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ACMH

ACMH

Phone: 517 372-4016

Parent Line: (888) ACMH-KID (226-4543)

  • Home
  • About
    • Meet the ACMH Staff
    • ACMH Board of Directors
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    • ACMH Annual Reports
  • Get Help
    • Accessing Mental Health Services For My Child
    • Understanding my Child’s Mental Health Challenges
    • Collaborating with the Professionals Working with My Family
    • Navigating
      • Problems at School
      • Navigating the Juvenile Justice System
      • Navigating the Child Welfare System
      • The Mental Health System
    • Finding Resources for Housing, Employment, Childcare, Healthcare and Other Family Supports such as SSI/SSDI
      • Housing
      • Employment
      • Childcare
      • Free or Low Cost Medications
      • Health Care Coverage
    • Military Family Support
    • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Get Information
    • Children’s Mental Health 101
      • I Am Worried About My Child’s Mental Health
      • Possible Red Flags
      • Who can help
      • How to Access Mental Health Services and Supports
      • I Just Found Out My Child Has a Mental Health Disorder
      • Common Diagnosis
      • Treatments & Supports
      • Questions to Ask About Treatment
      • How to be Actively Involved in Your Child’s Treatment
      • What to Expect
      • When Accessing Mental Health Services Using Public Mental Health
      • When Accessing Mental Health Services Using Private Insurance
      • What to Expect if Your Child is in Crisis
      • Mental Health by Age & Stage
      • Additional Children’s Mental Health Resources
    • Ask the Expert
    • ACMH Projects
      • Parent Support Partner
      • Youth Peer Support
      • Family Action Partnership
      • Statewide Family Network
      • Other Projects & Collaborations
    • For Community Agencies
    • Child and Family Services
      • Public Mental Health
      • Juvenile Justice
      • Child Welfare
      • Education
    • Training Opportunities & Calendar
      • ACMH Trainings
      • Community Partner Trainings
      • Youth Mental Health First Aid
      • Youth Peer Support Project
      • Webinars
      • Parent Support Partner (PSP) Training Calendar
      • ACMH Staff Portal
  • Get Support
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    • Family Stories
    • The Manual
    • Online Discussions
    • Find Support in Your Local Community
    • Help To Create a Local Parent Support Group
  • Get Involved
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    • Importance of Family Voice in Creating Effective Services & Supports
      • Family Driven
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    • Share Your Story
    • Advocacy 101
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ACMH Board of Directors Announce Incoming ACMH Director

May 2, 2023 by Leave a Comment

 

The Association for Children’s Mental Health Board of Directors is pleased to announce the selection of Carla Pretto as ACMH Executive Director effective May 22nd following the retirement of Jane Shank after 19 years of dedicated service including 10 leading our organization. Carla is a parent with lived experience and a personal mission to lead organized efforts towards mental wellness in children and youth who has dedicated herself and her time to effecting change in systems responsible for providing effective mental health supports for kids and families.

Ms. Pretto is a researcher and nurse by trade who brings a wealth of personal and professional experience to this role. Her educational background includes a Bachelor of Science in Genetics from the University of Georgia and a Nursing Degree from Washtenaw Community College.

Carla also brings 25+ years of experience as a manager and a mentor with an extensive history of project planning and implementation, budget oversite, evaluation, data analysis and standards for evidence based and best practices. She is well equipped to support and engage with a diverse group of statewide staff and partners and has a proven track record of creating positive work environments and partnerships and we look forward to leading ACMH into our next chapter.

Carla shares that she is dedicated to creating a world where all kids have access to the mental health care they need, and no child has to feel inescapable pain that leads them to consider suicide as a tangible solution. Carla describes herself as a mom driven by a love for her children who believes in her ability to use it to create positive change. She lives by example that hope endures and has already empowered many she has crossed paths with and is excited for the opportunity to help empower youth, families and communities on a scale possible through leading a statewide family organization such as ACMH. So please join us as we welcome Carla. We look forward to what the future will bring!

