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As summer fades into fall, the days grow shorter and the weather turns colder, you might also notice a shift in how you feel. You may feel more tired, less motivated or even sad. These feelings are common, but for some, they become stronger and harder to manage. This could be a sign of Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD.

We spoke with Tina Baxter, a nurse practitioner at Adult & Child Health. She helped us understand what SAD is and how to tell if your mood changes are temporary or if you might benefit from extra support.

What is SAD?

SAD is a type of depression that occurs during certain seasons. When the season changes again, these symptoms lessen or go away. It usually appears in the fall and winter, though some people can experience SAD in other months as well. It’s more than just feeling “blah” because it’s cold. SAD can affect your mood, energy, sleep and even how you think.

According to Baxter, people experiencing SAD might:

• Feel very tired, even after sleeping
• Stop doing things they usually enjoy
• Feel more irritable or anxious
• Feel hopeless or down most days
• Struggle with concentration
• Crave carbohydrates or notice changes in eating habits
• Have thoughts of not wanting to live
• Experience symptoms for weeks or months

Why does SAD happen?

Experts think SAD is linked to changes in sunlight. Less light can lead to more melatonin in your brain (which makes you sleepy) and less serotonin (which helps regulate mood). Your body’s internal clock can also get thrown off, making it harder to feel energized.

SAD is more common in places with long winters and limited sunlight. Women and adults ages 18 to 30 are at higher risk, and having a family history of SAD can increase your chances.

Baxter notes that if you already live with a mental health condition, seasonal changes can make symptoms worse. “If you’re already an anxious person and it’s wintertime, you might be more anxious,” she says. People with bipolar disorder may also notice more intense mood shifts with seasonal changes.

How Can I Care for My Brain in the Winter Months?

There are ways to support your mental health through the winter months. Baxter offers these tips:

Get some sunshine.

Aim for 20-30 minutes of sunlight each day, even if it’s cloudy. Sit near a window, eat lunch outside or try light therapy with a special light box. This can help balance serotonin and melatonin levels, improving mood and sleep.

Celebrate your wins.

Cross something off your to-do list, no matter how small. “Did you get out of bed and brush your teeth? That’s a win,” Baxter says. Motivation can dip during this season, so recognize your efforts.

Nourish and move your body.

This time of year, sweet treats tend to show up more often. While it’s okay to enjoy them, too much sugar can leave you feeling sluggish. Fuel your brain with fruits, vegetables and protein. Baxter also recommends fun movement: “Go apple picking, ice skating or get out in nature with other people.”

Blockout “you” time.

The season can fill up fast with commitments. “It’s easy to have other things creep in and zap your energy,” Baxter states. “Put yourself on the schedule. In fact, you should put yourself first on the schedule.” Make time for rest and activities that recharge you.

Be gentle with yourself.

It’s okay if things feel harder in the fall and winter. If you’re already taking medication, you might need adjustments. Baxter encourages talking to your provider if symptoms worsen. “It doesn’t mean you’re weak, it means you’re taking care of yourself.”

When Should I Seek Help?

If your symptoms are strong, last more than a few weeks or make daily tasks hard, it’s time to talk to a professional. A therapist or doctor can help you understand what’s going on and what might help. You don’t have to go through this season alone. Asking for help is a sign of strength.

SAD is real and more common than many people realize. The winter months can be tough, but with the right tools and support, you can care for your brain and feel better. Whether it’s more sunlight, movement or professional help, your brain deserves care every season of the year.

SPRINGFIELD, Missouri — Two nonprofit behavioral health providers finalized the merging of their organizations at a ceremonial signing event in Springfield. Executives from Nashville-based Centerstone and Springfield-based Brightli signed a master transaction agreement (MTA) on Sept. 9, formalizing the merger of the two organizations to form the largest nonprofit behavioral health care provider in the United States. The merger is set to close in early November 2025. 

Moving forward, the surviving entity, Brightli, will adopt the unified Centerstone name and brand. Centerstone’s 28-year legacy as a strong, trusted brand makes it the name of choice for the merged organization. Upon closing, Centerstone will employ more than 10,000 team members with physical operations in nine U.S. states. It will serve nearly 250,000 clients annually, with concentration in the Mid-South, Midwest and southeastern United States. 

