Dr George Woods “When we talk about different groups, whether gender, identity, or ethnicity, we must also talk about how they are shaped by their environment,” Felton Board Chair and neuropsychiatrist Dr. George Woods explains. “African Americans have historically been shaped by racism. They’ve been shaped by trauma.” Dr. Woods, who has practiced forensic psychiatry (the study of psychiatry within the legal system) for over 40 years, stresses that this also translates to the criminal justice system. As President of the International Academy of Law and Mental Health, Dr. Woods explains that “for almost any young person, but certainly young African Americans, becoming involved in the criminal justice system upends their lives. It negatively impacts opportunities and employment prospects.” African Americans are largely overrepresented in the criminal justice system, incarcerated five times the rate of whites. A legacy of slavery and racism translates to trauma and mental health disorders. Dr. Woods elucidates that throughout his career, “I saw how many people that have difficulty in the criminal system have cognitive impairments, substance and alcohol abuse, or other difficulties.” Dr. Woods points out that individuals with a history of trauma, substance abuse, early childhood education difficulties, homelessness, and mental illness are overrepresented in the criminal justice system. Felton’s Justice Services Division, Dr. Woods asserts, provides programs and services that address these issues. “So many of the social determinants impact health. Felton identifies these determinants and provides multiple outreach programs,” explains Dr. Woods. From birth to end-of-life, Felton serves individuals and their families who may be experiencing mental health issues, alcohol or substance abuse disorders, or are unhoused. Felton positively transforms their quality of life and promotes social justice to accelerate community-led change. Dr. Woods emphasizes, “It’s both the depth and breadth of Felton’s programs that continue to attract me because we need to be working on all these things.” Article from felton.org

When an organization sets its goals to meet higher standards than is required by licensing agencies, payer sources, community stakeholders and industry standards, and then goes on to achieve those goals, it is an extraordinary accomplishment. Crestwood Behavioral Health, Inc. is proud once again to have achieved just that accomplishment. In August 2024, Crestwood received the highest-level Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities’ (CARF) Three-Year Accreditation of our behavioral health programs and our Shoreline and Sacramento Home Offices. This accreditation shows an organization’s substantial conformance to the CARF standard and that it has put itself through a rigorous peer review process. It has demonstrated to a team of surveyors during an onsite visit its commitment to offering programs and services that are measurable, accountable, and of the highest quality. A huge Thank You and Congratulations to our Crestwood Family!! In August, our organization came together as a mighty team to support the CARF survey process. We successfully completed this CARF survey because of our staff’s dedication and commitment to the CARF process. During the exit of our survey, Staci L. Nevels, lead CARF Surveyor, said that the surveyors were so impressed and inspired by our campuses, staff, persons served and programs and Crestwood was an organization that will be easy to remember. When we hear comments like that from someone outside of our organization, it reaffirms that the work we are doing and the services we provide are truly making a difference in people’s lives. This is all made possible by the dedication, compassion and hard work of our extraordinary staff who are the heart of Crestwood!! Crestwood was recognized for many of our accomplishments during the survey. The CARF surveyors found that Crestwood demonstrated the following strengths: Crestwood’s mission states that the organization invests its energies to enhance the quality of life, social integration, community support and empowerment of persons served with mental health issues. Although a very large organization with multiple sites and programs, Crestwood has consistently well-organized and appealing campuses. Crestwood’s Equity Diversity and Inclusion Team (EDIT) is recognized for strengthening equity, diversity and inclusion in the workplace. The organization’s leadership is actively involved in daily operations, communicating a sense of shared responsibility and responsiveness. The organization’s dedication to and utilization of Dreamcatchers Empowerment Network is inspiring. The leadership clearly advocates for the direct service providers and the persons served and has made efforts to create a positive work/service environment. There is a great team of professionals across many disciplines who make up the teams at Crestwood. The teams that provide the services show support and unconditional acceptance of all persons served in the program. The wellness of the employees and persons served is front and center in their daily routines. The staff members work closely with persons served to ensure that skills and preferences are recognized and used. The persons served bragged about how the program has helped them in so many ways. The Eureka programs are legacy campuses for Crestwood. Persons served at the Eureka programs reported high satisfaction with the services. Crestwood’s Central California campuses (Fresno, Kingsburg, and Bakersfield) have environments that reflect the importance of serving every person who walks through the door. The results of our 8th CARF survey exemplify the commitment, dedication and character of our staff to the CARF standards and the quality of recovery services that are provided every single day for our persons served!