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Children’s Mental Health Network Friday Update

April 28, 2023 by Leave a Comment

Click here to read the April 28th edition of the Children’s Mental Health Network Friday Update.

ACMH is pleased to share links to the Children’s Mental Health Network Friday Update. The Children’s Mental Health Network is a national network bringing together the voices of children’s mental health. Each Friday Update brings the latest news in children’s mental health, a Morning Zen Blog post and featured resources of interest to families and professionals alike.

Enjoy the read!

Filed Under: Uncategorized

MDHHS Stay Well Program Announces April Youth Programming Including a New Series for Teens Experiencing Anxiety

March 27, 2023 by Leave a Comment

 

The Stay Well team has been busy preparing new material, and is excited to share April happenings with you! Please check out flyers and links below for their upcoming multi-week workshops:

  • Coping with Grief and Loss (for teens)
  • Creative Coping: Art based workshops for children and care partners
  • Staying Well: An emotional health workshop for teens
  • Wellness Workshops for teens and young adults experiencing anxiety
  • Coping with Grief and Loss (for adults)

In addition, Stay Well’s online discussion groups continue to meet weekly, and are available to anyone interested in joining to connect with others around the state. Please find more details here.

They will also be launching an all Spanish discussion group beginning the first week of April. Download the flyer: Spanish Discussion Group April 2023

NEW FOR SPRING 2023

Wellness Workshop for Teens and Young Adults Experiencing Anxiety

 Many teens and young adults are still adjusting to the changes COVID brought into their lives. If you’re one of them, you may be feeling more anxious or avoidant than ever before. Join us for this Stay Well workshop series to learn how to calm those anxious thoughts and care for your whole self. 

Dates and topics 

April 10 at 7:15 p.m. Exploring Wellness 

April 17 at 7:15 p.m. Emotional Regulation 

April 24 at 7:15 p.m. Boundary Setting 

May 1 at 7:15 p.m. Self-Care 

Click here to REGISTER.

Presenter Chardae Korhonen is a licensed clinical social worker and a Youth and Family Outreach Specialist for Michigan’s Stay Well program. 

CONTINUING WORKSHOPS

Staying Well: An emotional health workshop for teens

Four in 10 teenagers report they feel “persistently sad or hopeless,” according to a recent CDC survey. Our workshop series for teens can help young people struggling with these kinds of feelings.

The online workshops are geared toward helping teens understand the causes and consequences of emotions. Participants will learn how to turn off self-judgement, manage relationships better and regulate their ups and downs—with the goal of finding more meaning and purpose in life.

To participate, all you need is an internet connection to Zoom, paper and pencil and an open mind. All sessions are free. Click here to register.

Saturday, April 1 at 2 p.m. — Give yourself permission to feel

Saturday, April 8 at 2 p.m. — Emotional Intelligence vs. Emotional Judging

Saturday, April 15 at 2 p.m. — Practical Coping

Saturday, April 22 at 2 p.m. — Moving Forward

 

Creative Coping: an art-based workshop for kids and parents

 BACK AGAIN FOR March – April 2023! 

Four Wednesday evening sessions from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. 

It takes time for children to develop emotional intelligence—the ability to perceive, understand and manage emotions. Parents can play a key role in this development. These four online workshops pave the way by involving family members in creative art projects centered around identity, self-awareness and emotional expression. The workshops are led by clinical mental health counselor Zeinab Moussa, who has children of her own and loves to get families talking, especially while making art! To participate, all you need is an internet connection to Zoom and some white paper, scissors and crayons, markers, or pen/pencil. 

Click here to REGISTER.

Dates and topics Wednesday, March 29 at 6 p.m. – Healthy Activities for the Week Wednesday, April 5 at 6 p.m. – Recognize Emotions 

Wednesday, April 12 at 6 p.m. – Emotional Regulation Activities for Kids 

Wednesday, April 19 at 6 p.m. –I feel worries when ______. 