At the conclusion of the merger, Centerstone will be headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee. There are no plans in the merger agreement for executives or staff to relocate. Springfield will be the headquarters for Centerstone’s operations in Missouri, with administrative operations remaining on the Burrell Behavioral Health Administrative Campus on West Battlefield Road. Brightli CEO C.J. Davis says Missouri will be a state of focus for Centerstone’s long-term future. 

“Brightli’s member organizations will be thoughtfully rebranded to Centerstone over a one- to two-year period,” Davis said. “With such a significant portion of our operations based here in Missouri, our commitment to this state runs deep. We will remain steadfast in providing high-quality mental health care to Missourians now and for generations to come.” 

Following the merger’s closing in early November, David C. Guth, Jr. will be the Chief Executive Officer of the merged organization. Brightli CEO C.J. Davis will be CEO-elect, becoming the CEO in January 2027 when Guth becomes CEO Emeritus. Guth will then retire later in 2027 after having served the organization for 39 years. “I am confident in the leadership and vision that C.J. brings to help continue the growth of Centerstone as a leader in the industry. He is guided by a deep mission of expanding care to the people in our communities,” Guth said. 

“This merger of equals is not about the scale. It’s about the opportunity to lead during this critical point in the landscape of behavioral health services.” Guth said. “The need and public support for quality mental health care is at an all-time high, there is strong bipartisan support for mental health services at the state and federal levels, and stigma continues to erode.” 

Davis agrees that behavioral health care in the United States is at an inflection point. 

“Behavioral health is at a crossroads, and this partnership allows us to do more than respond to the immediate needs of today. It allows us to shape the future. By investing in research, raising the quality of care, and expanding access, we can save lives. We will strengthen communities in ways neither of us could do alone,” Davis said. “This is about making sure hope and healing are within reach for every person we serve, and I couldn’t be more hopeful about what’s ahead.” 

“Both organizations are committed to advancing the science of care and the application of that science in real-world practice,” Guth said. 

Brightli has more than 6,500 associated team members working at more than 220 locations in five states. Its subsidiaries and affiliates include Adult & Child Health, Burrell Behavioral Health, Clarity Healthcare, Comprehensive Mental Health Services, Firefly Supported Living and Employment Services, Places for People, Preferred Family Healthcare and Southeast Missouri Behavioral Health. Centerstone is a Nashville, Tennessee-based company with 4,300 employees working at 140 locations across six states plus an international network of more than 1,500 providers serving patients globally. Centerstone also provides services to veterans and military families nationwide and operates the Centerstone Institute for Clinical Excellence and Innovation. 

About Brightli: 

Brightli is the one of the largest nonprofit behavioral health, addiction treatment, and developmental disability services provider networks in the U.S. and is the parent company of Burrell Behavioral Health, Comprehensive Mental Health Services, Preferred Family Healthcare, Clarity Healthcare, Southeast Missouri Behavioral Health, Firefly Supported Living & Employment Services, Adult & Child Health, Places for People, and the Brightli Foundation. Services are available in Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Oklahoma, and Kansas. Learn more by visiting Livebrightli.org. 

About Centerstone: 

Centerstone is one of the nation’s largest nonprofit health systems, specializing in mental health and substance use disorder treatments for people of all ages. Services are available in Georgia, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, North Carolina, and Tennessee through the operation of outpatient clinics, residential programs, school-based services, telehealth, and an inpatient hospital. Centerstone also offers specialized programs available nationwide for the military community, as well as services for children, including therapeutic foster care. Centerstone’s Institute provides guidance through research and technology, leveraging the best evidence-based practices for use across our communities. Centerstone’s Foundation secures philanthropic resources to support the work and mission of delivering care that changes people’s lives. Learn more by visiting Centerstone.org.

Living a long life is a privilege that not everyone experiences. However, those who reach their senior years face unique mental health challenges. Whether we are focused on our own healthy aging or advocating for the older individuals we care about, understanding the mental health needs of seniors can enhance our relationships and ensure they receive meaningful care when necessary. 
 
Mental health conditions affect around 14% of adults aged 60 and older, according to the World Health Organization. Yet these issues are often underrecognized and undertreated. Stigma, fear of being a burden and lack of access to care all contribute to older adults suffering in silence. Depression and anxiety are the most common mental health conditions in later life, and older adults account for more than a quarter of global suicide deaths (27.2%), a heartbreaking reminder that emotional distress in aging populations is both serious and under-addressed. 

