June was a big month, with summer in full bloom, sunny and long lasting days, and exciting celebrations of diversity and activism. At Rivia Mind, June was an opportunity to look at the ways we could better serve the diverse communities we interact with by providing a high quality of mental healthcare. Let’s take a look:
Take Pride: An Informative Internal Pride Discussion
June is Pride month, a time to celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community all around the world. At Rivia Mind, we conducted an internal Pride event in the form of an informative discussion. The discussion was led by:
- Bethany Davison, LCSW, MPH
- Annie Hirschman, LCSW
- Anthony Motsinger, PhD, LCSW and Rivia Mind’s Chief Operating Officer
All three are experienced in working with the LGBTQIA+ community. They discussed the history of Pride Month, as well as the language and concepts of gender and sexuality as we know them today. Finally, they shared best practices in offering LGBTQIA+ affirming care to patients.
Here at Rivia Mind, we celebrate Pride Month by ensuring that we offer the best quality of affirming mental healthcare to our patients. We hope to do this for many Pride Months to come.
Celebrating and Remembering Juneteenth
Juneteenth is a long-celebrated holiday, especially in Texas, though it only became a nationally recognized holiday in 2021. This day, June 19th, celebrates the day that the executive decree was given to officially end slavery. It is considered by many to be our country’s “second independence day.”
Juneteenth is also a time to look at and reflect on the ways that Black and African Americans are still treated today. Part of our work at Rivia Mind is to look at any barriers that may keep Black Americans from seeking out mental healthcare. According to the CDC, only 14.8% of Black Americans reported receiving mental health support in 2021, the same year that Juneteenth became a national holiday.
Many Black Americans may worry about finding a therapist who can understand their experiences as a Black person in a country still struggling with racism. Embracing diversity and inclusion is one of the pillars of Rivia Mind. This is something that is important to us both in the services we provide and in creating a diverse and inclusive workplace.
We have many mental health professionals from all different cultural backgrounds and experience working with different communities of people. When you book an appointment with Riva Mind, you may request a Black therapist or a therapist with experience treating Black American patients in order to ensure that you feel safe and understood throughout your mental wellness journey.
A New Rivia Mind Store
We are proud to announce that our new Rivia Mind online store is open with several new offerings available for purchase. If you want to spread some love for Rivia Mind with comfy T-shirts, handy tote bags and tumblers, and more, feel free to peruse our shop. We currently offer:
- Polos
- T-shirts
- Hoodies
- Stickers
- Notebooks
- Tumblers
We are currently working on more offerings for our store, so check back in a few months and you may see even more options.
Welcoming New Members To Our Team
Our skilled and compassionate team continues to grow, from mental health professionals to administrative help. Join us in welcoming the newest members of the Rivia Mind family:
- Ayriona Adams — Compliance Coordinator
- Johanna Berberena, LMSW — Therapist
- Erin Daugherty — Administrative Assistant
- Natasha Granado — Relationship Coordinator
- Marissa Moseley — Clinical Operations Coordinator
- Lisa Scarlatella, PMHNP-BC — Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Rivia Mind Out and About
At the end of last May, after our May Roundup, Dr. Raymond Raad, as well as our Senior Relationship Director, Joe Ryan, went to Boston and attended the American College Health Association 2023. We were an exhibitor at the event, providing information about our services to attendees. It was a great way to wrap up the month and move into June.
June was an eventful month for us. Beyond Pride Month and Juneteenth, it was also the Mental Health America 2023 Annual Conference. Our own co-founder Dr. Dana Wang, M.D., along with COO Anthony Motsinger, traveled to Washington DC to join this important conference about the state of mental health in America today.From there, Dr. Wang and relationship coordinator Chase Bridgers had a great time at the Connecticut Children’s Foundation and Concorso Ferrari & Friends Fundraiser Event. This special annual event features almost 300 Italian supercars, as well as other exceptional invitees.Besides fast sports cars, there was food, live music, vendors and a parade honoring the patients and patient ambassadors nominated as the Connecticut Children’s Heroes Co-Pilots. Dr. Wang and Mr. Bridgers set up a booth for Rivia Mind, offering information about our services as well as a fun spin-the-wheel game.
Want to stay posted on what Rivia Mind is doing each month? Sign up for our newsletter so you can receive monthly updates about any new services, practitioners, and events we’re taking part in. And if you’re interested in our services for yourself, contact Rivia Mind today to book a free 15 minute consultation.
