Open Seas Counseling

06/03/2020

An amazing resource for helping Black women and girls pay for counseling

With the barriers affecting access to treatment by members of diverse ethnic and racial groups. Loveland Therapy Fund provides financial assistance to Black women and girls nationally seeking therapy.

06/03/2020

Access to quality mental health care is a prime example of institutional racism in our society. Barriers for access often include cost, access, stigma, as well as a systemic focus on punishment rather than treatment in targeted communities (and yes, by that we mean communities that largely consist of people of color). Starting today, Open Seas Counseling will designate two spots for free counseling to people of color. Please call us for additional information if you are interested. Updates to our website including information about this service will be made in the near future as well.

The reality is that this is something we should have implemented a long time ago. We understand that this is such a small thing to give compared to the number of unearned privileges we have been provided based on the color of our skin.

Our goal is to be able to have more than 2 spots in the future and for now, this is what we can do. Other things we are doing to make access to mental health more equitable in our community: 1) By next week we will submit our application to become a Medicaid provider. 2) We have offered to provide our services for free to run a restorative justice based group for law enforcement/government workers and people of color. This would be a way for law enforcement and government workers to take responsibility and ownership in repairing our deeply flawed and racist systems while engaging in a more positive way with those they are there to serve and protect.

Lastly, we would like to encourage you all to think about ways in which you can make a difference. Whether it be with businesses you may own, time to volunteer, donations, protesting, voting, etc.

03/27/2020

So we obviously don't post a lot and in these times, it felt like the right thing to do. Life can be hard enough and this shared, odd experience has compounded some of that day to day stress we already feel. While we self-isolate, there are children and teens who may be in unsafe homes; survivors stuck with abusers; trauma responses may rise; depression may be fueled; anxiety may rise; cravings may increase; maybe something else completely different.

We have always focused on providing sessions in person as we believe it helps the counseling process. We have had to challenge that thought process in response to the demands of our environment. We know that despite these peculiar times, people still have a right to have their mental health needs met. The best way we can do that right now is through phone and video. We offer free consultations as well as sliding scale - so if anyone you know needs support, we are ready to provide it.

09/18/2018

Know anyone struggling with a tough situation? Are your kids having a hard time with the back to school transition? Are you carrying around the weight of a past experience and need some help letting it go? Our counselors are here to help support you in any way you may need! Did I mention that both of our counselors are verified by Psychology Today?

Visit our website at OpenSeasCounseling.com for more information

08/14/2018

Going back to school is a big transition for kids, teens, and adults. Like any big transition, it is accompanied by a wide variety of emotions. Check out this link to see what you can do as a parent to make this transition easier: https://www.nasponline.org/resources-and-publications/families-and-educators

For the brave people going back to school; here's what some of your peers and teachers have to say: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/teen-angst/201308/five-back-school-tips-teens

06/20/2018

http://thechive.com/2018/06/19/viral-post-might-just-be-the-most-relatable-way-to-talk-about-depression-13-photos/?utm_medium=post&utm_source=facebook_chive

It has been quite the year for high-profile stories of depression and su***de. It seems like people you wouldn't even expect are dealing with the relentless monster that is depression. But that's the point, isn't it? You don't even know who's battling it. In light of the recent deaths of Anthony Bou...

04/18/2018

Alright, it's our first post so I figured it might as well be something that really speaks to me... Fun fact of the day: Men are impacted by mental health issues too! Counseling is often seen as an emotional place and in our society, women are expected to be more emotional. The reality is that men have emotions beyond excitement, boredom and anger. It has been awesome to see some NBA stars speaking out about their experiences with mental health.

A pair of NBA players are proving how much influence professional athletes can have on the discussion of important issues. In our society, mental illness unfortunately still carries negative stigmas that can leave the people who live with it feeling alienated. As a result, people often avoid seeking...