Isolation. Discrimination. Shame. Embarrassment. Sometimes the biggest challenges people with mental illnesses face aren’t their illnesses at all. The stigma—or negative feelings, attitudes and stereotypes—that surround mental health can make getting help intimidating and leading a fulfilling life difficult. Stigma can prevent people from seeking help and discourages others from lending support.
Headwaters Counseling addresses stigma head on by educating their clients as well as the public to be more compassionate about understanding mental health issues. Separating truth from stigma can help increase awareness, understanding, and acceptance for those living with mental health challenges.
Headwaters Counseling opened as a social services organization in 1895 (Social Services Bureau) and has been a counseling resource in our community for more than 40 years. Serving people of all ages and all walks of life, Headwaters greets people in a welcoming and non-judgmental environment, at their office in downtown Fort Wayne or, most recently, through tele-therapy. People reach out to Headwaters for a wide variety of reasons including trauma, serious mental health issues, adjustment to change, family and relationship issues, and professional adjustment issues.
In 2019, Headwaters saw more than 2,500 clients through individual and family counseling or in groups. Many Headwaters clients are low-income, high-risk, or underserved populations including aging adults and those dealing with additional issues like poverty, stress, and other health-related challenges. Many are currently dealing with COVID-19 concerns and are seeking coping skills. Clients may have layers of personal problems which magnify mental health issues. Oftentimes, these factors lead to crisis and cause further emotional and financial harm.
It takes a unique agency with qualified, compassionate therapists to patiently sort out the multiple stressors clients face and help them reach a healthier life. This is where Headwaters Counseling excels—therapists believe in their clients and develop caring relationships with them. And, clients believe in Headwaters Counseling as evidenced by the remarkable changes clients make with Headwater’s Counseling assistance.
Headwaters offers both mental health and substance abuse services; oftentimes people come to counseling struggling with both issues. When appropriate, Headwaters works side-by-side with other partner agencies to provide services at halfway houses, homeless shelters, and even at worksites. This gives Headwaters the opportunity to see clients in familiar surroundings, reducing geographic and transportation barriers that might limit treatment opportunities.
“We believe that meeting people where there are is an important form of outreach and benefits our clients and the communities in which they live,” says Stephen Jarrell, CEO, Headwaters Counseling. “Headwaters takes the whole person into consideration and responds to their overall needs to improve life and mental health outcomes. Individual improvement lends itself to community improvement where we can all work together to help each other.”
Counseling during a Pandemic
COVID-19 has presented special challenges to an organization who was previously not equipped to deliver counseling services remotely. But Headwaters was determined to continue to provide services to existing clients and to be available to help anyone with pandemic related issues such as isolation, loneliness, substance abuse, and anxiety and depression. Services are now available via tele-therapy (phone or video) for the safety of clients and staff. “Offering tele-therapy means we can continue to serve clients during the pandemic, but because we are not face to face, our therapists have to be extra vigilant to ensure that people are safe during and after a session. This is a challenge, but client wellness is always our biggest concern,” says Laura Reece, Director of Operations.
Looking Ahead
Headwaters continues to develop community relationships and seeks ways to fill unmet needs in our community. A few new outreach programs will allow Headwaters to offer their services in partnership with the YMCA of Allen County, Youth Services Bureau, and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Indiana.
Headwaters has recently developed several new programs to meet community need. These include a Teen Substance Use Program and a Cultivating Youth Safety program. Also, the Stopping Sexual Exploitation treatment program has been developed in response to the increase in sex trafficking perpetrators and victims.
No Need for a Referral—Give Headwaters a Call
Headwaters Counseling does not need a referral for treatment. If you or your organization is interested in programming, or you or your family is in distress, or simply need someone to provide objective feedback, please call.
PHP Foundation is proud to partner with Headwaters Counseling as a partner in good mental health for the betterment of our community.
