts:

We wanted to express our gratitude for the amazing collaboration we always receive from Omar, the Merrill CSU Administrator, and the Merrill team. Omar and the team are constantly willing to go above and beyond whenever we are on a DBH call, particularly in the most recent case.

DBH needed assistance recently to transition a San Bernardino County conservatee who had found herself in San Diego needing stabilization back to our County. Omar answered our call and orchestrated her return to the Merrill CSU. Additionally, he worked patiently with our team as she was referred for aftercare placement, sending referral packets and information where requested. Omar worked to obtain a solution and offer additional support for any barrier we ran into. He worked with his team to go above and beyond the call, offering to coordinate a special psychiatric visit as needed by the placement agency. The client obtained the appropriate placement and treatment that best fit her needs because of Omar鈥檚 excellent customer service and collaboration with the team.

Omar consistently thinks about the client鈥檚 best interest, works to reduce potential barriers to services, and assists clients in obtaining wellness and recovery. He is a team player, working together towards our goals to serve in the best way possible. We value our partnership and collaborative nature. We appreciate his unwavering dedication, compassion, and relentless contributions to outstanding customer service!

- Administrative Manager, San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health

Omar and the Merrill CSU team continue to exemplify the spirit of collaboration and compassionate care that make a genuine difference in the lives of clients and the community.

The following post is from our Recovery-Centered Clinical System (RCCS) Tidbit of the Month series. Each month, the RCCS Steering Committee creates practices to support our recovery culture within our programs and among staff. Click here to learn more about the RCCS.

RCCS Tidbit of the Month: Gold Medal Resilience

A Component of the Five Awarenesses of the RCCS Program Culture

The recent summer Olympics have concluded, and once again, American athletes competed with excellence and brought home the gold. Sometimes, the stories of the individuals competing are even more compelling than the actual events. Resilience is a vital skill that enables individuals to overcome adversity, and just like an athlete, it can be developed and strengthened over time.

This was especially true this year. Simone Biles, gold medal winner in gymnastics, and Noah Lyles, gold medal winner in track and field, shared their stories of struggling with depression and anxiety. Other medal-winning gymnasts shared their recovery stories from kidney disease and multiple torn Achilles heel injuries. These stories of resilience and determination to achieve their hopes and dreams were heartwarming.

Understanding Resilience

Resilience is the strength and speed of our response to adversity. Resilience is the ability to come back from difficult times or events. There are actual skills we can build long before we face any kind of tragedy or difficulty. We can build resilience over time by changing how we process adverse events.

One such skill is called affective forecasting. Affective forecasting is about your ability to predict your emotional future. Research shows that people overestimate how bad and how long grief and pain will last. We frequently feel that we will never feel joy again 鈥� almost a state of permanence. One skill to move past permanence is focusing on our language. Changing those times where you use 鈥渁濒飞补测蝉鈥� and 鈥渘别惫别谤鈥� into 鈥渟辞尘别迟颈尘别蝉鈥� and 鈥渓补迟别濒测.鈥� No matter what happened to you or what you鈥檝e been through, there will be another moment when you will laugh, and knowing that helps build your strength to get there.

Helping Clients and Members Build Resilience

The stories of the Olympic athletes reminded me of the resilience and recovery journeys of our clients and members. Their ability to progress despite setbacks, struggles, and trauma is amazing. However, our clients and members don鈥檛 always see themselves as strong or recognize the skills they have. In this month鈥檚 RCCS Tidbit, we highlight the RCCS Conversation Guide that program staff can use to help individuals identify their current strengths and take steps to grow additional strengths for their future.

Practice:

Your strengths are your talents and abilities鈥�or talents and skills you may want to develop. We often don鈥檛 recognize our strengths because we take them for granted, but you have strengths. Among them are the things you do to get through the difficult times in your life. These are things you do well. Know your strengths. They will support you on your recovery journey.

Areas to Explore:

1. How did I use my strengths in the past?

2. How do I use my strengths when tackling future challenges?

3. How can my strengths help someone else?

4. How can I build new strengths and skills?

罢别濒别肠补谤别鈥檚 (PHF) staff recently welcomed for a tour of the program. Opened earlier this year, Kern PHF provides essential mental health services to the community, offering psychiatric stabilization and care to individuals in need. During the tour, Congressman Valadao learned about the facility鈥檚 mission and the impactful work being done to support recovery in Kern County.

A big thank you to everyone involved in making the tour a success!

The Yuma Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) program recently received recognition from the Yuma County Superior Court for its remarkable efforts in supporting individuals with serious mental illness (SMI) and those involved in the criminal justice system. Cathy Dryer, Treatment Court Coordinator, praised the team, saying: 鈥淩ecently, we have had an increase in referrals for our program, and it has been a huge benefit to have 色中色 as part of our team. The impact you have had in our community, in our program, and with our participants has improved our successful outcomes.鈥�

Since its inception, Yuma ACT has grown from serving 40 clients to over 70. The program鈥檚 community-based care model ensures that clients receive hands-on services while remaining in their local communities, fostering recovery and long-term success.

