January 2024

E-News

www.MHARI.org

401.726.2285

info@MHARI.org

In This Issue:

MHARI in Action
May is Mental Health Month: April 23, 2024
Walk & Talk Therapy Survey
Mental Wellness Series: Nutrition and Mental Health
Compassionate Careers Program
Volunteer Opportunities

MHARI in Action

Raise Medicaid Reimbursement Rates to

End Waitlists for Care

If you have been following our work for the past few years, you’ll probably recall that MHARI has been a vocal proponent of raising Medicaid reimbursement rates for outpatient behavioral healthcare services. Why does a consumer advocacy organization care about mental health professionals’ wages? Because the chronically low rates have caused many professionals to leave Rhode Island and practice in Connecticut or Massachusetts, where rates are higher. Some professionals have closed their practices or facilities. Many who are still in business no longer accept Medicaid because it costs more to deliver services than they can recover in reimbursement rates. The result is that people like you and me are placed on waitlists for services when we reach out for help. This is unacceptable. MHARI and our partner organizations are calling on Rhode Island’s leaders to raise reimbursement rates to end waitlists. To learn more, check out this fact sheet developed by our coalition partners. Please, take just 5 minutes to write to your state legislators and Governor McKee. Ask them to raise reimbursement rates to end waitlists. No one should have to wait for help when they need it most.

May is Mental Health Month

2024 State House Date Announced this Week!

Millions of Americans and thousands of residents of Rhode Island are living with mental illness. Each May, MHARI, and individuals, agencies, and organizations across the State and the entire country, observe Mental Health month. We do so to fight stigma, provide support, educate the public and advocate for policies that support people with mental illness and their families.

Join MHARI at the State House on May 1, at 1 PM in the State Room (2nd floor) to kick off May is Mental Month Month. Preview 2024 sponsorship opportunities here!!

Walk & Talk Therapy Survey

from the desk of: Terence Charles

Director Community Engagement & Operations

I want to bring your attention to a research study: A Survey of Licensed Psychotherapists’ Use of and Attitudes Toward Walk and Talk Therapy (WTT), led by Julia Slocum and Dr. Nathaniel Wade from Iowa State University.

WTT is the integration of movement and talk therapy and has been established as a viable psychotherapy option, but research has not kept pace with its growing popularity.

We invite you to participate in this survey which explores respondents’ past use of WTT, how helpful and hindering they perceive or have experienced WTT to be, and whether respondents are considering conducting WTT sessions in the future. The survey also asks about behaviors and attitudes related to therapists’ relationship with exercise and nature, as well as physical access to and sense of safety and belonging in natural outdoor spaces.

You are eligible to participate if you:

1. Are a currently licensed psychotherapist;

2. Practice anywhere in the US; and

3. Work with individual adult clients in in-person, out-patient treatment.

Participation involves approximately 15-30 minutes to complete the online survey. Participation is entirely voluntary, and you are free to withdraw at any time without any consequences. Respondents may enter a drawing for one of five $50 gift cards.

Please take the survey!

MHARI's Mental Wellness Series

Nutrition and Mental Health

If your New Year’s intention is to eat more nutrient-dense foods, you’re in luck! Watch Laurie’s interview with Dr. Michael Greger, MD. They discuss the important role food plays in maintaining or improving one’s mental health. Dr. Greger founded www.nutritionfacts.org, which is a nonprofit clearing house of nutrition information. Dr. Greger summarizes and simplifies the latest peer-reviewed clinical nutrition research, particularly studies related to a plant-based diet.

Compassionate Careers Program

In December, MHARI launched the 'Compassionate Careers Program,' at Blackstone Academy Charter School.

Our vision is to ignite curiosity and passion among individuals from underprivileged backgrounds and to foster career pursuits in fields like mental health, behavioral health and social work.

MHARI is currently seeking mental health professionals willing to share their career journeys with students in Rhode Island high schools. We warmly invite you to join our program by signing up here.

Your concise presentation, of 20-30 minutes can significantly impact and iinspire the next generation of behavioral health clinicians.

A big thank you to our our pilot partners, Blackstone Academy and our first three speakers: Melissa Santoro, Jessica Stewart and Amber Charette!

We are seeking additional schools to participate. Please reach out to Francesca Raoelison if you are interested in speaking or referring a school!

Volunteer Opportunities

Are you passionate about mental health advocacy and making a positive impact in Rhode Island? MHARI is seeking dedicated volunteers to join our dynamic team! If you have a flair for creativity and love navigating the digital landscape, consider joining our social media and newsletter design team.

Your skills can help us amplify our message and reach even more individuals in need.

Additionally, we're on the lookout for enthusiastic members to join our fundraising committee. If you're a natural at organizing events or have a knack for persuasive communication, we'd love to have you on board to support our vital initiatives.

Join us in fostering mental health awareness and building a stronger, more supportive community. Together, we can make a lasting impact. Email us at info@mhari.org

JOIN MHARI'S BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Like what we do? Want to join MHARI’s leadership team? Join our Board of Directors! MHARI is seeking new board members from diverse backgrounds, especially those with expertise in finance, law, fundraising, and human resources. Meetings occur on the second Wednesday of each month at 5:30 p.m., most often via Zoom.

Please send a brief email with your résumé (if applicable) to MHARIBoard@mhari.org. Inquiries will be responded to on a rolling basis. Start dates are flexible.

FREE TRAINING

Check out these free behavioral health training sessions from our friends at Horizon Healthcare Partners.

https://www.cabhiriverwood.org/bhhptrainings

Teen Mental Health Awareness Fair

Join Us Saturday January 27 at the Barrington Public Library for a Teen Mental Health Awareness Fair, hosted by the Confetti Kids of New England.

Download the flyer for all details!

The Mission of the

Mental Health Association of RI (MHARI) is to promote and nourish mental health through advocacy, education, and policy development.

Our website is filled with resources to help those living with mental health challenges. Please feel free to visit the site as often as you need. Your shares of relevant pages on your social media could offer just the help that someone needs. Thank You!

MHARI Resources

The Mental Health Association of RI (MHARI) is a private, 501(c)3 non-profit organization and is 100% funded by grants and donations.

Won't you consider supporting MHARI today?

Did someone forward you this newsletter. Subscribe here!

Thank You for Donating Today