GRAND HAVEN, Mich. — One local non-profit, Mosaic Counseling, is focusing on never turning away someone in need of mental health services. That includes middle school and high school students in Ottawa County school districts who may not have the luxury of counseling support.
One therapist working in the schools, Rebecca Dalman, stated "I think a lot of these students have felt in the past like they were never going to be able to see anyone for help." However, Mosaic Counseling and the therapists involved are working to change that for students in Ottawa County.
"I get to go into the schools and provide the same therapy that I would provide in my office to the students. All through programming provided by Mosaic Counseling," explained Rebecca. "I get referred to these students that maybe don't have the resources to access mental health counseling or maybe they don't have transportation to actually get to an office."
Margot Hamm-VanOordt, the Fund Development Manager for Mosaic Counseling, said "We are an agency that does not turn anyone away. If you are over-insured, under-insured, or have no insurance we will get you to an intake and provide you a therapist that best fits your needs."
Helping to remove barriers so that everyone in Ottawa County who needs counseling can receive it.
"For a lot of students, this is their first time in therapy, so they don't even really know what it will look like. But, once we get going, it's incredible how intentional these students are with this time," explains Rebecca.
Creating an open, positive environment, that provides them the mental health support they may not otherwise receive.
"I have one student who physically runs to me every week, coming into the session completely out of breath. A true testament that these students want help and want to talk to someone."
So much desire for help from the students that they've added a therapist to help those on the waitlists. Leaving no students behind.
Rebecca finished with, "I hope they know when they run to services that there are going to be people ready to catch them at the end of that run."
One of the big ways that Mosaic Counseling can make this program happen is through fundraising. They're hosting an "Evening at Tiffany's Fashion Show Fundraiser" on Thursday, Nov. 2.
I will be your emcee. Tickets have sold out, but you can join a waitlist or make a donation online.
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