 

Coping with Grief and Loss for Teens and Young Adults banner

When a friend or loved one dies, it changes your world. As a young person, you may find yourself struggling to deal with the painful emotions that come and go.

This online workshop series offers understanding and healing for people in their teens and early 20’s who are grieving. It uses art, writing, mental exercises and other techniques to teach coping skills and ways to feel better.

Register here.

Dates and topics:

Saturday, April 1 – You might be having a hard time adjusting

Saturday, April 8  – You might be experiencing stress

Saturday, April 15  – You might be feeling overwhelmed

Saturday, April 22 – You may be avoiding difficult feelings, like frustration, anger, or sadness

Stay Well also hosts weekly discussion groups led by trained counselors. you can download a calendar of all January offerings here: JANUARY 2023 Stay Well Calendar.

 

 

 

Click here to visit Stay Well’s discussion group page to learn more or register today.

Stay Well is a crisis counseling program administered by behavioral health professionals at the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) in partnership with the Michigan Public Health Institute (MPHI) and Gryphon Place. It is supported by state and federal funding.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

ACMH receives funding from Ethel and James Flinn Foundation Grant

December 6, 2022 by Leave a Comment

ACMH is thrilled to announce that it has received $15,000  to support the work and operations of the ACMH from the Ethel and James Flinn Foundation.

We are so grateful for the Flinn Foundation’s interest in children’s mental health and their ongoing support of our work and look forward to sharing this year’s  accomplishments!

The Ethel and James Flinn Foundation Foundation awards  grants  to mental health or other organizations to improve the capacity of mental health providers; increase awareness and education; support consumer and policy research advocacy; and advance early screening and assessment.

The Ethel and James Flinn Foundation is a Detroit based private foundation established in 1976 by Ethel “Peggy” Flinn and her brother, James “Jim” Flinn, Jr.  Peggy who  passed away in 1994.  Jim Flinn, Jr., who was diagnosed with schizophrenia in his early 20’s, led a remarkable life until his passing away in 2007 at the age of 91. The Foundation is committed to improving the scope, quality and delivery of mental health services in Michigan.  Since inception, millions in grants have been awarded.  The Foundation’s geographic focus is primarily Southeast Michigan, defined as the counties of Wayne, Oakland, Macomb and Washtenaw.

For more information, contact: Andrea M. Cole, Executive Director and CEO of the Ethel and James Flinn Foundation at (313) 309-3436 or visit their website at www.flinnfoundation.org.

 

Filed Under: Uncategorized

SAMHSA Shares New Interim Strategic Plan

November 27, 2022 by Leave a Comment

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) just released an Interim Strategic Plan with a new mission and vision emphasizing a more person-centered approach. Step one as they work to complete a four-year Strategic Plan.

One of  5 key priorities and guiding principles outlined by SAMHSA in the interim plan is: Promoting Resilience and Emotional Health for Children, Youth, and Families.

Download the complete Samhsa Interim Strategic Plan to learn more.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

National Guidelines for Child and Youth Behavioral Health Crisis Care Just Released

November 16, 2022 by Leave a Comment

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s  (SAMHSA) newly released National Guidelines for Child and Youth Behavioral Health Crisis Care offers best practices, implementation strategies, and practical guidance for the design and development of services that meet the needs of children, youth, and their families experiencing a behavioral health crisis.

You can download the guidelines here: National Guidelines for Child and Youth Behavioral Health Crisis Care and a companion report  A Safe Place To Be Crisis Stabilization Services and Other Supports for Children and Youth, produced by SAMHSA in conjunction with the National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Today is World Mental Health Day! Join the World in Making Mental Health a Global Priority.

