The holiday season can be a time of joy and celebration, but for many, it also brings heightened stress, loneliness, and anxiety. Catholic Social Services’ therapists and staff want to transform lives by offering hope and opportunity for mental, emotional and spiritual wellness. They do this by offering a wide range of services to fully reflect the mental health needs of our community. The Outpatient Behavioral Health Clinic treats and addresses mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, panic, PTSD, bipolar disorder, substance abuse disorders, eating disorders and more. The Behavioral Health Clinic is staffed by some wonderful and resourceful providers including a nurse practitioner, social workers, and psychologists. Today we’re talking with Rebecca Furru, Director of Behavioral Health and Family Services at CSSW.
Senior Resource Connect: If you had to give an “elevator speech” about what your organization does, how would you describe it?
Rebecca Furru: Catholic Social Services of Washtenaw County is a private, faith-based non-profit 501c3 organization.
Catholic Social Services of Washtenaw County works to encourage a greater understanding, acceptance, and respect among people in our community by
- Advocating for the poor, the powerless, and the oppressed
- Preventing deterioration of individual and family life
- Enhancing and improving the quality of life for individuals and families
SRC: Walk me through the step-by-step process. What happens when you get a phone call/referral?
RF: When an individual or family calls our Intake Coordinator to request services, they will first be asked a couple of basic questions to ensure we are a right fit for the client(s) and that we have a firm understanding of what they are looking to achieve through therapeutic services. Once this has been established, the Intake Coordinator completes a more thorough intake assessment with the client(s), including any mental health history they might have, other mental health providers they have or are seeing, and if they have any preferences of provider (i.e. male vs female). These questions are important as it ensures we are doing our best to pair the client(s) with the best provider.
You cannot always predict who will be the best therapeutic fit for someone, so we do our best but are always open to client feedback in changing providers if necessary. Our goal is to provide a safe and open environment in which each client can feel comfortable engaging in mental health services to grow in their own mental, emotional and spiritual wellbeing. Once the Intake Coordinator has completed their initial screening, they will email the client an intake packet, which includes the consent for treatment and information on billing. Once the packet is signed, the Intake Coordinator will reach out to the client to schedule/confirm the individual’s appointment, answering any other questions the individual might have at that time regarding our Behavioral Health Services (BHS) Client Portal or what to expect when coming to clinic.
SRC: What organizations do you work closely with?
RF: Our clinic works with many different agencies, including Washtenaw County Community Mental Health, Washtenaw Health Plan, the local hospitals, the Department of Human Services, Housing Access for Washtenaw County (HAWC), United Way, National Alliance of Mental Illness, Hope Clinic and many more. We strive to meet our clients where they are in life, and often that can include awareness of instability in their lives with basic needs – our therapists and the entire BHS team are ready to help connect clients to other resources as needed!
SRC: What are some things you wish the public knew about your role?
RF: While mental health awareness has increased since the pandemic, it is still often a secondary thought to many – with good reason! It is hard to focus on your mental and emotional wellbeing if you do not have food on the table or a roof over your head. What I want people to know is that mental and emotional health are just as important as physical health. Please don’t wait to get the support you need. I want our community members to know that it is not only safe to seek services with us, but that we will see and help them as a whole person with dignity and respect.
SRC: What tips do you have for someone with a loved one that could benefit from therapy/behavioral health services?
RF: Know that you are seen and loved, as much as you are seeing and loving that individual in your life. And that just as you value and care for that individual, remember to love and value yourself in the same way – again, don’t wait to ask for help! There is no shame in asking for help for yourself or your loved one. Every life has special value and do not forget about your own!
SRC: Is there anything you would like to add?
RF: There is a saying in the mental health field, that every good therapist has a therapist! Please know that those like me who love to care for others have likely been in the same place you are, struggling with our own mental and emotional wellbeing. So, know that we can truly empathize and are waiting to provide you with support and empowerment on your own mental health journey!
Thank you to Rebecca for sharing information about this important resource! You can learn more about Behavioral Health Services at CSSW by visiting their website or by calling the Intake Coordinator at (734) 926-0155.
