For 25 years, Queen Byrd has been a dedicated presence at Telecare, contributing her passion and resilience to the well-being of clients and colleagues alike. Her story reflects her personal growth and 罢别濒别肠补谤别鈥檚 mission to foster recovery and long-term care, embodying the values of commitment and compassion that define the organization.

Queen鈥檚 journey to Telecare began during her own recovery from addiction. 鈥淲hen I changed my life around, I was going to Highland Hospital with an outpatient program,鈥� she recalls. Encouraged by her sister, who worked at Telecare, Queen applied for a housekeeping position at Gladman Mental Health Rehabilitation Center (MHRC). Known for providing long-term psychiatric treatment in a structured, supportive environment, Gladman became the starting point of Queen鈥檚 25-year career and personal growth, shaping the strong leader she would become.

Hired with 23 others, Queen is the only one who remains at Gladman today. 鈥淚 was the last one in the door, and after all those 23 people, I鈥檓 still here,鈥� she says. Her perseverance and dedication reflect her deep commitment to her clients and 罢别濒别肠补谤别鈥檚 mission of providing excellent care.

Over the years, Queen鈥檚 career evolved from housekeeping to transportation, and she eventually became a certified CPI () trainer. In this role, she ensures safety and trains her peers in essential practices. 鈥淚 feel like they see the genuine in me, and I feel like they know that I love what I do,鈥� Queen shares proudly. Her leadership has been instrumental in fostering the collaborative environment central to 罢别濒别肠补谤别鈥檚 Recovery-Centered Clinical System (RCCS).

Queen鈥檚 personal experiences have deepened her empathy, especially in supporting her son through his mental health challenges. 鈥淢y son is schizophrenic. If I hadn鈥檛 been here... I wouldn鈥檛 have understood what to do.鈥� These experiences have only strengthened her compassion and understanding of her role.

Queen鈥檚 dedication has not gone unnoticed. She has been recognized by her colleagues and Telecare leadership, particularly by Anne Bakar, 藏姬阁 president and chief executive officer. 鈥淪he knows me. She remembers me. She hugs me,鈥� Queen says, reflecting on their strong connection over the years.

As Queen celebrates 25 years at Telecare, her journey inspires those around her. From housekeeper to leader, her work at Gladman MHRC has supported clients鈥� recovery journeys and strengthened the Telecare community. Queen鈥檚 story of resilience, compassion, and commitment is a fitting tribute to her 25 years of extraordinary service.

With the support of Stanislaus County, 罢别濒别肠补谤别鈥檚 Stanislaus County Mobile Crisis Response Team (MCRT) recently paused work to focus on building connections and strengthening their team.

Gathering at Great Wolf Lodge in Manteca, CA, the full-time staff engaged in a day filled with activities designed to bring them closer together, reinforce trust, and sharpen their crisis response skills. From scenario-based training emphasizing scene safety to minute-to-win-it challenges that sparked quick thinking, each exercise was a chance to grow individually and as a team. The highlight? A ropes course that demanded communication and collaboration, reminding everyone that success in crisis response is truly a team effort.

This day was more than just a break from the routine. It was an opportunity to recharge, reconnect, and renew their commitment to providing compassionate, effective care. A strong, united team is the foundation of great service at Telecare. We鈥檙e excited to see how the Stanislaus MCRT will carry the lessons learned forward as they continue to make a difference in the lives of those they serve.

Here鈥檚 what the administrative manager of San Bernardino County DBH had to say:

We wanted to express our gratitude for the amazing collaboration we always receive from Omar Gonzalez-Valentino, the Merrill CSU administrator, and the Merrill CSU team. Omar and the team are constantly willing to go above and beyond whenever we are on a DBH call, particularly in a most recent case.

DBH needed assistance recently to transition a San Bernardino County conservatee who had found herself in San Diego needing stabilization back to our county. Omar answered our call and orchestrated her return to Merrill CSU. Additionally, he worked patiently with our team as she was referred for aftercare placement, sending referral packets and information where requested. Omar worked to obtain a solution and offered additional support for any barrier we encountered. He worked with his team to go above and beyond the call, offering to coordinate a special psychiatric visit as needed by the placement agency. The client obtained the appropriate placement and treatment that best fit her needs because of Omar鈥檚 excellent customer service and collaboration with the team.