October 10, 2022 by Leave a Comment

October 10th is World Mental Health Day. The World Federation for Mental Health, established in 1948, sets the theme for World Mental Health Day via a global survey of those with lived experience. This year the theme is ‘Making Mental Health & Well-being For All a Global Priority.’  With over 1 billion people around the world struggling with mental health disorders, and the many challenges we face, the time is now to activate the world and message.

The World Federation for Mental Health, believes that now more than ever we must work together to solve the global mental health crisis. So please join us in activating hope on this important day.

What can you do on October 10th? Here are a few ideas:

  • Social Media Activation: Share what you are doing in your personal life or community for mental health. Be sure to use hashtags #WorldMentalHealthDay #WMHD2022 and consider tagging the World Federation for Mental Health and iFred.
  • Online and In-person Events: Join one of the many online and/or in-person events found on the World Mental Health Day Website.
  • Download the Toolkit: Check out the toolkit, and create your own local event or activation for your friends, family, or your community.
  • Activate Hope: As hopelessness is the primary predictor of suicide and primary symptom of anxiety and depression, take time to practice hope skills or share them with others by:
    • Signing up for the Five Day Global Hope Challenge
    • Teaching Hopeful Minds in your community
    • Inspiring your employer to explore our workplace resources for hope and mental health, including the Five Keys to SHINE for Hope workplace posters.
    • Encouraging your Country Ambassador to support our UN Resolution for an International Day of Hope and your government officials to join the Hopeful Cities Movement,

You can learn more about getting involved in this week’s blog post: Read Blog Now

Share how you are participating in World Mental Health Day on social media using #WorldMentalHealthDay #WMHD2022 #WMHD and if you are doing something with #Hope, please add the hashtag and tag us @ifredorg.

Thank you for your commitment to making hope, mental health, and well-being for all a global priority.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

ACMH Awarded Statewide Family Network Grant

August 10, 2022 by Leave a Comment

 

ACMH is thrilled to share that it was recently awarded a Statewide Family Network Grant by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

The purpose of the Statewide Family Network program is to enhance the capacity of statewide mental health focused family organizations to engage with family members/primary caregivers raising children, youth, and young adults with serious emotional disturbance (SED). Providing resources to enhance family peer support, connections, participation, voice, leadership, and empowerment to effect systems change and improve the quality of mental health services and systems in states by strengthening coalitions led by family organizations, and between family members, policy makers, and service providers.

Examples of ACMH goals for this 3-year project include:

  • Increasing the number of family leaders throughout Michigan able to successfully advocate for their children’s needs, support one another and use their voice of experience to improve mental health services, supports and policies for all youth and families;
  • Expanding access to a continuum of family peer support across Michigan; Strengthening the organizational capacity, leadership and skills of ACMH and partner organizations to enhance statewide infrastructure to better support families of youth with SED and their families and increase access to Family-Driven, Youth-Guided care that meets their needs;
  • Increasing family participation, voice and leadership within mental health service, policy and program planning to enhance development of and access to services and supports that meet their unique needs;
  • Increasing public awareness about the needs, issues, and challenges of children, youth and young adults with SED and their families and the services, supports and policies that work for them.

ACMH is proud to have served as Michigan’s Statewide Family Network since 1988 and appreciates SAMHSA’s ongoing support of the work that we do and Michigan’s children, youth and families!

Filed Under: Uncategorized

ACMH Seeking New Members for the ACMH Board of Directors

August 9, 2022 by Leave a Comment

 

Want to share your experience and knowledge to guide ACMH in providing support, training, advocacy and information for youth, families, providers, community partners and decision makers across Michigan?

If so then please consider applying be an ACMH Board of Director’s member today!