Crestwood is excited to announce that we have expanded our services with the introduction of the Crestwood Santa Barbara County Access Line , a new program that is a part of our Santa Barbara CSS program. We officially assumed operations of the Access Line on November 15th at 8:00 pm . Phillip Jones will serve as the Campus Administrator for both the Santa Barbara County Access Line and the Santa Barbara CSS. Due to the need to be centrally located in the county, the Access Line uses office space at our Champion Healing Center campus at 303 S. C Street, Room 126, in Lompoc .  The Access Line is a part of our integrated crisis services in Santa Barbara County that will soon include the upcoming launch of our Mobile Response Services on December 1st. The 24/7 Access Line can be reached at (888) 868-1649 . This toll-free number provides immediate support for individuals in crisis, offering mobile response services and connecting callers to mental health and substance use treatment options. The goal of the Access Line is to streamline access to care, provide crisis intervention, and ensure individuals are connected to appropriate services and resources.

As part of our Santa Barbara CSS campus’ expanding services in Santa Barbara County, Crestwood is excited to announce that Crestwood assumed operations of the Santa Barbara County Mobile Crisis Team (MCT) on December 1. The MCT is a part of our integrated crisis services in Santa Barbara County that includes the Access Line and CSS.  The MCT works with the Access Line Specialists who deploy the team when crisis intervention, de-escalation and stabilization services are needed for individuals who are in crisis and are at risk of hurting themselves or someone else or are unable to provide basic care for themselves due to a suspected mental health issue.  Phillip Jones serves as the Campus Administrator for the Santa Barbara CSS, the Access Line and now the Santa Barbara County MCT.  The MCT staff joins the Access Line staff in using office space located at our Champion Healing Center campus at 303 S. C Street, Room 126, in Lompoc .  Thank you to everyone who has contributed to the development of this important service. Your dedication, support and collaboration make a significant impact on the lives of those we serve in the community. Welcome Santa Barbara County Mobile Crisis Team to our Crestwood family!

Peerpocalypse is a conference of leaders, emerging leaders, innovators, and peers who want to become more involved in the peer community. Adopting the philosophy that peers bring with them a great deal of knowledge and expertise, the event is about bringing the community together to share information, skills, and experience. Members of the Recovery, Education, Advocacy and Leadership (REAL) Team presented “Storytelling as a Wellness Tool for Connections,” highlighting how Crestwood developed creative ways to foster community support and connection through storytelling during COVID-19. The presentation also allowed for participants to share their stories of recovery, which beautifully demonstrated the value of the peer voice.  Gitane Williams, Greg Parnell, and Shanel Mayo presented in-person, with the support of Ruth Gonzalez and Patty Blum virtually. This presentation was a hybrid (in-person and virtual) and had 302 people in attendance. The conference as a whole was attended by 900 people from all over the world!

We are excited to announce that the Crestwood Ponderosa Healing House is officially open! The Ponderosa Healing House is funded through a partnership with San Mateo County Behavioral Health and Recovery Services and is part of the redesigned Cordilleras Health and Healing Campus. This campus consists of four independently operated, 16-bed MHRCs, each with a focus on providing specialized services to meet the different needs of individuals from San Mateo County with mental health issues. The Ponderosa Healing House focuses on serving individuals who are medically complex with challenges such as hard to control diabetes, mobility issues and other conditions that require more nursing support than a typical MHRC. The program is located at 280 Edmonds Road, Bldg B in Redwood City.

On Saturday, May 6, the community gathered to support “Mental Health for All” at the Northern California NAMIWalks . Despite a little rain, there was a great turnout! The annual event held at William Land Park in Sacramento is an opportunity to fight stigma, connect with the community, and learn about mental health resources in the area. Crestwood was proud to once again be a sponsor of the event and was represented by staff from Crestwood Center Sacramento, American River Residential Services, and the Sacramento Home Office. Thank you to our campus staff who participated in the walk with several of our persons served!! And thank you to everyone who helped staff our table!

