Tubman provides a range of mental health services designed to support individuals and families who have experienced trauma, relationship violence, homelessness, and other challenges. These services are grounded in trauma-informed care, a framework that recognizes the impact of trauma on mental health and emphasizes safety, trust, and empowerment in treatment. By offering individual and group therapy, mental health assessments, and medication management, Tubman helps clients build emotional resilience, manage anxiety, and develop coping strategies to navigate daily life.
Mental health therapy at Tubman is accessible to individuals of all gender identities, youth, couples, and families. Clients can receive services at either the Tubman Chrysalis Center or the Harriet Tubman Center East, with the latter being available only to those participating in Shelter and Housing programs. Therapists at Tubman work with a wide range of mental health concerns, including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, identity concerns, and trauma. These services are designed to support clients in achieving long-term stability and healing.
Tubman's mental health services are informed by the organization's mission to advance opportunities for change, so that every person can experience safety, hope, and healing. By offering holistic, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive care, Tubman helps individuals and families move beyond crisis and build a foundation for lasting well-being.
Trauma-Informed Care and Its Role in Mental Health Treatment
Trauma-informed care is a guiding principle in Tubman’s mental health services. This approach acknowledges that many individuals seeking mental health support have experienced trauma, whether through relationship violence, sexual exploitation, or other forms of harm. Trauma-informed care emphasizes the importance of creating a safe and supportive environment, building trust, and empowering clients to take an active role in their healing.
At Tubman, therapists are trained to recognize the signs and symptoms of trauma and to tailor their approach accordingly. This may involve using evidence-based therapies such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Trauma Skills groups to help clients develop coping strategies and emotional regulation techniques. These therapies are designed to help individuals manage intense emotions, reduce anxiety, and build resilience.
Trauma-informed care also involves understanding the long-term effects of trauma on mental health and behavior. For example, individuals who have experienced trauma may struggle with trust, self-esteem, and relationships. By addressing these issues in therapy, clients can begin to heal and develop healthier patterns of thinking and behaving.
Individual and Group Therapy Services
Tubman offers both individual and group therapy services to support mental health and emotional well-being. Individual therapy provides a safe and confidential space for clients to explore their concerns and work on personal goals. Therapists work with clients on a variety of issues, including depression, anxiety, relationship problems, identity concerns, and trauma. Therapy sessions are tailored to the individual’s needs and may involve a combination of talk therapy, cognitive behavioral techniques, and other evidence-based approaches.
In addition to individual therapy, Tubman offers group therapy options such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Trauma Skills groups. These groups provide a supportive environment where clients can share their experiences, learn from others, and develop new skills. Group therapy is particularly effective for clients who benefit from peer support and social interaction.
Group therapy can be especially helpful for individuals struggling with anxiety, as it allows them to practice social skills and build confidence in a supportive setting. Clients can also benefit from learning and practicing coping strategies in a group setting, which can reinforce the skills they learn in individual therapy.
Mental Health Assessments and Medication Management
Tubman provides mental health assessments to help clients understand their mental health needs and develop an appropriate treatment plan. Assessments are conducted by licensed therapists and typically involve one or two sessions. During these sessions, therapists gather information about the client’s history, current concerns, and goals. This information is used to create a personalized treatment plan that may include therapy, medication, or a combination of both.
Medication management is also available for clients participating in any of Tubman’s clinical programs. A certified nurse practitioner provides medication management services, which involve monitoring the client’s response to medication, adjusting dosages as needed, and addressing any side effects. Medication management is an important part of mental health treatment, as it helps ensure that clients are receiving the right medication at the right dose to manage their symptoms effectively.
Medication management is particularly important for clients with anxiety, depression, or other mental health conditions that may require medication as part of their treatment. By working closely with clients and their therapists, nurse practitioners help ensure that medication is used safely and effectively.
Holistic and Culturally Responsive Services
Tubman’s mental health services are designed to be holistic and culturally responsive, recognizing that mental health is influenced by a wide range of factors, including cultural background, gender identity, and socioeconomic status. This approach ensures that clients receive care that is respectful of their unique experiences and needs.
Holistic services at Tubman include a range of programs and interventions that address the whole person, not just their mental health symptoms. For example, Tubman offers legal services, victim advocacy, and housing support to help clients achieve long-term stability and healing. By addressing the root causes of mental health issues, such as homelessness or relationship violence, clients can begin to heal and build a better future.
Culturally responsive services are also a key component of Tubman’s mental health care. This approach involves understanding and respecting the client’s cultural background and values, and incorporating this understanding into the treatment plan. For example, therapists may use culturally appropriate communication styles, incorporate cultural traditions into therapy, or work with clients to address cultural barriers to mental health care.