Risk factors like bereavement, reduced income, loss of purpose after retirement, social isolation and elder abuse, which affects 1 in 6 older adults, can all increase the risk of mental illness. These stressors often build on a lifetime of challenges, and ageism adds another layer of harm by sending the message that suffering is simply part of growing old. 

Margaret’s story demonstrates how important it can be for supportive friends and relatives to be aware of senior citizens’ mental health and to help connect them with care. When church members contacted Margaret, they learned she had been feeling unwell recently but didn’t want to bother anyone by asking for help. She shared over the phone that she had been feeling more tired than usual and wasn’t interested in her regular activities, like cooking, gardening or attending church. 
 
Luckily for Margaret, one of her fellow volunteers recently attended a community training on mental health and learned the signs of depression in older adults. Signs like Margaret’s withdrawal from social activities, her loss of interest in hobbies and her unexplained fatigue alerted her friend that she might need extra support. 

Other signs that an older person may be experiencing mental illness could include: 

• Increased worry, irritability or restlessness 

• Neglecting hygiene or home care 

• Saying things like “What’s the point?” or giving away belongings 

• Fixation on death or refusing help for unclear reasons 

These can be triggered or intensified by age-related life changes, but they are still valid mental health concerns, not something to “just accept” as a normal part of getting older.  
 
For example, grief associated with losing a spouse or other loved one can be difficult to cope with. Seniors may experience changes in mobility, independence or living situations, such as moving to assisted living. Some folks feel like they are losing control of their lives. They may struggle with feeling like a burden for needing added support after a lifetime of providing care to others.  

 
Loneliness and isolation, especially after retirement or the loss of social roles, can contribute to mental health challenges, as well as very real fears around falling, illness or financial insecurity.  
Nearly one in four adults aged 65 and older in the U.S. live in social isolation, as reported by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. A U.S. Surgeon General’s report finds that chronic loneliness not only affects mood, it raises the risk of premature death by nearly 30%, a threat on par with smoking and obesity, and is linked to heart disease, stroke, dementia, depression, anxiety and suicide. 

Seniors may also experience mental health issues that are not associated with age. Major depression, anxiety disorders, substance use disorders and other mental illnesses can affect people at any life stage. 

At first, Margaret seemed reluctant to talk about her feelings with her friend over the phone. She also felt uneasy about inviting her friend to visit because she was embarrassed by how much she’d let things go. Margaret’s friend didn’t push. She offered an alternative. 

Instead, she asked if she could drop off some homemade soup and wave from the porch. “There’s no need to clean up or let me in,” she said gently. I just want you to know you’re not alone.” 

Later that week, Margaret let her friend inside. 

They sat together at the kitchen table and discussed how life had changed. Margaret’s friend shared that she, too, had struggled after losing a spouse and that talking to a counselor had helped her find her footing again. 

That simple conversation became the bridge to something bigger. Margaret’s friend offered to help her call her trusted primary care provider, who connected her with a behavioral health counselor trained to work with older adults. 

It wasn’t an overnight transformation, but it was a beginning. 

Aging comes with change, but mental and emotional suffering are not inevitable. Whether it’s grief, loneliness or a more serious mental health condition, treatment and support can help older folks navigate challenges and improve the quality of their lives. 

As Margaret’s story reminds us, healing is possible at any life stage, but no one should have to go it alone. Whether you’re aging yourself or want to show up for the elders in your life, know this: mental health matters at every age. And every act of care can help someone reconnect with their own light, no matter how small. 
 
If you or a loved one is struggling, start by speaking with a trusted healthcare provider. Many communities also offer support through senior centers, behavioral health clinics or grief groups. Our clinicians and care teams are trained to support people at every stage of life, including aging adults and caregivers. 

We all deserve to be seen, heard and cared for, no matter how many candles are on the cake. 
 
Often, all it takes is one moment of connection to light the way forward. 

How to Talk About Mental Health with an Older Adult

A gentle guide for checking in, offering support, and reducing stigma 

 Remember: 

• Older adults may downplay their emotional needs due to stigma or pride. 

• Isolation, grief, and changes in independence can deeply impact mental health. 

• Compassionate connection is powerful, and healing can begin with just one conversation. 

Press Release – For Immediate Release

Date: July 17, 2025

Nashville, Tenn. – Two of the most influential nonprofit behavioral health providers, Brightli and Centerstone, have entered into a non-binding agreement with the intent to merge and create a unified organization.

