THE RESOURCE FOR BEHAVIORAL HEALTH AND WELLNESS AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2026
TO US: What Palm Beach County Youth Want Adults to Understand About Mental Health
PLUS: The Evolution of Character Through Service: PBGMA’s Teen Community Service Volunteer Apprenticeship Program • What Helps Teen Mental Health? Palm Beach Youth Share Real Coping Strategies • Inside the Behavioral Health Technician Internship: Students Share Their Stories • The Power of Prevention: Why Changing One Trajectory Changes Everything • AND MUCH MORE!
DEVELOPING THE NEXT GENERATION OF LEADERS
THE EJS PROJECT YOUNG LEGISATORS PROGRAM
What does it take to become a leader? At the EJS Project, we believe leadership isn't something you ' re born with it's something you develop through service, opportunity, and real-world experience.
The Young Legislators Program (YLP) empowers Palm Beach County teens to become informed, engaged, and compassionate leaders who are prepared to make a difference in their schools, communities, and beyond
Through YLP, students gain firsthand exposure to government, public policy, civic engagement, global citizenship, and community leadership while building the confidence and skills necessary to lead with integrity.
WHAT STUDENTS EXPERIENCE - LEARNING BEYOND THE CLASSROOM
YLP combines classroom learning with hands-on experiences that bring civic leadership to life. Students participate in:
8 Meetings with elected officials and community leaders
Civic engagement and voting advocacy projects to build global citizenship
Community service initiatives
College and career readiness experiences
All expenses paid out of state trip to meet leaders nationwide and explore historic sites
Each experience is intentionall and become active participan
JOIN THE MOVEME
The Young Legislators Program isn't just about learning government. It's about de lead with character, serve their communities, and believe they can make a differe
Connect Us with Your Local Leaders
Introduce our Young Legislators to elected officials and community leaders.
Share Opportunities
Recommend destinations, organizations, or connections for future YLP trips
Invest in Tomorrow's Leaders
Support leadership development and all-expenses-paid educational experiences.
Learn More • Get Involved • Make an Impact
THE
BEYOND
The Well of PBC would like to thank our distribution partners:
This issue is supported by the Frederick A. Deluca Foundation
3 Demetrie’s Eatery - Montre G Bennett
Amyzing Spaces - Amy Bergman
Author Camisha Hollifield - Camisha Hollifield
Black Chamber of Commerce of Palm Beach County - Tracy Thomas Center for Child Counseling - Hannah DeMarco
Children's Services Council of Palm Beach County - Shana Cooper
Community Partners of South Florida - Kelly Powell
District's Wellness Promotion Task Force - Megan Rimpel
Distribution partners are colleagues, neighbors and community members who commit to sharing The Well of PBC in their communication channels so that we can continue to make greater footprints together.
With a readership of thousands that covers Belle Glade to Lake Worth Beach to Jupiter to Boca Raton, The Well of PBC is a comprehensive, community-directed resource, dedicated to elevating the voices and concerns of all who call Palm Beach County home. Please join us as we advocate for mental health and work together to transform the behavioral health landscape. Your commitment helps us do exactly that.
To commit, please email thewellads@bewellpbc.org and let us know you’re interested in becoming a distribution partner.
JULIE KHANNA, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
We extend our sincere thanks to the Frederick A. DeLuca Foundation for its generous support of BeWellPBC's work to enhance the Behavioral Health Technician (BHT) Program and this special edition of The Well of PBC. Their investment helps expand opportunities for students, strengthen community partnerships, and support the future behavioral health workforce in Palm Beach County.
I might be showing my age but there’s a quote from the movie classic The Breakfast Club that’s been haunting me lately“When you grow up, your heart dies.”
It’s a cynical statement but given the state of the world and the constant bombardment of doom and despair we encounter every day, it’s easy to see how a teenager would feel like this - back in the 80s and 40 years later.
