April, 2019

Written by Ana Garibay, South Lane Mental Health Peer Support Specialist

Originally published (in Spanish) in Noticiero Informativo:

We all have a different ways to describe mental health. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) mental health includes our emotional, psychological and social well being. How does mental health affect our Latino community? Mental health remains a taboo subject for Latino families. Mental illness affects all ethnic groups but especially Latinos. 8.9 million Latinos were diagnosed with a mental illness in the US within the past year.  A lack of understanding the English language, fear of losing their privacy, disinformation, lack of insurance, and legal status are some of the reasons why they do not come to seek help.

South Lane Mental Health is a non-profit organization, which helps individuals in the southern Lane County, North Douglas County and Springfield, Oregon. We are located in Cottage Grove, with a rich history of care and concern for clients.  South Lane Mental Health was organized in 1988 by members of the First Presbyterian Church in Cottage Grove, in order to help individuals with mental illnesses, who had nowhere to go. Initially, the organization provided residential support to five people with serious mental illness, in a house donated by the local Woodard family and members of the church. Later on the agency moved to providing provide outpatient counseling to adults and kids.

South Lane Mental Health helps about 2,500 adults and children each year, through extensive training programs and services that share the same approach based on strengths and information on trauma, and are designed to address the unique needs of mental, emotional and behavioral health of each individual. The services are offered one by one, in family sessions or in groups. We also help in the planning, coordination, monitoring and evaluation of medical services for the individual with emphasis on the quality of the continuity of services, regardless of the insurance status, or ability to pay.

As a parent it can be difficult to understand and manage the diverse and powerful emotions of his kids.  It can also be difficult to manage a home with conflict or crisis. SLMH has many years of experience helping a variety of familial units. Whether a married couple or single  mother with a newborn, grandparents attending to care for children of primary school age, or blended families with several teenagers, we assist anyone in need in working to become stronger, healthier and happier.

Our mission at South Lane Mental Health is to restore and renew lives through compassionate mental health, educational and advocacy treatment.  South Lane Mental Health strives to provide support to adults and children with serious and persistent mental health problems so they can live safely, independently, and productively be in the community.

No matter what your age, life can sometimes be difficult to manage.  A little stress and strong emotions are normal. However, if you run into problems at school, or you feel regularly depressed, angry or overwhelmed, you could benefit from our support. Remember we are located in Cottage Grove with a satellite office in Springfield. Our offices are open Monday through Friday from 8am to 5pm with the exception of holidays. To make an appointment you can contact and call 541-942-3939. Our receptionists are bilingual (English/Spanish) and can assist you in making an appointment with our therapists who speak Spanish.