El Paso, Texas, is taking significant steps to address the mental health and wellness needs of its veteran population. With the upcoming Texas Veterans Suicide Prevention Day and the planned opening of a new Veteran Wellness Center (VWC) in 2024, the city is demonstrating a commitment to supporting those who have served.
The Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic
The Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at Endeavors, currently located at 1390 George Dieter Dr. Suite 140 in east El Paso, plays a crucial role in providing mental health services to veterans and their families. Ahead of Friday's Texas Veterans Suicide Prevention Day, the clinic is letting veterans know they're not alone. Their staff members are available to discuss what to say and do and how to recognize the coded language of suicide on social media. The clinic also offers suicide prevention training. Clinician Manny Hernandez highlights the difficulty veterans face in seeking support, stating, "Sadly, those willing to put so much down for us, without us asking… have the hardest time seeking support and asking for help."
Understanding Mental Health
Mental health encompasses our emotional, cognitive, and behavioral state, significantly impacting our overall quality of life. It influences our thoughts, feelings, actions, and stimulus responses, affecting relationships, careers, and finances. Mental illness, defined as health conditions involving changes in emotions, thoughts, and behavior, can manifest as depression, bipolar disorder, or substance use disorder. These conditions can lead to distress or issues in social settings, work, and family relationships. Diagnosing and treating mental illnesses requires trained and experienced mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and mental health counselors. Treatment options include behavioral therapy, support group meetings, and life skills development.
The Importance of Mental Health Treatment
Prioritizing mental health is crucial, as it is directly tied to the brain, where we process thoughts, feelings, and emotions. The benefits of mental health services extend beyond the individual, benefiting society as a whole. Without mental health treatment, recovery can be challenging, especially with a history of substance abuse. Studies show that many people with addiction also suffer from a co-occurring mental illness. Addressing a substance use disorder without addressing the underlying mental illness is like removing the crutch without resolving the broken leg.
Paying for Mental Health Treatment
Paying for mental health rehab can be approached in multiple ways. All facilities offer a self-pay rate, typically a weekly, monthly, or one-time cost paid directly to the provider via cash, check, or credit card. To make treatment accessible to patients with a low income, payment plans may be customized and partial discounts might be available to those who qualify. Mental health facilities are also allowed to accept most private insurance.
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The New Veteran Wellness Center
Endeavors, a national nonprofit, is building a new Veteran Wellness Center (VWC) on 10 acres of land located at 12135 Pebble Hills Boulevard. The 40,000 square-foot facility, expected to open in 2024, will be the second VWC in Texas, designed to fill the gap in mental health and wellness services for Veterans and their families regardless of service, discharge status or family relationship. According to Jon Allman, CEO of Endeavors, “There is a clear need for a Veteran Wellness Center in El Paso. We are positioned to truly make a positive impact for the Veteran and Military communities." The VWC will provide hundreds of jobs, including mental health counselors, case managers, life skill coordinators, childcare workers, personal trainers, and landscaping. The center will include a mental health clinic, a fitness center designed with accessibility for wounded Veterans, a café, and community rooms. On-site childcare, transition support, and assistance with VA benefits will be available for Veterans free of charge. An additional 12,000 square-feet will also be available for lease.
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