As 2023 is coming to a close, it is a natural time for reflection. Overall, it has been a year full of both gifts and challenges.
On the plus side, we were thrilled to welcome two new mental health professionals to Stone House Associates this fall. Katy Howe, M.S.W., LICSW has a wealth of experience serving individuals and young families gathered from her role as an outreach worker for over 17 years. Her approach is strengths based, individualized and trauma informed. Joanna Jerose, M.S.W., LADC has been specializing in the education, prevention, and treatment of substance use disorders for 30 years. Her practice focuses on therapy with individuals and families coping with substance abuse and addiction, as well as depression, anxiety, trauma life transitions and stress management. Additionally, Karen Okun, M.A., LADC , a longtime member of Stone House, has expanded her practice which includes substance abuse assessment and treatment, as well as addressing co-occurring issues.
Availability for all of these providers is limited. And it is this limited availability that relates to the challenges of 2023 and 2024 as well.
As you may know, people are feeling far more stressed and anxious in 2023 than in previous years. According to an article written by the American Psychological Association, “The long-term stress sustained since the COVID-19 pandemic began has had a significant impact on well-being, evidenced by a significant increase in reported mental health conditions and chronic illnesses.”
Furthermore, it has been quite a tumultuous year for our local community, as well as for the entire world. We recognize the tremendous need for mental health services and will continue to do our best to offer high quality care to as many people as possible.
We remain hopeful that 2024 will bring about some needed changes so as to increase the accessibility of quality mental health care, and to bring more peace and well-being to us all.