On October 10, 2024, Orchard Place will observe World Mental Health Day, a global initiative aimed at raising awareness and promoting mental well-being. As the need for children’s mental health access grows, our team of experts are available to provide valuable insights into mental health strategies and resources for families. “Orchard Place is dedicated to early intervention and seeking help sooner rather than later can lead to better outcomes for youth,” explained Dr. Stephen Mandler, the Orchard Place Chief Medical and Clinical Officer. “By encouraging these conversations, we help reduce the stigma that often prevents people from seeking help.”
One in five youth will develop an emotional or behavioral disturbance during childhood. This often leads to suicide, which is the second highest cause of death for Iowa youth. By having open conversations about our mental well-being, you support Orchard Place’s mission of providing a safe environment for children and their families to heal, find hope, be empowered, and build resilience to overcome mental health adversity.
As Iowa’s leading youth mental health experts, the staff at Orchard Place bring insight and empathy, having firsthand experience in their clients’ challenges. “I began my journey in social work as a client. I often felt undeserving and carried guilt for letting others down,” shared Derly Beacom, an Orchard Place Behavioral Health Intervention Specialist Clinical Supervisor. “The experiences I had increased my passion for helping teenagers who are going through similar situations.” Understanding feelings of isolation and confusion made Beacom pursue a career in mental health care. She now carries the honor of the National Association of Social Workers 2024 Emerging Social Worker Award. “Receiving this award meant a lot to me. It reaffirmed that when you love something, caring for it comes naturally. This is how I feel about this profession – it’s a pillar for change.”