Teton Valley Filling the Gaps Meeting are a Success!

The Community Foundation of Teton Valley is heading up an important cause that I have been honored to be a part of. We have been meeting off and on over the course of  a year to help develop a more systematic approach to social services in Teton Valley including therapeutic services, behavioral health, medical and even transportation services, anything related to improving social services was addressed. Providers and concerned community members have shaped the dialogue and we are moving forward. Soon, Driggs will have a formal network called Teton Valley Systems of Care which will be a place for professional and community members alike to join and discuss the needs of the community. We have already identified many trends such as underage substance abuse, lack of resources for the Latino community and many others. I look forward to helping facilitate this ongoing discussion and hope to see you there....

Mental Health First Aid Success

I just finished my second of three planned Mental Health First Aid classes for the community in Jackson Wyoming. They have been a tremendous success with 35 concerned community members now able and confident to provide basic mental health first aid techniques to their friends and family members. The groups have been widely mixed ranging from law enforcement personal to caregivers of family members suffering from mental illness. Its been amazing to see the participants learn and grow and to understand they are vital to the therapeutic process and to the potential for full recovery. The trainees are finding skills and valuable information making them essential members and advocates in the mental health community. My hope is to offer these training’s weekly, let me know if you are interested in attending. My next scheduled class is set for April 11th, 2014 in Driggs Idaho at the Teton County Courthouse at 8:00...

TVMHC wins Award from the Idaho State Planning Council on Mental Health

Brandi, Kay, Richard and I in Boise Idaho The Teton Valley Mental Health Coalition won an award for our advocacy work in Teton Valley from the Idaho State Planning council on Mental Health. It was a tremendous honor and I was proud to accept the award as Co-Chair on behalf of the members of the coalition. Below is the acceptance letter that was sent to the committee chair: Linda C. Hatzenbuehler Legislative Committee Chair Idaho State Planning Council on Mental Health January 6, 2014 On behalf of the Teton Valley Mental Health Coalition, we would like to accept this invitation and award from the Idaho State Planning Council on Mental Health. What an incredible honor it is for the Coalition to be nominated and receive this award. We have done a large amount of work over the past 4 years including creating new clinical programs, deepening, professional relationships, and cultivating more awareness about mental health.  There have been many agencies and people who have been an integral part of our design and success that we would like to formally recognize including: The Behavioral Health Center in Idaho Falls including Pete Synder, Kay Seim, Brandi Daw, Richard Palmer and Roma Hawkins. Family Safety Network in Driggs for their daily selfless acts of kindness and words of advice. Teton Valley Hospital and the Teton Valley Hospital Foundation for playing an instrumental role in our creation and sustainability. The Community Foundation of Teton Valley as they have been our fiscal sponsor for the past few years. Without them, we could not have served the community. Kim Jardine-Dickerson for the nomination and the tireless hours she spends promoting mental health...
St. Johns Medical Center Psychology Professional of the Year

St. Johns Medical Center Psychology Professional of the Year

Every year, St. Johns hospital in Jackson Wyoming recognizes one of its psychology professionals with plaque and a bonus. I was fortunate enough to win the award in 2010. It reads: “St. John’s Medical Center Psychology Professional of the year award, 2010, presented to Adam Williamson, LPC In grateful acknowledgement of his professionalism, compassion and excellence in care.” St. Johns hospital is truly a leader in the care of patients with mental health concerns. In addition, the legal system in Teton County Wyoming, in particular with cases involving involuntary hospitalization, is cutting edge and very well respected across the state. I am lucky to be a part of it....