I mean, they call it doomscrolling after all.
However, in my experience, this is patently untrue. As I have grown older and wiser, I feel my heart has grown. When I first became a mother, I marveled at how much I loved my daughter. How could I possibly love anyone or anything as much as I love this child?
And then, I had my son and finally, another daughter.
And my heart grew, expanding as naturally as the universe does, growing over time and distance.
This heightened capacity for love hasn’t been limited to my own family. I appreciate my friends and community more. I have more patience, more capacity for kindness and more hope than I ever have.
I credit this to my children - being around them and their friends forces me to step outside of my comfort zone and reexamine what I may have initially believed. It drives me to learn more about this brave new world that we’re all taking tentative steps into.
And as any parent will understand, being around younger people humbles me.
Often.
Entirely too often, if we’re being honest.
However, seeing the potential and promise of the next generation bolsters my faith in the future.
In this issue of The Well of PBC, we are listening to the youth of Palm Beach County and focusing on what matters to them.
Like the story about Spanish River Community High School students Gwyn Pawlowski and Paisley Reynold, who started Voices For Mental Health following the heartbreaking loss of their friend by suicide.
And research regarding the intersection of AI chatbots and the mental health of teenagers, happening right in our backyard at FAU.
And the work that the Hanley Foundation is doing which focuses on providing youth with essential tools, understanding, and safe spaces to navigate modern challenges like social media, academic pressure and substance exposure.
Being a parent means never taking another easy breath. It means giving fate a hostage. It means teaching the person you can’t live without how to live without you.
But being a parent and being around young people also echoes something else I loved in my childhood - Bob Marley’s wisdom that maybe every little thing will be alright.
As always, thank you for being part of the mission:
"To be the primary resource for behavioral health and wellness for Palm Beach County; a safe exchange space for community and an outlet for our neighbors and stakeholders to transform the behavioral health landscape."
With deep appreciation,
Our mission is to be the primary resource for behavioral health and wellness for Palm Beach County; a safe exchange space for community and an outlet for our neighbors and stakeholders to transform the behavioral health landscape.
To share feedback, obtain advertising information, or contribute, please reach us at thewell@bewellpbc.org.
The largest behavioral health publication in Palm Beach County, The Well of PBC is a non-profit magazine which aims to be a community-directed resource for Palm Beach County residents. Advocating for mental health accessibility is central to our mission and we believe in “walking the walk” when it comes to ensuring every Palm Beach County resident has the opportunity to have their voices heard. We are proud to use our platform to highlight both national and global concerns while remaining focused on local mental health and wellness issues that matter the most to our audience.
DISCLAIMER
The Well of PBC is proud to be the premier behavioral health and mental wellness publication in Palm Beach County and we are honored to elevate the voices and concerns of Palm Beach County residents. The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the various authors and forum participants on this website do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of The Well of PBC. The author of each article published in The Well of PBC owns their own words. Portions of the articles on this web site may be freely redistributed in other media and non-commercial publications as long as the following conditions are met:
1) The redistributed article should should be linked back to the original link on https:// www.bewellpbc.org/media/the-well-of-pbc/ including the words “Read in full, visit https:// www.bewellpbc.org/media/the-well-of-pbc/”
2) The redistributed article may not be abridged, edited or altered in any way without the express consent of the author.
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Call to Action: We are looking for people to contribute to our art, ask the experts, students, self-care, cultural, spiritual, and provider columns. Email us for our contributor guidelines, editorial calendar, or if you’d like to share an event or position you’re hiring for. E: thewell@bewellpbc.org | Follow along at @thewellofpbc
/ THE TEAM
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Julie, CEO of Khanna Connections, enjoys using her creativity to help health and wellness industries communicate with their audiences.
ADVISOR
Lauren is a licensed clinical social worker and Palm Beach County resident and professional with commitment to advance health and wellness for every person across the county. The Well of PBC is a passion project for Lauren to increase behavioral health awareness, engage diverse perspectives across the county, and promote solutions to address our county’s most complex challenges.