Requirements to be eligible to apply for a vacant parent/caregiver seat:

  • Be a parent or full time caregiver of a child or youth under the age of 18 who has a behavioral, emotional and/or mental health challenge, or be a youth/young adult between 18 and 26 years old who has a behavioral, emotional and/or mental health challenge and/or
  • Be an individual with knowledge and/or expertise in issues, services and systems impacting children’s mental health
  • Be willing to commit to attend a half day orientation meeting held in Lansing or virtually.
  • Be able to attend four board meetings a year, held in Lansing and/or with virtual option
  • Be willing to participate in an occasional conference call for committee work as needed

If you are interested in applying, please download and complete the ACMH Board Member Application and return to Jane shank by email [email protected] or fax (517) 372-4016 by November 15, 2023.

Or mail to: Association for for Children’s Mental Health
Attn: Jane Shank
6017 St, Joe Hwy Ste 200
Lansing MI 48917

If you have questions or would like more information, please call Jane at 231-383-1595.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

ACMH Extends Open Application Period for New Members of the Statewide Parent Advisory Committee

August 1, 2022 by Leave a Comment

ACMH is currently welcoming new members to the Statewide Parent Advisory Committee. If you are a parent raising a child with mental health challenges interested in using your voice of experience to create positive change in children’s mental health click here to learn more or download an application today.

 

Filed Under: Uncategorized

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  • Home
  • About
    • Meet the ACMH Staff
    • ACMH Board of Directors
    • ACMH Job Opportunities
    • ACMH Annual Reports
  • Get Help
    • Accessing Mental Health Services For My Child
    • Understanding my Child’s Mental Health Challenges
    • Collaborating with the Professionals Working with My Family
    • Navigating
      • Problems at School
      • Navigating the Juvenile Justice System
      • Navigating the Child Welfare System
      • The Mental Health System
    • Finding Resources for Housing, Employment, Childcare, Healthcare and Other Family Supports such as SSI/SSDI
      • Housing
      • Employment
      • Childcare
      • Free or Low Cost Medications
      • Health Care Coverage
    • Military Family Support
    • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Get Information
    • Children’s Mental Health 101
      • I Am Worried About My Child’s Mental Health
      • Possible Red Flags
      • Who can help
      • How to Access Mental Health Services and Supports
      • I Just Found Out My Child Has a Mental Health Disorder
      • Common Diagnosis
      • Treatments & Supports
      • Questions to Ask About Treatment
      • How to be Actively Involved in Your Child’s Treatment
      • What to Expect
      • When Accessing Mental Health Services Using Public Mental Health
      • When Accessing Mental Health Services Using Private Insurance
      • What to Expect if Your Child is in Crisis
      • Mental Health by Age & Stage
      • Additional Children’s Mental Health Resources
    • Ask the Expert
    • ACMH Projects
      • Parent Support Partner
      • Youth Peer Support
      • Family Action Partnership
      • Statewide Family Network
      • Other Projects & Collaborations
    • For Community Agencies
    • Child and Family Services
      • Public Mental Health
      • Juvenile Justice
      • Child Welfare
      • Education
    • Training Opportunities & Calendar
      • ACMH Trainings
      • Community Partner Trainings
      • Youth Mental Health First Aid
      • Youth Peer Support Project
      • Webinars
      • Parent Support Partner (PSP) Training Calendar
      • ACMH Staff Portal
  • Get Support
    • Support for You
    • Family Stories
    • The Manual
    • Online Discussions
    • Find Support in Your Local Community
    • Help To Create a Local Parent Support Group
  • Get Involved
    • Family Leadership Opportunities
    • Importance of Family Voice in Creating Effective Services & Supports
      • Family Driven
      • Youth Guided
    • Share Your Story
    • Advocacy 101
  • Youth Page
    • Youth Blog
  • Contact

Contact Us:

ACMH State Office
6017 W. St. Joe Highway
Suite 200
Lansing, MI 48917
Phone: 1-517-372-4016
Parent Line: 888-226-4543
Fax: 1-517-372-4032


Statewide Staff:

