Searching For a Village - By Gretchen

We have been very fortunate to have access to the Mental Health services our family has needed to address a variety of diagnoses in our household. Having private insurance and knowing how the system works and who to call are the privileges that got us here. With that said, we have experienced 6-month+ wait lists like the rest of the community; we were just able to start that wait sooner. We are very grateful for a supportive school system and resource-rich community that can deliver support services in school groups, now that we no longer require more intentional, regular play therapy.

My family needs a village, that is what it all comes down to. Two parents working full-time with our closest family an hour and a half away makes it really hard when we are juggling doctor's appointments, sick days, days off from school, etc. Our Mental Health needs would diminish significantly if our social determinants of health were improved-and we're coming from a huge place of privilege! Add in a couple of neurodivergent children and a parent with Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD) and it doesn't take much to throw us off our axis.