CONTRIBUTOR
Melanie, president of Otero Communications, provides consulting services for some of Palm Beach County’s leading nonprofit organizations. With a special interest in behavioral health, she has assisted with the launch of The Well of PBC and serves as a contributing writer.
CONTRIBUTOR
Jaime, founder of Rosewood Media, is a West Palm Beach resident, creative and contributing writer to The Well of PBC. With a decade of experience in non-profit communications and a lifetime of experience as a writer, Jaime’s work focuses on behavioral health, diversity, equity and inclusion, travel, music, food and parenthood through a pop culture lens.
MARKETING MANAGER
Katrina, CEO of Unity3 Palm Beach and Community Action & Communications Administrator at BeWellPBC, brings over 25 years of executive advertising experience to The Well of PBC. Her passion for faith, family, and Palm Beach County’s diverse community drives her commitment to uplifting voices and advancing wellness through media and engagement.
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Jessie is a creative director and brand strategist with fifteen years of experience at the intersection of publishing, marketing, and design. She serves as VP of Creative Strategy for a portfolio of real estate and development companies led by Arterra Realty, guiding brand, marketing, and creative initiatives across the organization.
EDITORIAL SPECIALIST
Alita, BeWellPBC Coordinator, wishes to help make the behavioral health field more equitable and accessible for all in Palm Beach County, including those seeking services and those looking to work in the field.
Creative Team
JULIE KHANNA
JESSIE PRUGH
KATRINA BLACKMON
MELANIE OTERO JAIME JOSHI ELDER
ALITA FABER
LAUREN ZUCHMAN
ZOIE LAING
DEVI KHANNA RAMPRASAD
Listen to Us: What Palm Beach County Youth Want Adults to Understand About Mental Health
By Melanie Otero
They are teenagers from Lantana, West Palm Beach, Jupiter, and Lake Worth. They attend public high schools across Palm Beach County, come from diverse backgrounds and cultures, and are among the many young people quietly carrying more than most adults realize. And they have something to say.
For this issue of The Well of PBC, we asked four young people to share what they want the adults in their lives — parents, teachers, counselors, coaches, and community leaders — to understand about mental health. What helps. What harms. And what's missing.
This is what they told us.
Listen first. Everything else follows. Youth aren't asking for solutions. They're asking for presence — someone who stays in the conversation long enough to truly understand what they're trying to say.
"Adults listen, but I don't think they really hear what the youth have to say." — Leyla
On what real listening looks like:
"Don't say 'I know what you're going through.' Instead say, 'it's okay to be going through what you're going through.' Just acknowledging that it's okay to feel that way — I think people will be more intrigued to open up." — Shivangi
On what it means to stay in the conversation:
"I’m not expecting someone to solve everything. I just want someone willing to stay curious long enough to understand what I’m trying to say. Empathy isn't having all the answers — sometimes it's simply being willing to listen without rushing the conversation." — Isaiah
Don't assume the outside reflects the inside.
A student with good grades, a full schedule, and a smile can still be struggling. Adults who wait for obvious signs may miss the ones who need help most.
"Adults sometimes assume they already know how a young person is feeling before they even ask. Instead of having an open conversation, they often jump to conclusions. Sometimes, simply listening first can make all the difference." — Isaiah
On what to do instead:
"Check in with whatever teen is in their lives — because even if they might seem fine, they could be struggling and hiding it behind a mask." — Alera
On why it matters:
"Someone could have that perfect picture, perfect grades, perfect life, but they can still be going through some things and you will never know unless you ask them."
— Leyla
Trust is the foundation — adults model it through behavior, not words. Young people are paying close attention — not just to what adults say, but to how they behave. Trust is built slowly, through consistency, patience, and showing up without judgment.
