WestCare Pacific Islands expands youth mental health program into community

WestCare Pacific Islands or WPI has received a five-year grant to better serve Guam’s Youth Population. Beverlyn Coleman is the clinical program director for Ma’lak Na Ha’ani or Brighter Futures Program.

"So this grant which started in January really allowed us to extend our mental health support for youth and families who are experiencing trauma to the entire community," she said. 

WPI’s Ma’lak Na Ha’ani program is funded by the Department of Health and Human Services-Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. With this grant, the youth behavioral health program has expanded its work from school-based mental health services to community-based mental health services.

"So now it doesn’t matter what school you go to, we can now get referrals from parents, from schools, but also from programs and agencies in the community and we’re able to provide that support," Coleman said. 

Youth have been struggling with mental health even before the global COVID-19 pandemic, and with the surgeon general’s recent advisory on this issue and calling for a swift response to this crisis. This program aims to answer the call.

"So the services include individual counseling, group counseling, family counseling, as needed and then we also provide the appropriate … to our partners in the community," Coleman said. "So we work in close collaboration with Guam Behavioral Health and Wellness Center, Sanctuary Inc., among other groups in the community working."

As one of only a few nonprofit agencies offering youth mental health services on the island, WPI looks forward to extending its reach indirectly addressing youth mental wellness while also expanding community relationships to better serve the families of those experiencing mental health challenges.

To inquire about the program, WPI is open 8:30 am to 5:30 pm, weekdays.

"Because we are working with you 11-17 years of age we need consent from parents or guardians so ideally, we would like parents, guardians, or social workers, any professionals to reach out to us and they can call our office at (671) 472-0218 ext. 126 and that will actually get the referral process started," Coleman said.

About 32 students have successfully gone through the program.