A Crestline organization ensures that youths and their families have the mental health support they need to thrive.

Founded in 2012, Mountain Counseling & Training, Inc. provides early mental health intervention, prevention and education to youths and their families. These programs provide a counseling and support outlet for youth in the mountain community who may not otherwise have access to mental health services. Compared to the rest of Southern California, the organization’s service area is underserved by mental health support infrastructure, its Program Coordinator Eric Byers said. Mountain Counseling & Training is the sole Medi-Cal provider of mental health services in the Rim of the World Unified School District.

“Poverty and lack of services is a known challenge in our area, and if we didn’t exist then there’d be no one ‘up the hill’ who could help our population,” Byers said.

Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a great need, and the isolation during distance learning had a detrimental impact on mental health, which has been especially true in the mountain communities, according to Byers. The organization serves youths from ages 4 through 21 and includes families to circumvent negative impacts on a child’s potential.

It was a challenge to serve clients virtually, and the organization is currently offering hybrid services. However, meetings on camera are often not as effective as in-person meetings, according to Byers. The organization returned to in-person services as soon as it was able. This includes working with youths one-on-one who are referred from their schools and providing immediate counseling at its Wellness Center at the local high school.

“Just by being present by hosting wellness centers and taking part in the community, we’ve been able to normalize and destigmatize the practice of getting some help for your mental health,” Byers said. “By being visible, open, and honest, we’ve seen a big uptick in word-of-mouth referrals and community support.”

Mountain Counseling & Training is working to reopen its parenting classes in the near future.

Recently, it received a grant from the Community Impact Fund through the Inland Empire Community Foundation for implementing diversity, equity and inclusion practices at its Wellness Center. While the organization’s main source of funding comes through county contracts, its Wellness Center and community events are supported by grants. Mountain Counseling also depends on grants and donations for staff training and parent counseling certifications.

The organization also relies on volunteers to support its events. Those wishing to support the organization can visit its website and reach out for ways to volunteer.

By offering events and increasing its visibility, Mountain Counseling & Training hopes to help the community understand that mental health services are not a luxury and to ease the fears about asking for assistance. Approximately 1 in 5 youths suffer from trauma, abuse or mental illness, according to Byers. By providing a refuge and respite to kids and families that need it, Mountain Counseling hopes to be a place where those in need can get help with the troubles that come with growing up.