"Trust is the foundation of any meaningful relationship. It's much easier to open up when you know someone won't judge you or share your personal struggles with people who don't genuinely have your best interests at heart. Adults who make me feel heard, valued, and accepted, have made a huge difference in my mental wellbeing." — Isaiah
On what patience looks like in practice:
"Patience is also a big key in that, because whenever somebody is going through with their mental health, you always want to be patient with them through it all." — Alera
On what young people are really asking for:
"The fact that I'm heard — that's a big step in itself." — Shivangi
Our Youth Voices
Isaiah Jean-Charles, 17, Lantana
Alera Park, 16, West Palm Beach
Shivangi Saxena, 17, Jupiter
Leyla Benoit, 17, Lake Worth
“These four young people — Isaiah, Alera, Shivangi, and Leyla — gave generously of their time, their honesty, and their trust. Their message is clear.”
Reach out to us first — don't wait for us to come to you.
Most young people won't raise their hand. The adults who made a difference didn't wait — they initiated, and they chose their words carefully.
"There isn't a specific way to come to the students to ask them how they are feeling. Just ask them how their day is going, or if something is bothering them. Simply checking in goes a long way." — Isaiah
On how to respond when a young person opens up:
"Tell them, 'I appreciate you telling me how you feel and I appreciate you trusting me about this.' Just acknowledging our feelings and how we're currently feeling in the moment without making us feel invalidated." — Alera
The moments that made a difference were small and spontaneous.
No special training or formal program required. The adult interactions that stayed with these young people were brief, unplanned, and deeply human.
"Whenever my teacher saw that somebody was having a bad day, she would say, 'hey, come talk to me.' Or, 'if you need anything, I'm here.' It felt like I could talk to her about pretty much anything and she would actually listen and acknowledge our feelings." — Alera
On what it means when an authority figure puts you first:
"I was having a really bad day at school. None of my teachers were noticing, except my English teacher, who told me that I could take a break. Having someone that's obviously an authority figure telling me that I can prioritize my own mental health and my feelings before her work was something that was truly eye-opening." — Shivangi
On the questions that stay with you:
"My guidance counselor sees me as someone who wants to do everything. But then she always asks me, are you sure you want to do this? Are you doing this for you? Asking, 'are you happy with this?' is a very important question."
— Leyla
Online community fills a gap that real life hasn't closed. For many young people, the most accessible mental health support isn't a counselor or a parent — it's a creator on social media who's going through the same thing. Adults should understand why, not dismiss it.
"Social media is a platform where you can see people are very open about what they're going through, which I love because then other people don't feel as alone and isolated."
— Alera
On why online community feels so accessible:
"If I go on TikTok or any social media platform, a lot of the creators are my age or probably a little bit older, and they are going through similar issues. Just knowing I have a sense of community with them also gives me a little bit of hope and relief that I'm not the only person going through an issue, because at times it can be kind of heavy thinking that I'm like the only person battling something." — Shivangi
On what that community makes possible:
"We've grown up with technology at our fingertips. It's so easy to find resources and videos about mental health. And not only do we find them, they come to us as well in our feeds. With the internet, it's this whole community that is available to us and that we can learn from." — Leyla
Access to free, confidential counseling needs to be simpler.
The resources exist — but the path to them is often too long, too complicated, or too public. Young people shouldn't have to navigate a maze to get help.
"The general population of teenagers, they're embarrassed or scared to go and ask for help because sometimes the counselors or the people that are helping them have to report to parents. The accessibility part of that is a little bit difficult. And then also the stigma part. Some people think it's embarrassing to go and ask for help." — Shivangi
On how family culture plays a role:
"Most children, when it comes to trying to receive mental health support, look to the adults around them. When they see their parents not communicating their feelings, they shut down too — and they're not able to get the resources they need because they're scared." — Alera
On what needs to change:
"I wish free counseling and mental health resources were easier to access without long wait times or complicated processes. I also think young people should have more ways to seek help confidentially, while still respecting the important role parents and guardians play in supporting their children." — Isaiah
Adults who do their own inner work become better supporters. The young people we spoke with didn't just want adults to show up for them — they wanted adults to understand themselves first. Selfawareness, they said, is where real support begins.
