We provide motivational interviewing and cognitive behavioral therapy to help people experiencing mental illness achieve medical, nutritional and fitness goals. This includes basic health monitoring to help identify potential medical issues. In addition, we provide care coordination to help connect with medical services.
When we think of mental health, we often think of the mind. With physical health, we think of the body. For many years, mind and body have been treated separately, but over the years experts have realized that both can and should be treated together.
It is well documented that seriously or chronically ill individuals have higher rates of anxiety, depression or some form of emotional or psychological distress. In some cases, those same individuals are also struggling with an addiction.
Several years ago, Citizen Advocates took a leading-edge approach by becoming certified as an integrated behavioral health clinic. The idea behind this integration was to provide best-in-class, evidence-based care to individuals needing treatment for both mental health and addiction. Over time this has evolved further to include treatment for physical health.
Citizen Advocates can connect individuals to a variety of programs and services that contribute to improved physical health. Everything we do in our daily lives, from our living conditions to the foods we purchase at the grocery store, can have an impact on physical health. Our skilled care coordination team develops person-centered plans that focus on increased physical activity, improved diet and nutrition, and overall improvement of physical health.
Whether it is basic primary care services, or more specialized services like the InShape Program, housing supports, smoking cessation or career development, the Physical Health services offered through Citizen Advocates work to treat and support the whole person.
The first step is contacting us for an assessment at one of our outpatient Behavioral Health Clinics.
Health Coach Program
The Health Coach Program is an evidence-based health program that supports the long-term and often complex health needs of people experiencing mental illness. Mental illness is often linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, metabolic fluctuations, poor dietary habits and tobacco use. These additional conditions can result in a much shorter life span.
In order to help individuals live longer, healthier and more meaningful lives, Health Coaches develop interventions for better health. These interventions are catered to individuals struggling with serious mental illness or those who are at risk for other health conditions. They focus on areas like nutrition, fitness, social inclusion and community engagement. The program works closely with the Behavioral Health Services provided by Citizen Advocates. Each participant must receive medical clearance prior to joining the program, and the health coaches consult regularly with the individual’s therapist and care team.
Smoking cessation
Quitting smoking is one of the best things anyone can do to improve their health immediately. The negative effects of smoking on a person’s health and the health of others is well documented.
Our trained and caring counselors offer motivational interviewing, cognitive-behavioral therapy and nicotine replacement therapy for individuals with a desire to end their dependence to nicotine.
Related services
Smoking and nicotine dependence is an addiction, and a leading cause of lung and heart disease among other illnesses. Together we can kick the habit.
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Every person is entitled to live a full and meaningful life of their choosing. Community Living & Housing provides a range of services for individuals with short or long term needs as a result of their diagnosis.
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