While Mental Health Awareness Month is observed each May to reduce stigma and promote mental well-being, Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network (DWIHN) is dedicated to providing free, confidential mental health and wellness support for Wayne County residents through a variety of accessible services all year round.

For Melissa Peters, DWIHN’s director of outpatient services, her focus is to reduce stigma by normalizing mental health treatment and ensuring people know that help is available to them.

Peters explained that sometimes people don't have the support they need and one of the stronger indicators of someone being successful with where they want to be is to have a solid support network.

Because not everyone has support at home, Peters emphasizes the importance of the community-based, wraparound care that DWIHN offers.

A major part of DWIHN’s mission to provide care is making it more accessible. Through their centralized call center, individuals can begin the process of receiving services with just one phone call.

“I think the hardest part is making the phone call,” Peters said. “From there, there’s going to be staff and professionals to help guide them the rest of the way in a warm, supportive way.”

DWIHN provides outpatient services for individuals of all ages, from infants to older adults.

Peters explained that their infant and early childhood program for children aged 0 to 5 is a home-based service that wraps around families.

For children aged 6 through 21, services include outpatient therapy with youth peer support specialists and parent support partners. Home-based services are also provided for families that have children who need more support.

“Kids with higher acuity needs or who are coming out of a hospital setting or are at risk of hospitalization can receive in-home services that provide a more intensive level of support to hopefully intervene before any other steps need to occur,” Peters said.

For the adult population, DWIHN offers therapists, case managers, peer support and peer recovery support. Psychiatric services are also available for both children and adults.

According to Peters, just as important as making mental healthcare accessible is changing how people think about mental healthcare itself.

“It shouldn’t feel any different to come get treatment for depression or anxiety or bipolar than it does for diabetes or heart disease,” she said. “It’s medical treatment with evidence-based practices that help you get better.”

The shift from not just awareness but to normalization is a key component of reducing stigma. Mental healthcare is healthcare.

Education also plays a key role, especially when it comes to working with families.

“It’s not just the child in treatment, it’s the family unit,” Peters said. “We’re helping them understand what we’re doing, why it works and how they can support their loved one.”

She emphasized that just like in the medical field and the physical health world, evidence-based practices with research behind them show that differences are made when treatment is consistent and engaged.

Outside of clinical care, Peters encourages individuals to take small, proactive steps to support their mental health at home, such as practicing mindfulness to help manage stressful situations before they become overwhelming.

Those seeking mental health services can call DWIHN’s 24-hour helpline at (800) 241-4949 or visit www.dwihn.org for more information.