#United States #mental health #San Antonio #Trauma-Informed Care #Clarity Child Guidance

Clarity Child Guidance Center Recognized for Excellence in Trauma-Informed Care

The Clarity Child Guidance Center, a leading organization in mental health services for children in South Texas, has achieved the Level 1 Foundational Trauma-Informed Care Organizational Certification from the Ecumenical Center. This commendable recognition underscores Clarity's dedication to fostering resilience and empowerment among its participants by prioritizing their physical, psychological, and emotional well-being.

The certification process involved a comprehensive approach that included soliciting feedback from employees and participants, conducting training sessions, and ensuring that staff members are well-educated regarding the impact of trauma on mental health. Additionally, the successful completion of a site visit confirmed the organization’s alignment with trauma-informed principles.

According to Clarity’s mental health professionals, a staggering 90% of the children receiving services at Clarity have experienced some form of trauma. As a response, the center has been transitioning to a trauma-informed treatment approach for over 13 years. The journey toward certification has spanned the last two and a half years, showcasing Clarity's commitment to enhancing the quality of care provided to its young patients and their families.

Jessica Knudsen, the CEO and President of Clarity Child Guidance Center, articulated the importance of trauma-informed care in their treatment approach, stating, "This is a perfect fit for the treatment approach that we use at Clarity." She emphasized that the certification process was a valuable reminder that the same level of empathy extended to families in need should also be afforded to colleagues and peers within the organization.

Carol Carver, Chief Operating Officer, added that implementing a trauma-informed treatment approach has significantly improved the quality of care offered, while also benefitting employee engagement. This certification enables the principles of trauma-informed care to extend across all departments, ultimately enhancing the service quality for everyone who interacts with Clarity.

For over 135 years, Clarity Child Guidance Center has proudly served as a nonprofit facility dedicated to providing comprehensive mental health services for children between the ages of 3 and 17. The center addresses a range of mental health conditions including depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. As the sole nonprofit organization in South Texas dedicated to this cause, Clarity plays a vital role in supporting families as they navigate the complexities of mental health challenges.

The Ecumenical Center, which serves as a certifying entity for the South Texas Trauma-Informed Care Consortium, collaborates with local organizations to promote mental health awareness and support. The center engages in community-driven initiatives, working alongside entities like The Children's Shelter and the City of San Antonio's Metropolitan Health District to enhance the mental well-being of families.

Trauma-informed care not only reflects an organizational approach but also embodies a key understanding of the long-term effects that trauma can have on families. It prioritizes creating safe environments that encourage psychological and emotional healing, ultimately allowing trauma survivors to reclaim strength and thrive.

In their assessment and certification journey, Clarity received training and technical assistance from the Institute for Trauma-Informed Care at University Health, further solidifying the foundation of their trauma-informed practices.

The Ecumenical Center lauded Clarity’s commitment to the mental well-being of children, stating, "By achieving Level 1 Certification, Clarity demonstrates its dedication to providing compassionate, evidence-based treatment and its leadership in creating safe, supportive environments for children and families to heal and thrive."

Clarity is on a mission to support children and families in their quest for mental wellness, ensuring that every child who requires these vital services can access them. Annually, the center caters to over 6,000 children and adolescents, offering a comprehensive suite of services, including a 74-bed inpatient facility, a 24/7 crisis department for mental health emergencies, intensive daily treatment programs, outpatient therapy, psychological assessments, and more.

Most importantly, Clarity holds true to its commitment to accessibility, providing essential mental health services regardless of a family’s ability to pay. The patient demographic comprises 65% low-income children relying on state-supported insurance programs and low-cost contracts, but Clarity never turns away a family in need due to financial constraints. By embodying inclusivity in mental health care, Clarity Child Guidance Center is paving the way for a brighter future for youth and families in South Texas.

For further information regarding Clarity Child Guidance Center and its services, visit Clarity Child Guidance Center.