In observance of Mental Health Awareness Month in May, Fidelis Care visited partner New Choices Recovery Center, an alcohol and drug treatment facility in Schenectady, and talked with Clinical Coordinator Meagan Rivers, LMHC, NCC, CCTP.
Fidelis Care: What is your general advice for people regarding their mental health?
Meagan Rivers: “I think people taking care of their mental health is one of the most important things anybody can do. It affects everything from how you sleep to how you interact with the rest of the world. I’m sure everybody’s heard the term self-care. That really is important, and self-care looks different for everybody. For some people, it’s going for a jog. For some people, it’s curling up on the couch and watching a TV show. For some people, it’s getting their nails done. It’s really just finding something that brings you some inner peace so you can have a respite from the rest of the world.”
Fidelis Care: What is New Choices Recovery Center?
Meagan Rivers: “New Choices offers substance use treatment at different levels. There’s outpatient, as in people who live in the community. They come in and attend individual sessions or they might attend some groups depending upon what their needs are. Then, we have an intensive outpatient program, which is mostly people who reside in our halfway houses. They attend 12 hours of group a week. If they’re having a really bad day, they can stop by and talk to one of our peer advocates or come in and if somebody’s door is open, just talk. They know that someone is here who truly cares for them and that can make a world of difference.”
Fidelis Care: Tell us about the relationship between New Choices Recovery Center and Fidelis Care.
Meagan Rivers: “Fidelis Care has a representative in our building. That is one of the most helpful partnerships we have ever created. We have people who come in who don’t have insurance. We bring them to Fidelis Care Health Benefit Representative Ashley Comini, and they can be seen and get the services they need. Being able to provide that for people gives them one less thing they need to worry about.”
Fidelis Care: What is your message for those considering seeking mental health assistance?
Meagan Rivers: “I think first and foremost, mental health is not something to be ashamed of. It’s not something to hide from or run from. It doesn’t mean that something is horribly wrong with you. It’s something that a lot of people struggle with. It’s OK to ask for help.”