Jane Shank
Executive Director
[email protected]
Cell: 231-383-1595

Mary Porter
Business Manager
[email protected]
Office: 517-372-4016

Terri Henrizi
Education Coordinator
[email protected]
Cell: 517-242-0793

Krissy Dristy
YPS & PSP Program Manager
[email protected]
Cell: 517-643-3314

Sara Reynolds
Youth Peer Support Statewide Coordinator
[email protected]
Cell: 517-643-3544

Kelly Bailey
Parent Support Partner Statewide Coordinator
[email protected]
Cell: 989-324-9218

Margo Pierce
Parent Support Partner Specialist
[email protected]
Cell: 517-420-2193

Lisa Romero
Family Training/Empowerment Specialist
[email protected]
Cell: 517-898-5467

Havah Roussel
Healthy Transitions Youth and Young Adult Peer Coordinator
[email protected]
Cell: 734-780-4930

Mandy Gernand
Administrative Assistant for YPS and PSP
[email protected]
Office: 517-372-4016

 

Get Help

If you or someone you know is in a crisis, call National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at

1-800-273-TALK (8255)

or visit suicidepreventionlifeline.org


Check out more helpful resources.
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ACMH Youth Leadership Camp

Check out the video above to learn how you can be a part of Youth Leadership Camp Today! Or click here to learn more.

ACMH

Association for Children’s Mental Health

6017 W. St. Joseph Hwy., Suite #200,
Lansing, Michigan 48917
Phone: (517) 372-4016
Fax: (517) 372-4032
Parent Line: (888) ACMH-KID (226-4543)

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  • Home
  • About
    • Meet the ACMH Staff
    • ACMH Board of Directors
    • ACMH Job Opportunities
    • ACMH Annual Reports
  • Get Help
    • Accessing Mental Health Services For My Child
    • Understanding my Child’s Mental Health Challenges
    • Collaborating with the Professionals Working with My Family
    • Navigating
      • Problems at School
      • Navigating the Juvenile Justice System
      • Navigating the Child Welfare System
      • The Mental Health System
    • Finding Resources for Housing, Employment, Childcare, Healthcare and Other Family Supports such as SSI/SSDI
      • Housing
      • Employment
      • Childcare
      • Free or Low Cost Medications
      • Health Care Coverage
    • Military Family Support
    • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Get Information
    • Children’s Mental Health 101
      • I Am Worried About My Child’s Mental Health
      • Possible Red Flags
      • Who can help
      • How to Access Mental Health Services and Supports
      • I Just Found Out My Child Has a Mental Health Disorder
      • Common Diagnosis
      • Treatments & Supports
      • Questions to Ask About Treatment
      • How to be Actively Involved in Your Child’s Treatment
      • What to Expect
      • When Accessing Mental Health Services Using Public Mental Health
      • When Accessing Mental Health Services Using Private Insurance
      • What to Expect if Your Child is in Crisis
      • Mental Health by Age & Stage
      • Additional Children’s Mental Health Resources
    • Ask the Expert
    • ACMH Projects
      • Parent Support Partner
      • Youth Peer Support
      • Family Action Partnership
      • Statewide Family Network
      • Other Projects & Collaborations
    • For Community Agencies
    • Child and Family Services
      • Public Mental Health
      • Juvenile Justice
      • Child Welfare
      • Education
    • Training Opportunities & Calendar
      • ACMH Trainings
      • Community Partner Trainings
      • Youth Mental Health First Aid
      • Youth Peer Support Project
      • Webinars
      • Parent Support Partner (PSP) Training Calendar
      • ACMH Staff Portal
  • Get Support
    • Support for You
    • Family Stories
    • The Manual
    • Online Discussions
    • Find Support in Your Local Community
    • Help To Create a Local Parent Support Group
  • Get Involved
    • Family Leadership Opportunities
    • Importance of Family Voice in Creating Effective Services & Supports
      • Family Driven
      • Youth Guided
    • Share Your Story
    • Advocacy 101
  • Youth Page
    • Youth Blog
  • Contact
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  • Blog
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