The due diligence process is underway, and upon the transaction’s anticipated close in November 2025, the combined organization will serve a quarter million people annually and be the largest nonprofit provider of mental health and substance use disorder care across the country.

Brightli is a Springfield, Missouri-based company with more than 6,000 associated employees working at more than 220 locations in five states. Its multiple subsidiaries and affiliates include Adult & Child Health, Burrell Behavioral Health, Clarity Healthcare, Firefly Supported Living & Employment Services, Places for People, Preferred Family Healthcare, and Southeast Missouri Behavioral Health. Centerstone is a Nashville, Tennessee-based company with 4,300 employees working at 140 locations across six states plus an international network of more than 1,500 providers serving patients globally. Centerstone also provides nationwide services to veterans and military families and operates its own Institute for Clinical Excellence and Innovation. The two organizations, Brightli and Centerstone, are projecting collective annual revenue totals exceeding one billion dollars.

By joining together, Brightli and Centerstone will have the opportunity to transform mental health and substance use disorder care in a way that neither organization could have achieved alone. Combining expertise, scale, and resources unlocks new possibilities for the organization to serve more people, improve health outcomes, and expand access to life-changing care.

“This partnership represents an incredible opportunity to shape the future of care,” Brightli CEO C.J. Davis said. “Across Brightli’s history, our organization and affiliates have led more than 25 successful mergers and affiliations across our network. We have seen firsthand the power of joining forces to expand access and improve outcomes. We share Centerstone’s deep commitment to compassion, connection, and measurable impact. Together, we’re not just growing. We’re building a stronger, more sustainable system of care that breaks down barriers and saves lives.

“Growth is deeply embedded in Centerstone’s culture, driving our mission to reach more people in need of mental health and substance use disorder services,” Centerstone CEO David C. Guth, Jr. said. “Since 1997, we have completed 20 affiliations and mergers expanding our footprint and amplifying our impact while preserving local expertise and care delivery. This partnership not only positions us to more effectively navigate the changing behavioral health landscape, but it also helps us achieve our goal of providing more services to more people in need. Additionally, it enables us to further ensure the precision application of science-based care, allowing us to deliver the right treatments to the right people at the right time, all backed by data, research, and measurable outcomes.”

The mental health and substance use care delivery model in the U.S. is at a critical inflection point. Coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic, mental health providers across the nation faced record-high demand for services. The increased need coupled with workforce shortages, stagnant or even dwindling reimbursements, shifting regulatory requirements, and other challenges have made providing this critically needed care more difficult, especially for smaller providers with fewer resources.

“The merger of Brightli and Centerstone represents a bold and forward-thinking step in strengthening our nation’s behavioral health system,” Chuck Ingoglia, President and CEO of the National Council for Mental Wellbeing said. “By combining resources, expertise, and innovative approaches to care, these organizations are poised to not only expand access, but they’re also setting a new standard for how high-quality, community-based mental health and substance use treatment can be delivered at scale. This partnership is a unique opportunity to enhance efficiency, reduce the overall cost of care, and ultimately create a more sustainable model for behavioral health delivery. The National Council looks forward to learning from this partnership and sharing lessons learned with our members across the country.”

Amidst this rapidly evolving mental health and substance use care landscape, Centerstone and Brightli have been evaluating ways to advance their leadership in care delivery and accelerate innovation while remaining deeply rooted in compassion and healing for the people and communities served by their teams.

About Brightli: Brightli is the one of the largest nonprofit behavioral health, addiction treatment, and developmental disability services provider networks in the U.S. and is the parent company of Burrell Behavioral Health, Comprehensive Mental Health Services, Preferred Family Healthcare, Clarity Healthcare, Southeast Missouri Behavioral Health, Firefly Supported Living & Employment Services, Adult & Child Health, Places for People, and the Brightli Foundation. Services are available in Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Oklahoma, and Kansas. Learn more by visiting Livebrightli.org.

About Centerstone: Centerstone is one of the nation’s largest nonprofit health systems, specializing in mental health and substance use disorder treatments for people of all ages. Services are available in Georgia, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, North Carolina, and Tennessee through the operation of outpatient clinics, residential programs, school-based services, telehealth, and an inpatient hospital. Centerstone also offers specialized programs available nationwide for the military community, as well as services for children, including therapeutic foster care. Centerstone’s Institute provides guidance through research and technology, leveraging the best evidence-based practices for use across our communities. Centerstone’s Foundation secures philanthropic resources to support the work and mission of delivering care that changes people’s lives. Learn more by visiting Centerstone.org.

