Three people gathered in a classroom on a recent rainy afternoon listened intently as Derrick Cordero urged them to turn their negative feelings around.
“What I’m hearing is that you’re a self-starter,” he told one participant, who had taken up gardening but yearned for a community with which to share the hobby.
Cordero, 48, is guiding the discussion at Holding Hope, a weekly therapy group for people struggling with mental health. Anyone receiving mental health services through Solano County can participate.
A former member, Cordero is now the group’s volunteer peer leader. He initially joined in 2020 while dealing with mental illness and substance use — and found that sharing with others who had been through similar trials could be deeply healing.
“Not all of us are going to speak about” pain, said Cordero, who is covered by Medi-Cal, California’s Medicaid program, which insures low-income people. “But when one does, another does, and then next week another does, and it becomes like a connective tissue.”
These groups can offer essential support in a public system beset by workforce shortages, Cordero said. Two are run entirely by peer leaders, who help build trust by sharing personal experiences, said Cheryl Akoni, a marriage and family therapist who works for Solano County and leads Holding Hope alongside Cordero.
The article discusses how Medi-Cal patients are assisting one another amidst a mental health staffing shortage. With a significant deficit in mental health professionals, especially in rural areas, Medi-Cal patients are stepping up to support each other through peer-led programs and initiatives.
These peer-led programs offer a valuable support network for individuals struggling with mental health issues. Participants share their experiences, provide emotional support, and offer practical advice to help each other navigate through challenging times. By leveraging the power of peer support, Medi-Cal patients are filling the gap left by the shortage of mental health professionals.
If you or someone you know is grappling with addiction or mental health challenges, don’t hesitate to seek help. Contact rehabnear.me at 855-339-1112 to connect with compassionate professionals who can provide personalized assistance and support. Whether you’re struggling with addiction, depression, anxiety, or any other mental health issue, reaching out for help is the first step towards healing and recovery. Don’t face these challenges alone—call rehabnear.me today and take control of your journey towards a healthier and happier life.
Amid Mental Health Staffing Crunch, Medi-Cal Patients Help One Another https://t.co/vgh5bRQMek #rehabnearme 855-339-1112
— RehabNearMe (@RehabNear_Me) April 1, 2024