Omar consistently thinks about the client鈥檚 best interest, works to reduce potential barriers to services, and assists clients in obtaining wellness and recovery. He is a team player, working together towards our goals to serve in the best way possible. We value our partnership and collaborative nature. We appreciate his unwavering dedication, compassion, and relentless contributions to outstanding customer service!

The following post is from our Recovery-Centered Clinical System (RCCS) Tidbit of the Month series. Each month, the RCCS Steering Committee creates practices to support our recovery culture within our programs and among staff. Click here to learn more about the RCCS.

RCCS Tidbit of the Month: Our Wise Mind

A Component of the Five Awarenesses of the RCCS Program Culture

Understanding Emotional, Rational, and Wise Minds

We all encounter moments when emotions guide our actions and other times when logic and facts drive our decisions. In (DBT), there are two distinct 鈥渟tates of mind鈥�: the emotional and rational.

Emotional Mind

When our emotions become strong enough to influence our thinking and decision-making, we are in our emotional mind. You might wonder, 鈥淒oes being an emotional person mean I鈥檓 always in my emotional mind?鈥� Not exactly. The critical difference is whether your emotions control your thoughts, actions, and decisions. It鈥檚 possible to be very emotional and still maintain control.

Certain situations can make us more prone to being in our emotional mind, such as physical illness, alcohol or drug use, extreme hunger, sleep deprivation, or high stress. These factors can impair our ability to think clearly and make thoughtful decisions.

Rational Mind

The rational mind represents a state where decisions are made based on logic and facts, often disregarding emotions and personal values. However, focusing solely on the facts and practical aspects doesn鈥檛 always equate to being reasonable. If rational thinking ignores the importance of values and feelings, it might cloud our judgment, just like the emotional mind can.

Wise Mind

DBT introduces a balanced approach known as the wise mind, which incorporates elements of both the emotional and rational minds. In the wise mind, we know our emotions while considering facts and logic. This state of mind allows us to make decisions that align with our values and experiences, leading to desired outcomes.

Helping Clients and Members Access Their Wise Mind

Just like us, clients and members may struggle to access their wise minds, significantly when intense emotions hinder decision-making or feelings of anxiety and stress cause them to feel stuck. Our program staff is crucial in helping clients and members recognize these mental states and teaching mindfulness techniques to access their wise minds.

Practice:

Discover what works best for you and continue practicing until these habits become second nature.

• Mindfulness Practice:

  1. Find a Quiet Space: Sit comfortably in a place free of distractions.

     Focus on Your Breathing: Pay attention to the sensations of air flowing into your nose and out of your mouth, or notice your belly rising and falling as you breathe in and out.

     Clear Your Mind: After centering on your breath, quiet your thoughts and let go of any arising emotions.

     Reflect: Once calm, consider your current situation or choices.

• Mindfulness Strategies for Specific Emotions:

1. When Angry: Pause until you can think clearly.

2. When Overwhelmed: Write down your tasks, then tackle them individually.

3. When Insecure: Focus on appreciating and accepting your strengths and flaws.

4. When Rejected: Acknowledge these feelings are challenging, but don鈥檛 let them take over.

5. When Discouraged: Be kind to yourself and remember why you鈥檙e trying.

6. When Anxious: Focus on the present moment and do a 鈥淪top, Breathe, and Think鈥� activity.

A former client, D, reflects on their transformative experience at the Jay Mahler Recovery Center, highlighting the impact of the supportive environment and dedicated staff.

Hello,

My name is D. During that time in my life, things were very chaotic due to a mental illness and family complications. When I first entered Jay Mahler, I knew I was in a safe place that gave me hope and inspiration鈥攎y time spent cooking, attending meetings, and classroom sessions helped to give me a sense of self-understanding that I believe could not be obtained anywhere else. Finally, the friends I made helped to build a foundation of inner trust that lasts to this day. I am truly appreciative of the staff and volunteers who helped make my experience at Jay Mahler a good one. Thank you, and I hope you have a great day!

罢别濒别肠补谤别鈥檚 staff and members from recently participated in the . This annual event, hosted by, aimed to raise awareness and break mental health stigma. This year鈥檚 theme was Green for Mental Health, marking the 11th annual gathering.

The event showcased numerous behavioral health and community providers, drawing over 1,000 community members of all ages. Many local agencies were there to share information about the valuable services they offer to the community.

