Coping 101: Access is the Answer

In 2019, about 1 in 5 people were suffering from some kind of mental health or substance use issue, and since then the pandemic has impacted ALL communities and the need for help has surged. Increasing access to care is now perhaps the most critical step in reversing America's mental health crisis. On a mission to break down barriers as the Chief Medical Officer of Compass Health, Katie Gilligan's unconventional art school background instilled in her a naturally curious and open minded approach to her ambitious work in the behavioral healthcare field. Taking cues from innovative approaches from around the world, Katie works with Compass Health leadership to expand treatment programs that serve more economic backgrounds, actively recruit more providers and practitioners, and ultimately increase quick and easy access to in-person or virtual care. Presented by C89.5 in partnership with Seattle Children's, Coping 101 is an ongoing series led by students in Nathan Hale High School's Podcast Club that destigmatizes mental health from a teen's perspective, made possible with local support from Valley Cities, Hansmire Builders and Audian and Compass Health - NW Washington's Behavioral Healthcare leader. No matter our age or background we all face challenges, and there are healthy ways to cope. Get started with more episodes, and find community-centric resources online at c895.org/coping101 compasshealth.org to learn more about services available and additional details on mental health fourfrontcontributor.org for those interested in advocating for change at the state-level for funding and policy change in regards to mental health.