"Our generation has done a very good job on putting mental
Special thanks to Future Leaders United for Change for their participation. To learn more from local youth about their views on mental health, please scan the QR code.
health at the forefront, which maybe previous generations did not. But we all know that everyone, in one way or another, has gone through a mental health challenge in their lives. So adults should listen with open ears and an open opinion, and just understand what we are trying to say rather than what you think we're trying to say." — Shivangi
On where that support really begins:
"Learning about their own mental health goes a long way. Then if adults are ever faced with a youth that are going through some things, they know exactly what to do. If they take time to understand their own emotions, it can become so much easier to be that support system for youth. It really starts with them." — Leyla
On what's possible when adults show up that way:
"I want people to remember that every young person's experience is different. There's no single solution to mental health, so it's important to meet people where they are, listen with empathy, and create environments where asking for help is seen as a strength and not a weakness. Sometimes one genuine conversation can change someone's life more than we ever realize." — Isaiah
A final word
These four young people — Isaiah, Alera, Shivangi, and Leyla — gave generously of their time, their honesty, and their trust. Their message is clear.
Palm Beach County has no shortage of programs, resources, and well-meaning adults. What these young people are telling us is that none of it works without the most fundamental ingredient: a genuine willingness to listen, to stay curious, and to show up.
The ask is simpler than we might think. And if these four young people are any indication, the next generation is more than ready to meet us halfway.
Eyes Behind the Hands - This painting represents how anxiety can make me feel like I need to hide my emotions, even when everything seems fine on the outside. I wanted the eyes to be the main focus because they reveal emotions that words cannot always explain. The hands covering my face represent feeling overwhelmed or wanting to protect myself.
A Canvas for Emotion: The Art of Kaibella Edema
Behavioral health is often explored through conversations, but sometimes our deepest thoughts, emotions, and experiences are expressed without a single word. In The Draw, we celebrate artists who use their craft to tell those stories. This edition features Kaibella Edema, a 17-year-old Visual Arts major at Dreyfoos School of the Arts, whose creative journey began at just five years old while sketching tattoo designs for her mother in the tattoo parlor where she worked. Those early moments shaped not only her love for art, but her understanding of art as a powerful form of expression and storytelling. Today, Kaibella creates acrylic paintings that reflect her own experiences, emotions, and personal growth. In her own words, she shares the journey that inspires her work.
/ THE DRAW
From top to bottom, left to right:
Joy and Inner Peace - This painting represents the quiet moments when I feel calm and at peace with myself. The warm colors and flowers create a comforting atmosphere that reminds me to slow down and appreciate the present. Closing the eyes symbolizes taking a break from overthinking and finding stillness.
Reflection and Resilience - This portrait represents learning to pause and reflect instead of letting anxious thoughts take over. The flowing patterns around the figure symbolize thoughts that are always moving, but they also remind me that those thoughts do not define who I am. The calm expression shows strength that comes from working through difficult emotions.
Expression and Release - This piece is about allowing myself to express emotions instead of keeping everything inside. I included the different stages of the painting because they show that growth and healing happen over time. Even though the expression is playful, it also represents feeling comfortable enough to let go of stress and stop worrying about what other people think.
The Draw is a space for creatives to share their art, poetry, spoken word, etc. and/or how their art helps themselves and others.
To contribute, send your article ideas to thewell@ bewellpbc.org with "The Draw" in the subject line.
thE SOurce
Between 5000 and 5,500 new apps are launched every single day. Between 25,000 to 27,000 podcasts are released every day and anywhere between 24 to 34 million TikToks are uploaded every day.