The public was invited to enjoy this fun family event, which included:

• Free food and water

• Raffles

• Music

• Petting zoo

• Activities for the entire family

罢别濒别肠补谤别鈥檚 Yuma ACT demonstrated outstanding engagement and dedication to mental health awareness, positively impacting the event.

罢别濒别肠补谤别鈥檚 Orange County STEPS and AI COURT staff recently enjoyed a spirited week of friendly competition and team-building activities. The event was designed to build connections among team members who don鈥檛 usually collaborate, promoting a mix of diverse skills and perspectives.

Throughout the week, teams earned points by participating in themed activities each day:

• Monday: Sports Day

• Tuesday: Silly Socks

• Wednesday: Spooky Day

• Thursday: Decades Day

• Friday: Park Day

This exciting week strengthened team bonds and highlighted 罢别濒别肠补谤别鈥檚 dedication to encouraging a supportive and dynamic workplace environment.

Welcome, Home First North (Full Service Partnership) FSP!

Home First North FSP is a new program in the heart of La Palma, CA.

Home First North FSP is open to individuals, ages 18 and older, who have been diagnosed with a severe mental illness and may be housed and are at risk of losing housing in Orange County.

Home First North FSP is Orange County鈥檚 Housing Full Service Partnership (FSP) program, focused on providing housing-supportive services and behavioral health services to Orange County residents. Our purpose is to help members maintain stable housing, including resolving housing challenges and providing case management and behavioral health-focused services.

Home First North FSP creates a supportive environment, including services based on individual needs, hopes, and dreams. Home First North FSP members have access to a multidisciplinary team that includes peer specialists, case managers, a psychiatrist, a nurse practitioner, masters-level team leads, and clinicians with experience in providing housing-supportive services and behavioral health-focused services.

Home First North FSP is located at 20 Centerpointe Dr, Suite 130, La Palma, CA, 90623.

For more information, please visit the Home First North FSP website

Contact Information:

ADMINISTRATOR:

• Heather Avila, havila@telecarecorp.com

PROGRAM ADDRESS:

• La Palma, CA

HOURS OF OPERATION:

• Mon, Wed, Fri & Sat: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm

• Tues & Thurs: 8:00 am to 7:00 pm

• On-call staff are available 24 hours a day and can be reached at 657-325-8313

LINKS & RESOURCES:

• Home First North FSP

Quiet rooms, also known as resilience spaces or sensory rooms, provide a designated area where individuals can retreat to find solace. They have several benefits for individuals struggling to calm themselves after getting agitated. Among these benefits are stress reduction, a decrease in sensory overstimulation, and energy level regulation. They offer a more therapeutic alternative to a time-out room, which can often suggest that individuals are being punished instead of providing a space for decompression.

To further embrace 罢别濒别肠补谤别鈥檚 RCCS recovery model, La Casa PHF converted its time-out room into a quiet room, providing a calming space for clients to reflect. While both decrease external stimuli, the quiet room provides a more comfortable and relaxing client environment. Inside the room, clients will find environmental stimuli to serve them best, including a scent diffuser, a nature sound machine, a calming nature view, a warm oversized beanbag chair, and a weighted blanket.

The team is proud of this transformation and anticipates its grand opening in the coming weeks.

In honor of , 罢别濒别肠补谤别鈥檚 LA 4 program recently organized a team-building event at . This event was filled with creativity, fun, and meaningful connections, all of which played a crucial role in enhancing our team鈥檚 mental well-being. A special highlight was the participation of Dawan Utecht, our SVP & Chief Development Officer, and Marcelo Cavalheiro, the Regional Director of Operations, adding extra excitement to the event.

The event provided a platform for artistic expression and encouraged a sense of unity and support among team members. The positive energy and collaborative spirit were evident as everyone engaged in painting activities, strengthening their bonds and promoting mental wellness.

Welcome, Telecare Poplar House (Enhanced Behavioral Supports Home) EBSH!

Telecare Poplar House EBSH is a new housing program in the heart of Palo Alto, CA.

Telecare Poplar House is open to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities who will benefit from enhanced behavioral support, staffing, and supervision in a homelike setting.

Telecare Poplar House serves individuals with varying levels of neurodiversity or acquired brain injury needs who might also have mental health symptoms. Telecare Poplar House provides flexible, individualized services to residents to help them live safely in their own homes, integrate into their community, and reduce reliance on locked or institutional settings.