###

Contact: Rance Burger
Director, Media and Public Relations
Brightli
(573) 286-9393
Rance.Burger@burrellcenter.com

About one out of every five U.S. adults are caregivers to family members or friends who have a chronic health condition or disability, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Providing help for someone who needs extra care is a selfless, compassionate, empathetic act, said Lindsey Hock, an assistant director with Firefly Supported Living and Employment Services.  

“Caregivers are teachers, counselors, friends, coaches and advocates at any point in the day for the people they are serving,” Hock said.  

Helping someone else to best navigate their daily life can be demanding. Those in need of additional care, whether due to advanced age, health challenges or developmental disabilities, often need assistance with activities and tasks you might take for granted. It can be a stressful role. According to recent CDC data, caregivers report higher rates of: 

• Smoking (about 21% of caregivers smoke compared to 15% of non-caregivers)
• Frequent mental distress (more than 17% of caregivers to 10% of non-caregivers)
• Depression (more than 23% of caregivers; just under 15% of non-caregivers) 

Our professional caregiving team at Firefly Supported Living and Employment Services primarily serves clients with developmental disabilities and strives to help people build the life they choose through advocacy, personalized care, education and unwavering belief. We asked for their advice in navigating stress that comes with the rewarding, yet demanding, work of caregiving.  

Have you ever felt lonely, even in a room full of people? According to a recent Harvard study, one in five U.S. adults report feeling this way. Many struggle to form deep, meaningful connections with others.  

Perhaps the first step isn’t about making more friends; it’s about reconnecting with ourselves. Building a stronger relationship with who we are can lay the foundation for healthier, more fulfilling relationships with others. We spoke with Cheryl Johnson, a licensed professional counselor and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapist about why self-awareness matters and how to begin the journey of truly getting to know ourselves. 

Why It’s Important to Know Yourself 

Self-awareness means paying attention to how you feel, what you think and why you act in a certain way. When you know what’s going on inside you, it can help you make choices about what you might need. It then becomes easier to talk to others, understand them and build strong relationships. 

“Knowing ourselves creates a base for our relationships,” Johnson explains.  

When we understand our own feelings and needs, it’s easier to be authentic around others. Many of us spend a lot of time trying to make others happy, but Johnson emphasizes it’s also important to ask, “What do I need?” 

How We Handle Our Feelings 

Everyone has strong emotions at times. Some of us try to isolate to deal with them on our own, while others might seek comfort from those around us. According to Johnson, these patterns often come from childhood and were necessary for us to survive. However, they can get in the way of our ability to connect with others as adults. Johnson suggests the healthiest approach is to learn how to calm down while also being open to support from others when needed. 

How It Helps in Relationships 

“As humans, we’re created to be connected,” says Johnson.  

Deep connection requires safety and vulnerability. Johnson says when we understand our own feelings, we can better express them to others and tell them what we need. This creates the give-and-take that is important in relationships. When you better understand yourself, it’s easier to understand others — becoming a better listener and a more caring person. 

What Gets in the Way 

Sometimes it’s hard to connect with ourselves. We live in a fast-paced world filled with work, technology and personal tasks at home that keep us busy. Sitting quietly with our thoughts and emotions can feel scary, and we’re often our harshest critic.  

Johnson notes that time itself can feel like a major barrier, making it hard to carve out even a moment for ourselves. She recommends starting small — just 3 to 5 minutes a day — to begin building our self-awareness. 

Simple Ways to Connect with Yourself 

Johnson shares some ways to feel more connected to yourself: 

· Practice Mindfulness: Being still for a moment to notice what we are thinking, feeling and how our body feels. If you need a little help getting started in labeling what your emotions are, use our Feelings Finder. 

· Write in a Journal: Writing down your thoughts and feelings can help you understand them better. 

· Be Kind to Yourself: Look at yourself the way you would look at a friend—with love and care. 

Healing Through Connection 

Ultimately, Johnson believes connection and relationships are where we find life’s richest moments.  

“Sometimes our childhoods teach us that we can’t have that,” she says.  

Healing begins with understanding ourselves — what we need to feel safe, seen and valued. 

The first step? Approach yourself with “patience and kindness,” Johnson advises. Whether through mindfulness, journaling or simply sitting quietly, connecting to ourselves can be a corrective experience. From that place, deeper relationships with others can follow. 

