My Pathway to Purpose: Championing Holistic Care in Behavioral Health

Life has an interesting way of directing us toward and down paths that allow us to impact our own lives and the lives of those around us. These experiences shape our views of the world and our views of each other. Sometimes we decide to write LinkedIn blog posts about those experiences. I apologize in advance! Toward the end of 2011, I was abruptly thrown out the back door of an Entertainment Company for reasons I still can’t explain. I was hurt, lost, and broken. And I was angry at no one in particular and everyone, all at once.

I was offered (Insert a big 'ole, LinkedIn Shoutout to Andy Crossman, BCBA )an opportunity to work at Journeys DDA , a company that helps adults and children with Developmental Disabilities. This was a subject that I knew very little about. However, the role I was offered was to help develop a division that assisted adults find meaningful employment; not only despite their disabilities but highlighting their strengths that helped them stand apart from the crowd. This job changed me. It’s pretty hard to be angry at the world when you realize that you’ve had a ridiculously easy life. There is also no better feeling than watching someone achieve a goal that was once thought to be unattainable. I was hooked. I would go on to work in this company in various roles, and with amazing people (more shoutouts to Beau W. James, MBA WIP-C , Tony Whitaker , Brandi Perkins , Jed Robertson , and Bethany Ricks ) for the next decade. It became a calling. Journeys continued to grow and expand, adding various services and offerings across Idaho, including Rexburg, Rigby, Idaho Falls, Shelley, Blackfoot, Pocatello, Preston, Malad, Twin Falls, Burley, and Boise.

Now Journeys Family of Services, the company provides positive opportunities that leave a lasting impact on our community, ensuring everyone finds their place and purpose in the world. We are currently the most expansive and complete version of the company that was just a dream, twenty-five years ago. And I have yet to be thrown out of any back doors–so that is a plus. Journeys continues to plan for additional growth and expansion, but we’re going to need a bigger boat! Turns out, it takes a village to provide comprehensive services.

The Vital Role of Comprehensive Services in Behavioral Healthcare

In the rapidly evolving landscape of behavioral healthcare, the significance of comprehensive services cannot be overstated – and that’s saying something coming from me. I overstate everything. At Journeys, we believe in offering a holistic approach to treatment that encompasses a wide range of services to meet the diverse needs of those we serve. Comprehensive services in behavioral healthcare refer to a full spectrum of care that addresses the various dimensions of an individual's well-being. This includes not just traditional therapy sessions but also support for educational needs, employment assistance (shout out to my roots), social skills training, and community integration efforts. The goal is to provide a cohesive, multidisciplinary approach that looks beyond immediate symptoms and tackles the root causes of behavioral health issues.

Why Comprehensive Services Matter

• Holistic Care: Individuals are more than a collection of symptoms. Comprehensive services recognize the complex interplay between different aspects of a person's life - their mental health, physical health, social environment, and more. By addressing these areas concurrently, we can achieve a more profound and lasting impact on their overall quality of life. And if you don’t know, now you know.
• Customized Treatment Plans: Everyone’s journey (see what I did there?) is unique. Comprehensive services allow for the customization of treatment plans to fit the individual needs and circumstances of each person. This flexibility ensures that care is relevant, effective, and truly beneficial. Improved
• Accessibility: By consolidating a wide range of services under one roof, Journeys reduces the barriers to accessing care. This one-stop-shop model simplifies the process for individuals and families seeking help, making it easier to obtain the support they need without navigating a maze of separate providers.
• Preventative Care: Comprehensive services include preventative measures aimed at identifying and addressing issues before they escalate. Early intervention can significantly improve long-term outcomes, helping individuals avoid more severe complications down the line.
• Community and Support: Beyond the immediate benefits of varied treatments, comprehensive services foster a sense of community. They provide individuals with opportunities to connect with others facing similar challenges, creating a supportive network that encourages growth, learning, and healing.

Journeys: Leading the Way in Comprehensive Care

This is a LinkedIn blog post; did you think there wasn’t going to be a recruiting hook? If anyone is still reading at this point–come join us in our efforts . At Journeys, our commitment to comprehensive services is at the heart of everything we do. We are dedicated to providing personalized, holistic care that supports not only the mental and emotional health but also the physical well-being, social connections, and overall life satisfaction of the participants we serve. Our multidisciplinary team works tirelessly to ensure that each individual has access to the resources and support they need to embark on a successful journey toward independence and inclusion. In short, we are trying to do big things and we need your help. Comprehensive services in behavioral healthcare are more than just an approach to treatment; they're a commitment to the complete well-being of individuals and communities. Come join the team! We are proud to lead the charge in offering these services. They are the key to creating lasting change and fostering a healthier happy society. Small disclaimer: it’s hard work, but it’s meaningful, important work that changes lives.

I can attest that it has changed mine.