Telecare Poplar House can be a forever home if that is what the resident needs and prefers. We offer enhanced support services, including flexible staffing according to resident needs, 24/7 supervision, a variety of activities designed around the resident鈥檚 individual preferences and needs, and access to the community with staff-supervised transportation.

Our services emphasize choice-making skills and positive behavioral support strategies based on the unique needs and capabilities of each resident. Every resident will have their own individual behavioral support team that will include a program administrator, a board-certified behavioral analyst (BCBA), nursing support, registered behavior technicians (RBT), licensed clinicians, occupational and physical therapists, and psychiatric and medical support staff. Telecare Poplar House has staff on-site 24 hours a day to provide support to and partner with residents to ensure a safe and healthy community.

Valley Vista PSH is located at 1865 Hotel Circle South, San Diego, CA 92108.

For more information, please visit the website

Contact Information:

ADMINISTRATOR:

• Austin Flores, austinflores@telecarecorp.com

PROGRAM ADDRESS:

• Palo Alto, CA

HOURS OF OPERATION:

• Services are available 24/7

LINKS & RESOURCES:

Along with our partners at Kern County, 罢别濒别肠补谤别鈥檚 Kern County Psychiatric Health Facility (PHF) recently celebrated its grand opening with an open house event that drew an impressive crowd of over 300 attendees. The event highlighted the community鈥檚 enthusiasm and support for the new facility and showcased our commitment to delivering vital mental health services to the Kern County community. 藏姬阁 partnered with to construct the new PHF from the ground up.

鈥淥ur partnership with Telecare has been invaluable throughout this project, expanding our crisis services while creating a new vision of hope and healing for our community. Telecare has worked alongside us every step of the way, providing their expertise and support.鈥�

鈥� Robin Taylor, Deputy Director, Kern County, BHRS

As a Psychiatric Health Facility, this 16-bed program is designed to serve individuals who are experiencing a mental health emergency and can benefit from more intensive, structured support in a secure setting.

While at the Kern PHF, people being served will receive:

• Collaborative treatment planning with a recovery focus

• Comprehensive evaluation and risk assessment

• Crisis planning and prevention

• Supportive counseling (group and individual)

• Medication administration, education and training

• Symptom management support and skill-building

• Independent living support and skill-building

• Discharge planning and linkage to community support

Telecare is proud and grateful to be expanding our diverse array of services within Kern County. Since 2017, we have opened the Ridgecrest Crisis Stabilization Unit, the Bakersfield Recovery Station (a voluntary sobering station), and the Kern County PHF, and will soon open a Full-Service Partnership serving adults in Kern County.

罢别濒别肠补谤别鈥檚 San Bernardino CORE and FACT programs recently hosted their 2nd Annual Member Picnic at Colony Park, bringing together 28 members for a day of casual fun and community bonding.

The picnic featured engaging activities, including an Easter egg hunt, raffles, dancing, dodgeball, and tie-dye. The competitive dodgeball game emerged as the highlight, with enthusiastic participation from members and staff. Attendees relished a delicious barbecue with grilled burgers, hotdogs, and a dessert spread of cookies and cupcakes.

This annual picnic is a fun, eagerly-anticipated event that inspires and promotes interaction and a strong sense of community among members and staff. Participants expressed gratitude for the enjoyable activities and the effort put into making the event special.

We thank the program staff for their dedication in organizing this wonderful event!

At Stults House in Oregon, a delightful new mascot named Steve N. Stults, a squirrel, has been introduced to boost the program鈥檚 culture through joy and teamwork. The idea, conceived by a dedicated staff member, was enthusiastically embraced by the program director and other leaders. Steve N. Stults hides cute, laminated images of nuts with funny faces throughout the program. When staff or residents find these nuts, they can take a picture and share it with their team, spreading pride and joy in the workplace.

This simple activity鈥檚 success in lifting spirits and engaging everyone has been remarkable. Inspired by Stults House, the sister program, Rhone Street, is now working on creating a new mascot, a rabbit, with a similar activity of finding carrots.

This initiative demonstrates the creativity and dedication of the Stults House staff and leadership. We appreciate their commitment to bringing positive energy and enthusiasm to the program!