We are excited to announce that the Santa Barbara Crisis Stabilization Services (CSS) is officially open as of May 30!  The Santa Barbara CSS is funded through a partnership with the County of Santa Barbara Department of Behavioral Wellness, and it is our third Crestwood CSS program.  The CSS is certified to serve up to 8 adult clients who are experiencing a mental health crisis. This program provides them with a safe and warm place to land, where they receive comprehensive mental health services and support for up to 23 hours during their stay.  They will then be referred to mental health services that best meets their needs so they may continue their recovery journey. The program is located at 305 Camino del Remedio in Santa Barbara.

Check out this excellent video PSA on how to use gloves and masks properly, so you don't spread germs. Courtesy of our very own Terry Mayo, DON, at our San Diego campus and Shanel Mayo, Director of Staff Development, at our Chula Vista campus! Thank you Terry and Shanel! https://youtu.be/MHA4o0P0ND4

Music Therapy is playing an important role for clients in their recovery at Crestwood Center Sacramento. And it all starts with the drumming circle that was started by Linda Gerardy, a Registered Music Therapist and Director of Recreation, at the campus. “On our Psychiatric Health Facility (PHF) program, I use music with exercise and movement groups, guided imagery and art, and occasional lyric analysis, but my favorite is a weekly Creative Expression Drumming Group, utilizing various hand drums and hand percussion instruments,” said Linda.  “My mantra to clients is that no musical background is needed to have a successful and enjoyable experience in this group.  It is a rarity to have a client answer “No” to “Do you like music?” and the sound alone has a way of drawing in otherwise reticent clients to see what we’re up to.  The variety of instruments provided, learning their names, sounds and capabilities are intriguing, and in most cases, a source of instant success that is empowering and sustaining.” “The sound of a drum helps us to notice our own heartbeat, the part of us that keeps us alive and vital” The American Music Therapy Association defines Music Therapy as a clinical and evidence-based use of music interventions to accomplish individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship by a credentialed professional, and can help promote wellness, manage stress, alleviate pain, express feelings, enhance memory, improve communication, and promote physical rehabilitation for clients. “The sound of a drum helps us to notice our own heartbeat, the part of us that keeps us alive and vital,” explained Linda.  Drumming in a drum circle with others can be meditative, but also energizing and invigorating depending on how it is structured.   Specific studies conducted by professionals in the fields of music therapy and mental health show us that drumming reduces anxiety, tension and stress, helps control chronic pain, boosts the immune system and releases negative feelings, blockages and emotional trauma. “Community effects of drumming allow for an opportunity for participants to feel connected with others and gain a sense of interpersonal support.  This is especially important at our PHF program, where the tendency to isolate is evident with many clients, and the need to develop quick connections to others, who are in similar situations, is needed in order to make all of our program groups more meaningful and beneficial,” said Linda. There are also both cultural and spiritual connections to drumming for several Native American clients who have come through the campus’ doors.  One client patiently informed Linda and her peers that in her tribe’s culture, the same people don’t both dance and drum, so her contribution to the group was to quietly dance her “shawl dance” in a circle around their drumming.  Another client thoroughly enjoyed the drumming, but felt the need to sing as well, teaching them a song in the Chippewa language, after which they were able to provide the rhythmic accompaniment for her singing. Another positive aspect of a drumming group is the ability for clients to serve in a leadership position, a role which is often difficult to provide in an inpatient setting.  They have had clients with extensive musical backgrounds who easily and willingly take on this task, but even those without any formal music experience are usually quite successful in taking a leadership role once Linda has modeled it for them. At Crestwood Center Sacramento, the drumming group will continue to be a wonderful outlet for clients to express themselves through music and helping them with their recovery and wellness goals.  Linda summed it up best by saying, “Music, with a drumming group as one small part, is a medium whereby we can more easily connect with ourselves and others.  It truly is a universal language where people can join together, at times free of the need for verbal communication, to be able to experience life more fully.” Contributed by: Linda Gerardy, RMT Director of Recreation Crestwood Center Sacramento

