Alicia comes to Ascend Behavioral Health with more than 10 years of experience leading programs supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities and mental health diagnoses. After graduating with her BA in Social Work from CSU Fresno and launching her career with a national family home agency, Alicia pursued her MS in Marriage, Family and Child Therapy…
Louisa was born and raised in Scotland and attended the University of St. Andrews, where she earned her MA in Social Anthropology. After finishing school, she emigrated to the United States and earned her MA in Marriage, Family, and Child Counseling. She is devoted to working with attachment, grief and loss issues, and helping clients…
Amanda Frantz brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her role as the Program Director at Sierra Meadows Behavioral Health. With a Master’s degree in Social Work, Amanda is deeply committed to improving the lives of individuals struggling with mental health issues and substance abuse. Prior to her current position, Amanda served as the…
Stephanie Patrick-Calvillo, MSN, PMHNP-BC is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, with training and experience treating patients with psychiatric disorders across the lifespan and across practice environments; including inpatient and outpatient settings. Her education includes a Master of Science in Nursing degree with a focus on Executive Healthcare as well as a Psychiatric…
Matthew Tatum, PsyD received his Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Rosemead School of Psychology. Early in his career, he played a key role in helping develop two integrated behavioral health departments for Federally Qualified Health Centers in Fresno County. In 2015 he assumed the Executive Director role at First Steps Recovery. There he grew a…
Intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) allow patients to receive intensive therapy without staying in a residential facility. IOPs are designed to help individuals struggling with substance abuse, mental health disorders, or behavioral health issues receive the care needed. However, they will still maintain their daily responsibilities, such as work or school. IOPs typically consist of group…
Our mental health indicates how well we can cope with daily stresses, challenges, and demands. Consequently, it influences how we think, feel, and behave daily, ultimately affecting our overall well-being. If deteriorating mental health is left unchecked, a person may experience long-term negative consequences, including mental health disorders, physical health problems, and difficulty functioning in…
Both moms say Clovis and Fresno Unified school officials didn’t do enough to punish the attackers and say some have even accused them of blowing things out of proportion. “How could you dramatize something that’s facts. Everyone saw it with their own eyes,” said Powell. Fresno Unified declined an interview but told Action News necessary…
It’s time to have real conversations about our mental health. ABC30 presents a five-part documentary series taking a deep look at the state of mental health in California, inside the lives of those who suffer, the stigma associated with mental illness, organizations making a difference and those standing up to give hope.
Mental health and behavioral health are two terms that are often used interchangeably, but they are not the same. Although both are related to a person’s well-being, they have different meanings, approaches, and implications. Understanding the difference between mental and behavioral health is crucial for individuals, healthcare providers, and policymakers to address and treat different…