Southwest Behavioral & Health Services’ College of Wellness Provides Training to Direct Care Staff, Peer Support Workers, and Clinicians; 35 Participants Graduate
Phoenix-based Southwest Behavioral & Health Services (SB&H) has announced that 35 participants graduated from the College of Wellness program on January 12, 2023. The program provides valuable training to direct care staff and peer support workers in wellbeing concepts and strategies.
Established in 2016 by volunteer staff, the College of Wellness is part of a global movement of Recovery Colleges that are pioneering mental health interventions. These colleges support people living with mental health challenges by collaboratively providing educational opportunities in addition to, or instead of, clinical approaches.
Enhancing Wellness and Wellbeing for Staff and Members
According to Clinical Director Abra Arlinsky, the success of the College of Wellness has resulted in the next level of educational opportunities for enhancing wellness and wellbeing for staff and members.
“These classes assist participants with various approaches surrounding self-management, health promotion, and wellbeing. To earn the Certified Wellness Partner designation, participants must successfully complete courses on topics such as resilience, optimism, exercise and nutrition, holistic health, and expressive arts.”
Team-Taught Classes
The content for the course was created utilizing feedback from persons served, peer support workers, and SB&H staff and leadership. Classes are team-taught by members of the College of Wellness, participants, and graduates.
Dedication of the Dr. Bob Bohanske Center for Clinical Excellence
Following the graduation ceremony, SB&H celebrated the dedication of the Dr. Bob Bohanske Center for Clinical Excellence. Bohanske, who passed away in 2021, was a man dedicated to enhancing the quality of care for all people, and their access to it. SB&H CEO Steven Sheets said, “His vision for Southwest Behavioral & Health Services was to build a premier clinical training institution in Arizona, and beyond. His tireless efforts, which never faltered, were to meet and surpass a level of excellence that is now demonstrated through what will now be known as the Dr. Bob Bohanske Center for Clinical Excellence.”
About Southwest Behavioral & Health Services
SB&H is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that provides compassionate primary care, substance abuse, and mental health services that enhance lives and improve communities. Services include outpatient mental health treatment and psychiatric services, including medication monitoring; assistance for persons with addictions; intensive inpatient care for persons in crisis; residential housing, in-home and supported housing services; prevention services, community outreach, and school-based counseling; services for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder; and four opioid replacement clinics. SB&H has locations throughout the greater Phoenix Metro area and in rural Maricopa, Gila, Mohave, Coconino, and Yavapai counties.
For more information about SB&H programs, services, and ways to help, visit https://www.sbhservices.org/.
