When Robert first came to Fortune a year ago as a part of the Alternatives to Incarceration (ATI) program, he worked closely with his case manager to find the right programs and services to be a part of. Robert was referred to the Better Living Center (BLC), our licensed outpatient mental health clinic, to begin meeting with a social worker.
Individuals like Robert seeking mental health treatment from the BLC must first complete an individual intake session. The intake process includes a standardized psychosocial assessment, psychiatric evaluation and medical assessment. After completing the intake, the BLC offers participants individual and group therapy, medication management and referrals to Fortune services based on their specific needs.
Robert has participated in individual counseling for over a year now. He meets with his social worker, Matthew, for bi-weekly counseling sessions, and they have developed a strong relationship where he feels comfortable discussing difficult topics.
Robert mentioned his struggle with emotional regulation and depressive thoughts.
“I get depressed quickly, and I get angry fast. I don’t know why, but when I get upset it’s like I snap. It shouldn’t be like that,” Robert explained. “I wanted help controlling my emotions better in certain situations.”
Through counseling, Robert has practiced calming himself down during high-stress situations. Now, he feels better equipped to think things through or walk away when he is feeling angry or too emotional. He’s learned about several positive methods to de-escalate emotional situations, including journaling and poetry, although he primarily practices meditation.
Robert learned about meditation as a tool to keep calm and ease negative thoughts. To relax into the practice, he listens to his favorite songs. He meditates whenever he feels himself falling into a depressed mood, and he finds it a helpful way to ground himself and regain control.
He noted that the tools he’s gained in treatment have helped him to adjust more easily following his time in jail. By seeking mental health services at Fortune specifically, he felt more comfortable opening up to people who understood him and the challenges he faced during and after incarceration.