There is a vast ocean of information and knowledge out there and if you’re a teenager trying to learn more about the digital world, navigating this expanse can seem overwhelming.
The Well of PBC is committed to serving as a comprehensive resource of mental health and community services in Palm Beach County, not
only for adults but also for our youth audience. We know that younger audiences seek out and absorb information in a different way than their parents and caregivers, so we are proud to offer this curated collection of resources in various mediums which will be easy to navigate and access.
Our commitment to the residents of Palm Beach County starts with those very residents so if you have something you’d like to share, we encourage you to email us at: thewell@ bewellpbc.org and tell us about it so we might highlight it in a future issue.
@AModernTherapist (TikTok)
Dr. Justin Puder is a Palm Beach County-based licensed psychologist and mental health content creator whose mission is reducing the stigma around mental health. With over 600,000 followers on the platform, Dr. Puder tackles topics like how to check in with a child’s mental health, how growth can make us feel uncomfortable in spaces that are no longer for us and navigating grief.
The Matthias J. Barker Podcast (podcast)
A licensed mental health counselor and mental health content creator, Barker deals with difficult topics like familial estrangement with empathy and compassion. He focuses primarily on healing from past trauma, how couples can communicate and resolve conflicts in a healthy way and how to find the right therapist for you.
@BrainBodyDoc (Instagram)
A Northern California-based licensed clinical psychologist and mental health content creator, Dr. Sundas Pasha Fick advocates for daily brain affirmations, somatic nervous system safety and breaking the "hustle culture" cycle through videos offering advice on how to regulate when your emotions feel out of control and ways to set limits to protect your mental health.
Inclusive Therapists (website)
A liberation-oriented mental health resource dedicated to social justice, this platform offers a safe, easy-to-navigate and simple way to access resources dedicated to the mental health needs people of color, of the LGBTQIA+ community, the disabled and those with neurodivergence.
Resurgo Student Wellness (app)
Developed by Oxbridge Academy graduate Connor McKenna, Resurgo offers students a chance to check-in and develop healthy mental health habits as they navigate their academic lives. Students check in with their daily mood and are guided to tools which can assist with exam anxiety, performance pressure or just needing to decompress in a healthy way such as journaling prompts and breathing and grounding tools.
The Evolution of Character Through Service: Palm
Beach Gardens Martial Arts’s Teen Community Service Volunteer Apprenticeship Program
By Natasha Almeida, assistant head instructor | pbgmartialarts.com | @pbgmartialarts
Today's teenagers are at a critical point in their journey through life. They face immense pressure from school responsibilities, family expectations, and the challenge of discovering their place in the world.
Social media often sets the standard, and unfortunately, the influences placed before them are not always positive.
They are constantly exposed to unrealistic expectations of beauty, strength, popularity, and success. In many cases, likes, followers, and shares have become the modern measure of self-worth.
This is one of the reasons we created our Teen Community Service Volunteer and Apprenticeship Program.
The purpose of this program is to provide today's youth with a meaningful opportunity to discover the value of service. Serving others has become a lost art in a world that often focuses on what we can receive rather than what we can contribute. Through this program, teens are given the opportunity to serve a greater purpose while gaining valuable life experience in return.
Participants learn practical skills and important life values. They contribute to our mission of helping children, while also being encouraged to use their creativity, talents, and ideas to make a positive impact. They work with their hands, develop business and leadership skills, and learn the importance of responsibility, respect, and teamwork.
Upon completion of the program, students leave with much more than community service hours. They gain realworld experience, letters of recommendation, professional references, and, in many cases, opportunities for paid employment right here at the academy.
Acceptance into the program mirrors a real-world hiring process. Applicants complete an application and participate in a face-to-face interview. Because space is limited, each teen is given the opportunity to present themselves professionally, helping build confidence, selfesteem, communication skills, and valuable experience that will serve them throughout their lives.