Crestwood Treatment Center’s Dream Team Celebrating Wellness“Health is wellness, health is power,” declared a resident at Crestwood Treatment Center in Fremont.  This powerful statement came as a result of the facility’s first Wellness Fair that was held on March 18, 2015.  In preparation for the Wellness Fair, a few small groups of residents known as the “Dream Team” spent three months exploring with staff members different wellness topics related to stress management, both through research and experiential activities.  These small groups met once a week to investigate each wellness topic and prepare a related presentation.  After three months of creative collaboration, they selected the topics of Aromatherapy, Exercise, Music Appreciation, Guided Imagery, and Assertive Communication to feature at their Wellness Fair. The Dream Team residents then prepared and distributed invitations to facility residents and staff, and announcement banners were hung throughout the facility.  The conference room and adjoining outdoor Zen Garden were transformed into a presentation hall, with five separate stations, one for each wellness topic.  The Wellness Fair kicked off on a beautiful day with the Zen Garden fountain bubbling and relaxing music playing.  Seats were available in the garden for attendees to reflect quietly and/or relax together.  Residents and staff were invited to make their way throughout the fair, stopping at each booth to connect with their Dream Team hosts.  Pairs of Dream Team members handed out informational packets and discussed their topic of wellness with participants, and invited them to join them in their wellness activity.  One resident remarked, “I was able to get a lot of information proving that music really does relieve stress.  It is my favorite way to take the stress away.  Music even relieves stress during dental procedures!”  Refreshments were also served and participants were invited to share hummus, cucumber toast, a fresh fruit salad, and lemon mint water as they further relaxed in the Zen Garden. The education, exchange of wellness information and the entire experience was very empowering for Dream Team members and well received by all who participated.  “The Wellness Fair was a complete success.  It was so much fun and informative for everyone.  Participating residents were very enthusiastic and knowledgeable about their respective topics.  They were able to communicate and explain the importance on how to live a healthy lifestyle.  The visitors who attended the Fair were all impressed with the way the booths were set up and organized by staff and residents,” said Luis de Vera, Assistant Director of Nursing The facility is still buzzing about the Wellness Fair and Dream Team members are eager to start preparing for next year’s event. They have big plans to expand the fair and possibly invite other Crestwood facilities to share in the experience. Lillian Fong, Program Administrator, remarked, “I am so impressed with our residents’ enthusiasm and “can do” attitude. Their confidence was evident that day for all to see.”

Yoga Providing Balance at Crestwood Wellness & Recovery Center in Redding Some people may think that to participate in a Yoga class would require a certain physicalaptitude, conditioning, and frame of mind. Yet really the only requirement is being willing and able to stretch the mind and body. Through a structured and repetitive Yoga class routine, clients are learning just that at Crestwood Wellness & Recovery Center in Redding. The Yoga program offers classes every Tuesday night for any clients or staff who wish to participate. Deanna Voorhees, Wellness Manager at the facility, teaches the Yoga program.  Deanna has studied and taught ballet, tap, jazz, modern dance and Yoga for more than 20 years. “Consistency is an important component of recovery,” said Deanna. “And when a client consistently attends any group, it speaks to their ability to commit to something and hopefully that will carry over into their community living skills.” Studies have shown that controlled breathing, which is an integral part of Yoga, provides relief for depression. During the Yoga class, clients and staff are taught to focus on deep breathing, range of motion, balance, and centeredness.The clients learn about their body’spotential, rather than limitations. The class also helps clients to increase self-awareness, enhance physical and mental stamina, detoxify the body, find a new social circle, and connect to their inner spirituality. Studies have shown that controlled breathing, which is an integral part of Yoga, provides relief for depression. Yoga also calms anxiety by reducing heart rate, lowering blood pressure, and easing respiration. Clients report feeling more rested, relaxed, and that they sleep much better.  One client, Dan G., commented, “The Yoga class is relaxing and meditative. I feel better and can do it on my own.” The  Wellness  &  Recovery Center’s  Yoga program has  become so popular that there have  been requests for  an additional class.  The  program provides clients  and staff  at the Center with a  chance to experience and learn there  is  much to be gained mentally, physically, and  spiritually through Yoga .