As Mental Health Awareness Month continues into May, mental health companies in the Twin Cities are doing everything they can to reach Minnesotans who may be struggling with their mental health. Ellie Mental Health, for instance, is bringing traditional therapy office spaces to various locations across Minnesota as part of its outreach efforts.
By last Sunday, the company had already visited three different locations, including the Walker Sculpture Garden, Lake of the Isles, and Kingfield Farmers Market. According to Erin Pash, founder and CEO of Erie Mental Health Company, the aim is to welcome everybody and encourage people to approach mental health with curiosity.
As part of its efforts to provide outreach and resources to those in need, the company is also bringing in mental health professionals through its program called Couches in the Wild. Although there has been more public awareness surrounding mental health in recent years, accessing real resources can still be a challenge for some people. Pash mentioned that valid reasons for not reaching out for help can vary, including the stigma associated with mental illness, lack of education, or an inability to pay for therapy.
Pash stated that, in the mental health industry, every month is Mental Health Awareness Month for them. To raise awareness, Ellie Mental Health will be setting up a sofa outside First Street in downtown Minneapolis on Tuesday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. for people to come and discuss mental health concerns.
Adam Daxter, who was born and raised in Metro Detroit, loves all things Michigan but is now thrilled to call Minnesota his home.