Prioritizing Mental Health Through Awareness & Access

October is a month of awareness, advocacy, and action in the mental health community. The first full week of October marks Mental Illness Awareness Week (MIAW)¹, led by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)² since 1990. Each year, this week highlights the importance of understanding mental health conditions, reducing stigma, and building public education and support.

On October 10, the global mental health community joins together for World Mental Health Day³, coordinated by the World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH)⁴. Also on October 10, the U.S. observes National Depression Screening Day⁵. This important initiative provides confidential opportunities for individuals to check in on their mental health and take the first step toward support. A screening doesn’t provide a diagnosis, but it does shine a light on symptoms, risks, and next steps.

At River’s Bend, we see these moments as opportunities, not just to raise awareness, but to make real connections with individuals, families, and professionals across Metro Detroit who are navigating the challenges of mental health and substance use.

Walking with NAMI

River’s Bend is proud to stand with NAMI, the largest grassroots mental health organization in the United States. Founded in 1979, NAMI has become the nation’s voice on mental illness, working in more than 1,100 local communities to support individuals and families.

On September 20, River’s Bend participated in NAMI Walks Michigan, raising [insert amount] for programs that educate, advocate, and provide direct support to people living with serious mental illness and their loved ones.

“Community partnerships like NAMI Walks reflect our mission at River’s Bend,” said Bruce Goldberg, President & Co-Owner. “Mental health recovery is not something you go through alone; it requires connection, advocacy, and a network of support. We’re proud to walk alongside families and professionals who share that vision.”

Recognized for Quality

Our community work is matched by our clinical excellence. River’s Bend is designated as a Blue Distinction® Center for Substance Use Treatment and Recovery, ⁶a national recognition awarded by Blue Cross Blue Shield to providers who deliver high-quality, safe, effective, and cost-efficient specialty care. This designation gives both families and employers confidence that care at River’s Bend is clinically sound and accessible.

We are also accredited by The Joint Commission for Behavioral Health Care, the gold standard in healthcare quality and safety nationwide. Joint Commission accreditation signifies that River’s Bend meets the most rigorous standards for ethical and effective treatment.

Additionally, River’s Bend is certified by LegitScript,⁷ which reviews healthcare providers to ensure legality, transparency, and safety. This certification means that our services and online presence are continually monitored for compliance, giving clients and families peace of mind.

Reducing Stigma Through Stories: Fred’s Journey

One of the most powerful ways to reduce stigma is by sharing real stories of recovery.

More than a decade ago, Fred walked through our doors at a breaking point. What started as recreational drug use had spiraled into a dependency on Vicodin up to 25–30 pills a day. He didn’t know how to stop, or how to stay stopped.

“I had never had a drug addiction before,” Fred recalls. “Nothing had grabbed hold of me like Vicodin had. I needed guidance to find my way out of it.”

Fred’s journey wasn’t perfect; he relapsed multiple times. But each time, he returned with greater strength and more tools. With the help of therapist and co-owner Stephanie Howey, LMSW, Fred learned to identify patterns of drug-seeking behavior before they escalated.

“Each time I relapsed, I was able to cut it off earlier,” Fred says. “I could put myself back together that much sooner.”

Fred credits Stephanie and River’s Bend with saving his life. “Stephanie steadily handed me each tool I needed, and eventually I put them to work. Without her, I’d be dead or worse. Instead, I’ve rebuilt a life full of meaning, stability, and hope.”

His message is simple: “If you want to live, this is the place to go. River’s Bend gives you the tools to live the rest of your life.”

Understanding Insurance & Removing Barriers to Care

Even when people are ready for help, insurance can feel like a barrier. At River’s Bend, we believe that access to mental health care should be clear and straightforward.

“We’ve always been insurance-friendly,” says Bruce Goldberg. “People have insurance they should be able to use it. We verify benefits up front and explain what’s covered, in plain language.”

Here’s what that means for clients:

• Up-Front Verification: Before your first appointment, our intake team checks benefits and walks you through the details.
• Transparency About Costs: Deductibles and co-pays are explained before treatment begins, no surprises.
• Ongoing Communication: If an insurer initially approves only for a few days, we submit updates to extend care when clinically appropriate.

“Insurers need a clear clinical picture,” Bruce explains. “That’s why we encourage clients to be honest about symptoms, whether it’s depression, anxiety, trauma, or relapse risk. A diagnosis isn’t a label, it’s how insurance knows what they’re paying for.”

Looking Ahead: A Call to Action

As we observe Mental Illness Awareness Week, World Mental Health Day, and National Depression Screening Day, River’s Bend reaffirms our commitment:

• To walk alongside families through advocacy and support.
• To deliver nationally recognized, accredited, and transparent care.
• To reduce stigma by sharing success stories that inspire hope.

If you or someone you love is struggling with mental health or substance use, we invite you to take the first step. Contact River’s Bend today to learn more about our specialized programs.

References

1. National Alliance on Mental Illness. (2024, October 23). Mental Illness Awareness Week National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). https://www.nami.org/get-involved/awareness-events/mental-illness-awareness-week/  ↩︎
2. National Alliance on Mental Illness. (2025, September 10). National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) | Mental health support, education & advocacy. National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). https://www.nami.org/  ↩︎
3. World Mental Health Day. (2024, October 10). https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-mental-health-day  ↩︎
4. World Federation for Mental Health. (n.d.). https://wfmh.global/  ↩︎
5. Mental Illness Awareness Week and National Depression Screening Day. (n.d.). WIC Works Resource System. https://wicworks.fns.usda.gov/topic/health-observances/mental-illness-awareness-week-and-national-depression-screening-day  ↩︎
6. Blue Distinction Specialty Care – Specialist Services | Bcbs.com. (n.d.). Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. https://www.bcbs.com/about-us/programs-initiatives/blue-distinction-specialty-care  ↩︎
7. LegitScript. (2025, August 26). LegitScript monitoring & Certification Solutions. https://www.legitscript.com/  ↩︎