Jose Montoya, Yuma ACT鈥檚 Team Lead, has been a driving force behind this success. Cathy Dryer highlighted his contributions: 鈥淛ose, the time, dedication, and commitment you and your team have made to this population and stakeholders is very much appreciated. Your professionalism, communication, and collaboration with the judge, court staff, probation, and members resulted in this increase in referrals.鈥�

Jose, a Yuma native with lived experience in substance use and recovery, emphasizes the power of teamwork. 鈥淲e have a great relationship with our probation department where we work hand-in-hand... the courts recognize that probation recognizes that, and the members recognize it,鈥� he shares.

At the heart of Yuma ACT鈥檚 mission is helping clients meet their goals. 鈥淲e want to help these members meet their goals,鈥� explains Jose, who has witnessed clients transition from homelessness to independence. 鈥淲e鈥檝e had clients who were homeless, and now they鈥檙e driving, coming to groups.鈥�

鈥淚f problems come up, I know there鈥檚 always going to be a solution, and I鈥檓 not going to be alone,鈥� Jose reflects, highlighting the collaborative spirit of Yuma ACT.

For 25 years, Queen Byrd has been a dedicated presence at 色中色, contributing her passion and resilience to the well-being of clients and colleagues alike. Her story reflects her personal growth and 罢别濒别肠补谤别鈥檚 mission to foster recovery and long-term care, embodying the values of commitment and compassion that define the organization.

Queen鈥檚 journey to 色中色 began during her own recovery from addiction. 鈥淲hen I changed my life around, I was going to Highland Hospital with an outpatient program,鈥� she recalls. Encouraged by her sister, who worked at 色中色, Queen applied for a housekeeping position at Gladman Mental Health Rehabilitation Center (MHRC). Known for providing long-term psychiatric treatment in a structured, supportive environment, Gladman became the starting point of Queen鈥檚 25-year career and personal growth, shaping the strong leader she would become.

Hired with 23 others, Queen is the only one who remains at Gladman today. 鈥淚 was the last one in the door, and after all those 23 people, I鈥檓 still here,鈥� she says. Her perseverance and dedication reflect her deep commitment to her clients and 罢别濒别肠补谤别鈥檚 mission of providing excellent care.

Over the years, Queen鈥檚 career evolved from housekeeping to transportation, and she eventually became a certified CPI () trainer. In this role, she ensures safety and trains her peers in essential practices. 鈥淚 feel like they see the genuine in me, and I feel like they know that I love what I do,鈥� Queen shares proudly. Her leadership has been instrumental in fostering the collaborative environment central to 罢别濒别肠补谤别鈥檚 Recovery-Centered Clinical System (RCCS).

Queen鈥檚 personal experiences have deepened her empathy, especially in supporting her son through his mental health challenges. 鈥淢y son is schizophrenic. If I hadn鈥檛 been here... I wouldn鈥檛 have understood what to do.鈥� These experiences have only strengthened her compassion and understanding of her role.

Queen鈥檚 dedication has not gone unnoticed. She has been recognized by her colleagues and 色中色 leadership, particularly by Anne Bakar, 色中色's president and chief executive officer. 鈥淪he knows me. She remembers me. She hugs me,鈥� Queen says, reflecting on their strong connection over the years.

As Queen celebrates 25 years at 色中色, her journey inspires those around her. From housekeeper to leader, her work at Gladman MHRC has supported clients鈥� recovery journeys and strengthened the 色中色 community. Queen鈥檚 story of resilience, compassion, and commitment is a fitting tribute to her 25 years of extraordinary service.

With the support of Stanislaus County, 罢别濒别肠补谤别鈥檚 Stanislaus County Mobile Crisis Response Team (MCRT) recently paused work to focus on building connections and strengthening their team.

Gathering at Great Wolf Lodge in Manteca, CA, the full-time staff engaged in a day filled with activities designed to bring them closer together, reinforce trust, and sharpen their crisis response skills. From scenario-based training emphasizing scene safety to minute-to-win-it challenges that sparked quick thinking, each exercise was a chance to grow individually and as a team. The highlight? A ropes course that demanded communication and collaboration, reminding everyone that success in crisis response is truly a team effort.

This day was more than just a break from the routine. It was an opportunity to recharge, reconnect, and renew their commitment to providing compassionate, effective care. A strong, united team is the foundation of great service at 色中色. We鈥檙e excited to see how the Stanislaus MCRT will carry the lessons learned forward as they continue to make a difference in the lives of those they serve.