Groundbreaking for a new clinic and a Golden Anniversary in Poplar Bluff

POPLAR BLUFF— With the turn of 15 golden shovels, Southeast Missouri Behavioral Health (SEMOBH) celebrated the start of construction on its 10,378-square foot clinic on Sterling Drive in Poplar Bluff on Thursday, May 29.  

Southeast Missouri Behavioral Health offers psychiatric evaluation, medication management, co-occurring counseling, family therapy, trauma therapy, care coordination, peer support, group counseling and group education. The $3.4 million project is funded with a 60/40 capital improvement match through the Missouri Behavioral Health Counsel and the Missouri Department of Mental Health.  

McGrath & Associates, Inc., a St. Louis-based firm, is the primary contractor for the project. The building is designed to provide a well-lit, comfortable, safe and secure experience for SEMOBH clients from the start to the finish of their treatment plans.  

“Mental illness or substance abuse doesn’t discriminate; they can affect anyone regardless of gender, age, race or socioeconomic status,” SEMOBH President Cathy Schroer said. “Despite the increased number of people experiencing mental illness, there is still a great deal of stigma involved in acknowledging mental illness and seeking treatment. This stigma can be further exacerbated by the environments where people seek treatment.”  

One woman’s chance for a brighter future 

When she was released from prison in 2008, Crystal Parra got a job working at a fast food restaurant. She worked at Taco Bell for nine years. In that time, Parra also obtained an associate’s degree, but had a hard time finding more meaningful employment. Her start at SEMOBH came as a client looking for hope. 

The work she did toward a better life led to a job at SEMOBH for Parra. 

Parra did clerical work for SEMOBH while she underwent training to become a certified peer specialist with the Missouri Department of Mental Health. It was intimidating at times, but Parra pressed on and found opportunities to advance and to advocate for people struggling with recovery from substance use disorders. 

 “I was happy somebody was willing to give me a chance to start a career,” Parra said. “I can communicate with clients and relate to them on a level that helps them to engage in services.” 

Parra is now a certified alcohol and drug counselor by the Missouri Credentialing Board. She has been a peer supporter, a group facilitator, a peer counselor and now a supervisor for other peer supporters. She has also maintained her own sobriety for more than 17 years. 

“I’m grateful that I survived and I can help others,” Parra said. 

Designing a modern mental health center 

Hood Rich Architecture of Springfield, Missouri, designed the building to meet the Poplar Bluff community’s next generation of mental health needs. Hood Rich has designed several clinics for Brightli, parent company of Southeast Missouri Behavioral Health. 

“There is a tremendous value we place on the buildings we design for Brightli,” Hood Rich Principal Billy Kimmons said. “We are not simply designing another building. We design spaces that promote hope and healing. We believe we serve a vital role in the healing process, and that through the decisions we make in a building’s design, we are helping people get to tomorrow.”  

When designing a building where clients will undergo therapy, Kimmons said the design team works to balance comfort with requirements and cost effectiveness. Safety, security and sound control are all priorities. Designers comb through the details with the builders. 

“Door hardware and wall assemblies are just a few examples of things we have to pay careful attention to,” Kimmons said. “Something as simple as a dimmer switch provides a level of control that might otherwise make a harsh light level unbearable. One thing I have learned is that there is more than one way to experience space, and it is our job to listen, learn and adapt.” 

SEMOBH serves eight counties  

In the summer of 2023, SEMOBH became part of Brightli, Inc., a parent company with a portfolio that also includes Burrell Behavioral Health and Preferred Family Healthcare, among other subsidiaries.  

SEMOBH employs more than 200 people who offer individualized treatment for personal and family needs in substance use disorders, psychiatric and behavioral health in eight Missouri counties.  

“We are very proud of the commitment that our employees show on a daily basis,” Schroer said. “Their dedication and compassion to serve others is the foundation of our agency, and without them we would not be able to serve our communities.”  

SEMOBH also offers community and preventative service programs, including suicide prevention education training.  

About Southeast Missouri Behavioral Health: For more than 50 years, Southeast Missouri Behavioral Health’s team members have provided treatment to people suffering from substance use disorders, emotional problems, psychiatric disorders and other crises. Southeast Missouri Behavioral Health offers a variety of services, including medication assisted treatment, in eight counties in southeast Missouri. Learn more at http://semobh.org. 

