Public Health Institute of Western MA and MiraVista Behavioral Health Center Launch Public Awareness Effort Targeting Teen Mental Health
MiraVista Behavioral Health Center and the Public Health Institute of Western Massachusetts (PHIWM) are partnering to highlight young people’s emotional wellness in their campaign, “Adolescent Mental Health Doesn’t Take A Vacation.”
“We know from both national and state data that poor mental health continues to be on the increase among young people,” said Kimberley Lee, MiraVista Chief of Creative Strategy and Development. “Being away from school friends and school supports during the extended summer break can be isolating for some teens. Our campaign is designed to remind parents, trusted adult caregivers, community providers, as well as adolescents that help is available when someone is struggling emotionally and to remember they are not alone!”
Lee said weekly social media posts will carry short messaging such as “There’s no shame in having feelings or seeking help to deal with them” and “Ask your teen how they are doing and take time to listen without judgement.”
“Sometimes an emotional issue can be resolved through good communication between adult caregivers and child, and sometimes it may require a call to the child’s pediatrician or call to a mental health care provider,” Lee said. “Various evidence-based treatments are available. Adults who model taking care of their own mental health can make it easier for a teen in need of such help to seek it. This is also one of the campaign’s messages.”
When asked to partner, Jessica Collins, Executive Director of the PHIWM said, “Yes! It is important to blend community prevention and clinical support by partnering with MiraVista Behavioral Health Center on this crucial campaign. Adolescence is a critical time for mental health development, and ensuring young people have access to support during the summer months is particularly important.”
Collins added that, “Youth health surveys conducted across Western Massachusetts have generally seen an increase over time in students reporting depressive symptoms, with more than two out of five students doing so in 2023. We hope this campaign will help inform parents, guardians, and the community about ways to promote good mental health and the resources available to our young people.”
Dr. Kathleen Szegda, Sr. Director of Community Research and Evaluation at PHIWM, recently led efforts to develop the Youth Mental Health Roadmap for Western Massachusetts. “This campaign aligns with many of the recommendations outlined in the Roadmap, particularly the focus on prevention,” said Szegda. “Promoting positive mental health practices and destigmatizing mental health conditions is key to improving the mental health of our young people.”
About PHIWM: The Public Health Institute of Western Massachusetts builds measurably healthier and more equitable communities through community engagement, collaborative partnerships, research and evaluation, and policy advocacy. This work is accomplished through upholding social justice, excellence in innovation, the inclusion of community voice in all aspects of their work, scientific rigor, measurable outcomes and loving kindness.
About MiraVista: MiraVista Behavioral Health Center opened in April of 2021 in Holyoke, Mass. MiraVista offers inpatient psychiatric care services for both adults and adolescents, as well as an array of outpatient addiction treatment programs.
MiraVista cares for thousands of individuals from across New England and is a leading provider of mental health and addiction treatment services, dedicated to empowering individuals to overcome challenges and achieve their full potential. With a commitment to excellence and compassion, MiraVista offers a comprehensive range of evidence-based treatment programs tailored to meet the unique needs of each patient. Through personalized care and support, MiraVista inspires hope and healing, helping individuals reclaim their lives and embrace a brighter future.