"The purpose of this program is to provide today's youth with a meaningful opportunity to discover the value of service."
— Natasha Almeida
PBGMA Apprenticeships:
• Camp Counselor Apprenticeships for seasonal camps
• Coaching Assistant Apprenticeships within martial arts classes
• PUMA Apprenticeships, assisting with our after-school transportation and enrichment program, where children enjoy activities such as martial arts, sign language, cursive writing, yoga, and more
• Business Apprenticeships focused on marketing, management, customer service, and leadership development
Many of our current team members began their journey as apprentices when they were young teenagers. Some are now well into adulthood and continue to make a positive impact in our community. Others have gone on to pursue opportunities across the country, using the skills and experience they gained through this program to achieve success in their careers and personal lives.
While the program provides many tangible benefits, its greatest reward is something far more valuable than monetary compensation. Participants leave with knowledge, experience, confidence, life skills, and character - assets that can never be taken away from them!
We are proud to offer this opportunity to today's youth and remain committed to helping shape the leaders, servants, and role models of tomorrow.
For information on how to apply, please visit www.PBGMA.com
The Fountain is the space for youth contributors and youth-related topics.
To contribute, send your article ideas to thewell@bewellpbc.org with "The Fountain" in the subject line.
What Helps Teen Mental Health?
Palm Beach Youth Share Real Coping Strategies
Palm Beach County teens opened up about the daily realities of their mental health.
One local teen shared that while supportive parents provide a crucial foundation, daily emotional well-being is heavily driven by friendships and extracurriculars like sports.
SCAN QR CODE TO WATCH
When stress or anxiety hits, teens rely heavily on active coping outlets such as playing competitive sports, listening to music, and talking to close family members.
To shake off a rough day and ward off loneliness, interactive, social connection is key, whether that means hanging out in person or jumping online with friends to play Roblox or Minecraft.
Ultimately, teens stress that communities and schools can offer better support by being more helpful with academic pressure and actively facilitating spaces where students can build meaningful friendships.
From community events to county-wide campaigns, The Real shows us what’s really going on in the county. Submit your event photos or news to thewell@bewellpbc.org.
Students reflect on the experiences, lessons, and connections shaping their future careers.
BeWellPBC and the Frederick A. DeLuca Foundation proudly support the professional development of Palm Beach County youth participating in the Palm Beach County School District’s Behavioral Health Technician (BHT) Program through internship opportunities with local behavioral health providers. Internships help these students build on their knowledge, practice skills they have learned in class, and make connections with potential future employers. Hear what these BHT Program students had to say about their internship experiences.
Alisha Uddin
What inspired you to join the Behavioral Health Technician Internship Program, and what has your experience been like?
In my sophomore year of high school I was able to take a class on behavioral health. I was very interested in the class and it taught me how important mental health is and how it affects everyone. My teacher noticed my enthusiasm about the subject and introduced to me the Behavioral Health Technician Internship Program. I was excited about the opportunity because it would allow me to learn about the field a bit more through real-world experiences.
Since joining the program, I was able to work with Kaafi Counseling, a telehealth focused therapy center. There, I was able to learn more about different aspects of behavioral health and also able to gain experience in the management and day-to-day operations of a behavioral health practice. This experience gave me a deeper understanding of the field and reinforced my interest in supporting mental health and helping others in meaningful ways.
Azaria Carty
Can you share a meaningful lesson, skill, or moment from the program that has had the greatest impact on you?
One day my team sat down and went over the documentation of a case with me. The diction and terminology used fascinated me; it was the only part of the field I had not truly experienced or researched previous to my internship. To others, I think this key moment is a bit boring, but I found it was just as valuable as the client sessions I viewed.
Anjana Anil
What would you say to someone who is considering applying to the Behavioral Health Technician Internship Program?
I would 100% recommend this internship to anyone wanting to join. You meet new people and learn valuable skills that will be vital to your future endeavors.