SALEM, Missouri — Southeast Missouri Behavioral Health (SEMOBH) marked 50 years of service to seven Missouri counties with a celebration May 9, at SEMOBH’s Salem Center clinic.

Southeast Missouri Behavioral Health offers psychiatric evaluation, medication management, co-occurring counseling, family therapy, trauma therapy, care coordination, peer support, group counseling and group education.

In the summer of 2023, SEMOBH became part of Brightli, Inc., a parent company with a portfolio that also includes Burrell Behavioral Health and Preferred Family Healthcare, among other subsidiaries. SEMOBH has operated a clinic in Salem for 39 of its 50 years of service to southeast Missouri.

“This agency has always felt that it’s an honor to be able to serve those we take care of,” Brightli Southeast Region President Cathy Schroer said. “It has been an honor for 50 years, and hopefully it will be another 50.”

He started as a painter, now he helps people get clean

Steve Richmond has worked for Southeast Missouri Behavioral Health for 39 years and has worked as SEMOBH’s drug court counselor since 2006. His first task did not involve counseling clients. A fresh-out-of-college Richmond picked up a brush and a roller and painted the walls of what is now the Salem Treatment Center. He was working in behavioral health in a brand new treatment center in his hometown, where people tend to know each other.

“Back in the beginning, it was a little bit awkward with some of the clients coming in, because I was in school with them,” Richmond said.

Drug court clients are referred for treatment through a prosecuting attorney, a judge, and a probation and parole officer. Clients undergo close supervision throughout their time in the drug court program, which sometimes impacts Richmond’s likability around Salem.

“Some people come up and hug you and pat you on the back, and the others will growl at you and cuss you,” Richmond said with a laugh. “I’m a little bit larger than your average guy, so I stick out, but sometimes a guy will come out of nowhere and give me a thumbs up in the middle of Walmart and say he’s still sober, and so it’s a little bit awkward.”

While his clients have a judge’s help finding him, Richmond still helps them get results.

“We’re proud in our drug court that we’ve never had one person overdose the whole time. That’s five counties, and Dent County was No. 2 in the state per capita in overdoses, so drug court has an impact, but the bad things stick out more than the good,” Richmond said.

Client-turned-counselor shares her story

Courtney Thompson is a counselor at Salem Treatment Center who was once a client. She described her days of drinking and using drugs as she grew out of childhood trauma.

“I thought it was just what you do,” Thompson said. “I didn’t realize at a young age that that’s what I was doing to cope. I started using all kinds of different drugs, started drinking, the whole thing.”

Thompson, sometimes with referrals rom judges in the court system, sought treatment at Southeast Missouri Behavioral Health several times before she was able to maintain sobriety. Treatment works, she says, but only if the person seeking treatment is willing to work through their treatment plan. She is honest with her clients about her failed attempts at sobriety.

“I didn’t take it seriously; I didn’t believe in triggers or coping skills — none of this,” Thompson said. “I came into treatment because I didn’t want to go to jail. I didn’t respect myself.”

Today, Thompson is proud of herself and is taking care of her children. She no longer entertains destructive thoughts of giving up. She loves the work she does in counseling others through their own recovery plans.

“I was struggling so bad with my mental health, and I finally came to the conclusion that if I don’t get up and do something about this addiction or this will be the end of me,” Thompson said. “As much as I wanted to give up — and I was to that point — after really thinking about it, I decided, ‘I’m going to give this an honest chance, I’m going to give myself a chance and give my children the opportunity to have a mother.’”

Counseling for substance use disorder

Missouri government crime data shows the Salem Police Department made 26 drug arrests in 2024, and that about 75 percent of those arrests involved stimulants or narcotics. In the same year, Dent County sheriff’s deputies also made 26 drug arrests, and 86 percent of those investigations involved stimulants or narcotics. Not all arrested persons end up in drug court or in treatment centers, but the counselors at SEMOBH are available when it’s time to seek help.

Individuals who are eligible for the drug court program must meet a rigid set of standards that includes regular drug testing and counseling, which can lead to their charges being reduced to lesser charges.

“If we can just get them away from the drugs for a short period of time, they start sorting things out,” Richmond said.

In almost 40 years of serving the Salem community, Richmond believes all 4,600 of the city’s residents have some connection to Southeast Missouri Behavioral Health. That, he said, helps reduce a negative stigma sometimes associated with accessing behavioral health services.

