From a Grateful Mom

Last year, we lost my brother in a sudden and unimaginable way. He died by suicide. After his service, we all struggled to make meaning of this loss and to find our way without him. My son, who had previously shown signs of anxiety and perfectionistic tendencies, began to isolate, have very negative self-thoughts, and crippling anxiety. Things that he once did with ease and found joy in became overwhelming and torturous. We were scared and desperate for help. That’s when I sought out mental health services from CFA.

It was difficult to make that first phone call; however, your team made us feel welcomed and hopeful from the first “Hello, this is Paula from Child and Family Agency.” My son was immediately scheduled for an intake within days of the initial call. At the first appointment, we were advised throughout the process, and my son’s voice and concerns were heard. He felt seen and confident his therapist would listen to his perspective, which motivated him to want to go to the next session.

He instantly connected with his male therapist, who also shared similar interests with him. Throughout the next several weeks, they began to work through the trauma and understand the function of his anxiety. He began to learn coping skills to help him through day-to-day life and manage new stressors. His therapist also worked closely with me and my husband. He recommended family therapy and referred my son to the agency’s psychiatrist.

Family therapy gave our family a forum to communicate in a way that each of us could hear and learn more effective ways to problem-solve. We now feel closer as a family and more confident to navigate future storms that will in evidently come our way.

The psychiatry team, much like the mental health team, listened to my son’s reports regarding his symptoms. They explained the purpose of medication and how it will work for him. They prescribed him medication after the second visit and monitored him closely for the first month to ensure he didn’t have any adverse side effects. I’m happy to report that he is doing much better and engaging in activities with friends again and reporting reduced symptoms of anxiety.

The combined efforts of CFA teams have brought hope and joy back to our family. We remain on a journey of healing but feel more empowered to succeed than ever before. The community is stronger because of your agency’s presence and your very talented staff.”