Community Education and Outreach
Tubman is committed to providing community education and outreach to raise awareness about mental health and trauma-informed care. The organization offers a range of educational programs and public information campaigns to help community members understand the impact of trauma on mental health and learn how to access support.
Community education programs at Tubman include school-based violence prevention curricula, youth leadership development, and public awareness campaigns. These programs are designed to promote mental health and resilience from an early age, helping individuals build the skills they need to navigate challenges and seek help when needed.
Public information campaigns are also an important part of Tubman’s outreach efforts. These campaigns provide information about mental health services, trauma-informed care, and the importance of seeking help when needed. By increasing awareness and reducing stigma, these campaigns help more people access the support they need.
Youth and Family Services
Tubman provides a range of mental health services for youth and families, recognizing that mental health issues can affect people of all ages. Youth services include individual and group therapy, as well as support for families who are struggling with mental health concerns.
For youth, Tubman offers programs that focus on building resilience, emotional regulation, and coping strategies. These programs are designed to help young people develop the skills they need to manage stress, anxiety, and other mental health challenges. By providing a safe and supportive environment, Tubman helps youth build confidence, develop healthy relationships, and achieve their goals.
Family services at Tubman include therapy for couples and families, as well as support for families who are dealing with mental health issues. Family therapy can be particularly effective for addressing relationship problems, communication issues, and other concerns that affect the whole family. By working together, families can build stronger relationships and support each other in their mental health journeys.
Support for Survivors of Relationship Violence and Homelessness
Tubman provides specialized mental health services for survivors of relationship violence and homelessness, recognizing that these experiences can have a profound impact on mental health. Survivors of relationship violence may experience trauma, anxiety, and depression, and may benefit from therapy, support groups, and other services.
Tubman’s domestic violence shelter provides a safe and supportive environment for survivors and their children. In addition to emergency shelter, Tubman offers long-term support through transitional and rapid rehousing programs. These programs help survivors achieve stability and independence by providing housing, case management, and other support services.
For survivors of homelessness, Tubman provides mental health services that address the unique challenges they face. These services include therapy, medication management, and support for individuals who are experiencing mental health issues related to homelessness. By addressing mental health concerns and providing support for housing and other needs, Tubman helps survivors build a foundation for long-term stability and healing.
Legal Advocacy and Support
In addition to mental health services, Tubman provides legal advocacy and support for clients who are dealing with criminal court issues, family law, and other legal concerns. Legal advocacy is an important part of mental health treatment, as it helps clients address the legal issues that may be contributing to their mental health challenges.
Tubman’s legal services include victim advocacy, legal representation, and advice on issues such as Orders for Protection and family law. These services are provided by experienced legal professionals who work closely with clients to ensure that their rights are protected and that they receive the support they need.
Legal advocacy can be particularly helpful for clients who are dealing with the aftermath of relationship violence, trafficking, or other trauma. By addressing legal issues such as restraining orders, custody disputes, and other court-related concerns, clients can begin to rebuild their lives and achieve a sense of safety and stability.
Impact and Accomplishments
Tubman has made a significant impact in the mental health field, providing support to thousands of individuals and families each year. In the past year alone, Tubman has helped 595 clients access licensed mental health services and substance use assessments and support. This includes therapy, medication management, and other services that help clients achieve mental health stability and healing.
Tubman’s mental health services have also had a positive impact on youth and families. For example, 3,976 youth participated in Tubman’s school-based violence prevention curriculum, learning sessions, or youth leadership development programs. These programs help young people build resilience, emotional regulation, and coping skills, which are essential for mental health and well-being.
In addition to mental health services, Tubman has also provided support to nearly 17,000 adults, youth, and children each year. This includes criminal court victim advocacy, legal advocacy, advice, or representation in Orders for Protection and family law, or legal helpline support. By providing a range of services, Tubman helps individuals and families achieve safety, hope, and healing.
Conclusion
Tubman’s mental health services are grounded in trauma-informed care, a framework that recognizes the impact of trauma on mental health and emphasizes safety, trust, and empowerment in treatment. By offering individual and group therapy, mental health assessments, and medication management, Tubman helps clients build emotional resilience, manage anxiety, and develop coping strategies to navigate daily life.
Tubman’s services are designed to be holistic and culturally responsive, recognizing that mental health is influenced by a wide range of factors, including cultural background, gender identity, and socioeconomic status. This approach ensures that clients receive care that is respectful of their unique experiences and needs.
Tubman also provides community education and outreach to raise awareness about mental health and trauma-informed care. These efforts help reduce stigma and increase access to support for individuals and families who need it.
Through its mental health services, Tubman has made a significant impact in the mental health field, helping thousands of individuals and families achieve safety, hope, and healing. By providing comprehensive support for individuals, families, and youth, Tubman continues to advance its mission of promoting mental health and well-being for all.