 “I’d say we’ve had a very positive effect on the community, and I don’t know if there’s anybody in town who hasn’t had some relative or some kind of a contact with SEMOBH anymore,” Richmond said. “I don’t even know that the people in trouble anymore are upset when they have to go to treatment.”

About Southeast Missouri Behavioral Health: For more than 50 years, Southeast Missouri Behavioral Health’s team members have provided treatment to people suffering from substance use disorders, emotional problems, psychiatric disorders and other crises. Southeast Missouri Behavioral Health offers a variety of services, including medication assisted treatment, in eight counties in southeast Missouri. Learn more at semobh.org.

About Brightli: Brightli, Inc.’s subsidiaries include Burrell Behavioral Health, Preferred Family Healthcare, Places for People, Southeast Missouri Behavioral Health, Adult & Child Health, Firefly Supported Living & Employment Services, Comprehensive Mental Health Services, and Clarity Healthcare. While these organizations operate independently and are governed by separate boards of directors, Brightli’s parent-company model allows them to collaborate and meet the growing demand for behavioral and addiction recovery care. Learn more at livebrightli.org

This Mental Health Month, take the first step to improving your lifelong mental wellbeing.

As the stigmas surrounding mental health care in the United States decline, the awareness, acceptance and practice of treating mental health with the same importance as physical health increases. There has not been a time before now when mental health awareness has been as high nor has there been easier access to mental health resources.

“Knowledge is the forerunner of awareness and awareness is the forerunner of action,” said Dr. Wanda Holloway, PsyD. “I believe that every individual has the capacity to change and become whole in both body and mind, given the right desire, conditions and support.”

Dr. Holloway has worked in the field of psychology and counseling for more than 40 years and specializes in trauma, eating disorders, health psychology, pain and stress management, biofeedback, neurofeedback and grief and loss.

“But I also think when we have too much information, it can be overwhelming,” Holloway said. “Our brains can feel inundated with so much that it makes it hard to sort it all out. We want to simplify it.”

According to KFF, an independent organization for health policy research, treatment for and interest in mental health related issues has increased year over year. (Exploring the Rise in Mental Health Care Use by Demographics and Insurance Status | KFF). Mental Health America reported 60 million Americans experienced a mental illness in 2024 and that there are 340 people for every one mental health provider in the United States (2024-State-of-Mental-Health-in-America-Report.pdf). Americans are looking for more ways to improve their mental health both with a provider and on their own.

Focusing on one at a time

Dr. Holloway suggests looking at all of the different factors that impact your mental health, such as diet, exercise, boundaries, engaging creativity, seeking treatment or rest and prioritizing the one that feels the most important to you right now.

If it’s hard to narrow down the No. 1 priority, that’s okay and normal. Take a moment to reflect. To guide yourself, try asking the questions below:

• What am I willing to do now?
• What am I able to do now?
• What is going to be the most beneficial to my life?
• Do I have resources available to me to be successful?
• Do I have a support system to help me in this goal?
• What is the first step for me to reach this goal? Does the first step feel easy or difficult?

Navigating barriers

When attempting to reach a physical goal, there are often clear metrics such as numbers on a scale to track efforts.

Dr. Holloway explains that taking time to examine ourselves and track the changes happening is essential. Tracking progress and feedback is essential to know if efforts are working and to help maintain momentum.

“That feedback is really critical for us to measure and to compare not to others, but where you may want to be in the next three months or six months,” Dr. Holloway said

Taking care of yourself to take action

Holloway emphasizes the importance of doing one or two things a day to step towards your goal. There is greater value and reward in doing than thinking.

“If we have never developed these skills before it may take time to reach where we want to go. It’s vital to stop thinking about it and get doing it. One step forward is one step closer,” said Dr. Holloway. 

Mental Health America (Mental Health 101 – Mental Health America) has created a Mental Health Awareness Month Action Plan (Mental Health Month Action Guide | Mental Health America) to help individuals take the first steps towards creating a daily routine that supports mental health. The resources include worksheets to plan your routine (Planning your routine), tips on boosting your mental health (31 Tips to Boost Your Mental Health | Mental Health America), and a full library of DYI tools (DIY Tools – Mental Health America).

There is always help available. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or experiencing a crisis, you can get help immediately. Call, text or chat with professionals on the 988 Suicide and Crisis Hotline. They will work with you to not only address the immediate challenges but also to connect you with available resources.