Dear CMHC Community,

I never set out to become an Executive Director. My passion was, and remains, centered around individual healing and fostering deeper connections between ourselves and the natural world. However, when I recognized the opportunity to make a broader impact through the Chesapeake Mental Health Collaborative (CMHC), it was a call I couldn't ignore. We sought to transform the way mental health services were provided, using our platform not only to promote personal healing but also to address overarching societal issues.

Over the years, we've grounded our operations within four foundational pillars that underscore our mission: Clinical Excellence, Embracing Diversity, Equal Access Advocacy, and Passion for Our Natural World. These aren't mere principles; they serve as our guiding lights, steering our every action and initiative.

Our commitment to Clinical Excellence ensures that we deliver top-tier, personalized mental health care to our clients. We stand by the belief that every individual deserves the finest support on their mental health journey, just as every clinician deserves top-notch training. Day by day, we strive to uphold these standards.

In a world that is beautifully diverse, our pillar of Embracing Diversity forms an integral part of our operations. We celebrate the diverse identities, backgrounds, and experiences that people bring into our practice. We firmly believe that this diversity enriches our community and the care we provide.
We fervently champion Equal Access to mental health care. We recognize that a host of barriers—economic, societal, and geographical—pose challenges for people to access the assistance they need. We also acknowledge the financial struggles faced by mental health professionals due to inadequate compensation by health insurance companies, causing many therapists to discontinue accepting insurance. Despite these hurdles, we remain steadfast in our commitment to dismantling these barriers, ensuring that high-quality mental health support is within everyone's reach

Lastly, our Passion for Our Natural World drives us to incorporate the therapeutic power of nature into our therapeutic approach. This pillar resonates deeply within me, as I've experienced the remarkable healing and wellness nature can bring.

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"I firmly believe that a true connection with our natural world sparks a cycle of care, leading us to nurture our environment as we nurture ourselves."

 

Thus, our commitment goes beyond simply incorporating nature into therapy. We take an active role in preserving and championing environmental health, recognizing the intrinsic link between our well-being and the health of our planet.
While we take pride in our achievements, we understand that they are only the beginning. We're continuously seeking ways to deepen our impact, always keeping these fundamental values in clear view. And we've learned that there are no perfect paths laid out for us; instead, we carve our own.
As we look ahead, we reaffirm our commitment to these four pillars. Our vision is clear: to shape a mental health landscape that is accessible, diverse, provides exceptional care, and holds a deep connection with the natural world.

We've traversed a significant journey since CMHC's inception, yet we are just getting started. It will take collective effort and resources to realize the future we envision. Our unwavering commitment to our pillars is a testament to our dedication to this cause.

Despite the challenges we face, I am confident in our resilience. Together, we can make a lasting impact on mental health care and our collective well-being. I invite you to join us on this transformative journey.

 

 

Warm regards,

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Heidi Schreiber-Pan, Ph.D., LCPC 
Executive Director of Chesapeake Mental Health Collaborative