At ATLAS and TABS, appreciation events included delicious food, refreshing boba drinks, and custom-made cups labeled 鈥淏est Nurse Ever.鈥� 

Nurses Appreciation Week, celebrated every May, recognizes nurses鈥� vital role in healthcare. Coinciding with the birthday of , the founder of modern nursing, this week emphasizes the enduring importance of the nursing profession.

Telecare proudly supports and celebrates its nurses, acknowledging their commitment to excellence and compassion. Thank you to all nurses for your unwavering dedication and hard work. You are the best!

The celebration was even more special with the arrival of two furry guests: Llama, a new studded pet, and Teddy, the beloved fur baby. Their presence brought joy and excitement to the gathering.

The event also featured refreshing beverages, with Marcelo Cavalheiro enjoying a freshly made mango drink, adding a sweet touch to the festivities. The Fiesta de Mayo was a delightful occasion that highlighted the team spirit and vibrant energy of the LAOA team.

The San Diego MCRT (Mobile Crisis Response Team) program, part of Telecare, distributed over 1,000 doses of Narcan and fentanyl test strips, demonstrating their dedication to harm reduction and support for individuals in need. This initiative provided vital resources and highlighted the impactful work being done by Telecare in San Diego.

Telecare continues to lead in community engagement and advocacy, making a difference in mental health support and substance use awareness.

Juanita鈥檚 passion for the NAMIWalks event has inspired the TRC community, encouraging healthier diet and exercise habits among her colleagues. Her enthusiasm led to a friendly 鈥渟迟别辫蝉鈥� competition between TRC and Oregon ACT programs, which ACT (Assertive Community Treatment) ultimately won.

Juanita鈥檚 initiative and positive energy have resonated throughout 罢别濒别肠补谤别鈥檚 Portland Metro area programs, inspiring others to join the movement toward NAMI. Meg Riley, Office Coordinator I at 罢别濒别肠补谤别鈥檚 Multnomah CATC (Community Assessment and Treatment Center) program, leads the effort as the Telecare 鈥淐aptain.鈥�

Telecare celebrates Juanita, Meg, and all participants for their dedication to mental health advocacy and their commitment to positively impacting their communities through the NAMI Walks initiative.

罢别濒别肠补谤别鈥檚 Kern Psychiatric Health Facility (PHF) team in Bakersfield recently held their first potluck event, which marked an exciting milestone as they prepare for the program鈥檚 opening.

Even though Kern PHF is not yet open, the staff gathered to celebrate and build connections in anticipation of the opening on May 15, 2024.

We are proud of our Kern PHF team鈥檚 eagerness to provide exceptional psychiatric care to the Bakersfield community.

When the TAY ROC team first connected with 鈥凄补惫颈诲,鈥� he was experiencing the 鈥渨orst time of his life.鈥� He was homeless, hopeless, and in crisis. His relationships with family and other loved ones were shattered, and he was mourning the deaths of several family members. It was 鈥渢roubled times,鈥� and he needed help. He says, 鈥淚 have never been in that kind of situation before. That kind of mental health breakdown was completely new to me. I was falling through the cracks in the system, and there is no clear path to get yourself out of complex situations like that. Now that I am doing better, I feel a lot of empathy for other people who are still going through times like those.鈥�

After a brief stay at John George Psychiatric Hospital, David was connected to TAY ROC. David credits the TAY ROC team with turning his life around. 鈥淚 was homeless, and I am autistic, and this team saved me. They got me a job, they found me housing, they provided the best therapy I鈥檝e had in years, and went over and above in every respect to ensure I was successful. They spent hours on the phone with me when I was panicking. They made sure I had food. They drove me to appointments in their own cars. They gave me expert-level job coaching. They met me wherever I needed them to be, no matter what. I have never had mental health support like that.鈥�

David says he is now on the road to recovery, thanks to TAY ROC. 鈥淚 want to express to you all what an amazing job TAY ROC is doing. I want to especially call out Shanina Hill, Brittany Flentroy, Philip Yee, Jennifer Pardo, and everyone on the team that I worked with. Shanina Hill deserves a raise and a promotion. I want to tell everyone about TAY ROC. If there were more programs like this in Alameda County, a real difference could be made in so many people鈥檚 lives. I am contacting Governor Newsom to make sure people at the highest level hear about your program.鈥�

We are thrilled that David is back on his feet, hopeful, and looking towards the future. This is a shining example of why programs like TAY ROC are essential to the care system.