VALLEY BEHAVIORAL HEALTH

When someone experiences a deeply traumatic experience, the effects can be long lasting and severe—sometimes resulting in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Often affecting soldiers and victims of abuse, PTSD can affect the ability of its sufferers from keeping a job and even from forming intimate relationships.

Feeling down or anxious from time to time is normal. Clinical depression and anxiety, however, are conditions that last beyond a period of a few weeks. Depression is characterized by feelings of extreme sadness and affects over 19 million Americans over the age of 18.

Mental illness refers to a wide range of mental health conditions that affect your mood, thinking and behavior. Mental illnesses are serious enough to require ongoing therapy and medication. Those with a mental illness can sometimes function independently, but often stress in their lives can make it so they can’t function without support.

Suicide is the 8th leading cause of death in the U.S. and accounts for around 30,000 deaths each year. Over 90% of those who commit suicide have depression or another mental or substance abuse condition. Someone who has suicidal thoughts may never commit suicide, but it is considered a major risk factor. Programs are available for individuals of all ages.

School disruption is often associated with a behavioral health issue. Our school disruption programs are designed to assist youth and children who struggle with staying on task, following directions and getting along with teachers and peers. Program services are available both in or out of school.

After legal charges, court, probation or parole officials can recommend mental health services. Valley’s criminal justice involvement programs assist with services for mental health, substance use, domestic violence offenses, behavior or thinking patterns and anger management.

Not managing anger can disrupt not only your environment, but those around you as well. Valley provides programs that will teach you to utilize anger management techniques and assist with calming down and dealing with situations in a positive way.

By definition, substance abuse is the excessive use of drugs or alcohol without medical approval. This includes drug addiction, alcohol addiction and the misuse of prescription drugs and other household substances in ways that can be dangerous and addictive.

Autism spectrum disorders are neurodevelopmental conditions that affect a child’s ability to communicate and interact. Children with autism often have very limited interests and activities. All of these issues can result in challenges to social, occupational and other areas.