Mental Health Awareness Month – Partnerships

Rock Hill, S.C., May 26, 2023 – What we do here at New Hope Treatment Centers and what is done in the mental health service industry across the nation can’t be possible without the help of our tremendous partners.

Those partners range from industry leaders, organizations, former residents of New Hope and individuals with their own unique path and story of perseverance. Many of those that we have had the pleasure of working with have a close connection to mental health disorders or have overcome an issue themselves and now share their message.

Most recently, one of those partnerships was formed with and messages were told by Ricky Johnson. A five-year US Marine veteran, Johnson travels the country as a public speaker sharing his truly inspiring story of hope and healing. He was kind enough to

share his experiences with our youth and staff at our Rock Hill, S.C. facility in March of this year. He’s a passionate veteran and activist, raising awareness for mental health issues and suicide prevention. Johnson tragically lost his son to suicide and has personally delt with childhood trauma like that of many of the youth and adolescents we serve. Ricky has been able to use these experiences to educate others and inspire others to live their most authentic and honest life, seek treatment when needed, and that it’s okay to talk about trauma. This is a message that will no doubt resonate with our kids and staff alike.

“In March of 2023 I was honored to spend an afternoon with the staff and students of New Hope,” said Johnson. “Director Matt Simon was kind enough to bless me with an opportunity to share my experiences. Those in attendance were engaged and courteous. I was treated with top notch respect by all. It was a true highlight within my career.”

Johnson was not the only speaker kind enough to join us at our facility and speak to our residents and staff. In August of 2022,

Kevin Hines came to New Hope to share his incredible story. Hines is a suicide prevention speaker who visits schools, universities and other settings spreading his story to the masses. He’s also a filmmaker and recently completed a documentary called “Suicide: The Ripple Effect”. For all his impactful work and to learn more about the story he graciously shared with us, click HERE.

An organization that we are proud to partner with and have done extensive work with recently is the National Alliance on Mental Illness (

2022.

Furthermore, New Hope helped coordinate Parent Support groups in the Fall of 2022, facilitated by NAMI. The parents who participated reported that it was a fantastic experience, and the groups are ongoing to this day. We encourage all parents to actively engage in your youth’s treatment and in your own self-care. If you are interested in learning more about this free resource, please reach out to our Director of Therapy Services Rebecca Spanberg at [email protected].