Season 4: Episode 16: Mental Health Awareness - Good Health Doesn't Just Happen.

Send us Fan Mail1 in 5 American adults will experience a mental illness this year. But most won't ask for help.Not because they don't want it. But because stigma, access, and affordability still stand in the way. That's not a personal failure—it's a system that needs to change.May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Since 1949, this has been a time to speak openly, challenge stigma, and remind people that mental health IS health. The 2026 theme says it all: "More Good Days, Together."In this episode of The Home Health Care Today Show, Dr. Cleamon Moorer, Jr. sits down with two leaders from Ellie Mental Health who are breaking down barriers and reimagining what therapy can look like.About Our Guests:🧠 Gerald Gomes – Franchise Owner, Ellie Mental Health (Michigan). Gerald brings over 20 years of leadership experience to his mission of expanding access to mental health services in Michigan communities. He opened the Ellie Mental Health clinic in Clarkston in August 2025, creating a judgment-free space where people can get the compassionate care they deserve. Gerald is passionate about destigmatizing mental health and filling the gaps in care that have left too many people without support.💚 Kailah Tuttle, MA, LPC – Clinic Director, Ellie Mental Health Ann Arbor. Kailah is a Licensed Professional Counselor with 7+ years of experience and a Certified Geek Therapist and Therapeutic Game Master. She earned her MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Siena Heights University and specializes in trauma recovery using EMDR, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Art Therapy, and Expressive Arts approaches. Kailah is passionate about turning mental health knowledge into wisdom through experience—helping individuals navigate life post-trauma while unearthing a deeper sense of identity. She's also a podcaster and community educator who brings creativity and connection to everything she does.In this episode, you'll learn: → Why mental health stigma still prevents millions from seeking help → How Ellie Mental Health is creating a different kind of therapy experience → What "Geek Therapy" is—and how video games, D&D, and fandom can support healing → The connection between trauma and identity—and how therapy can help you reclaim both → What to look for in a therapist and how to take that first step → Resources for Michiganders seeking affordable, accessible mental health careKey Statistics:1 in 5 U.S. adults experience mental illness each year1 in 20 U.S. adults face serious mental illness annually1 in 6 U.S. teens have a mental health condition—but only half get treatment50% of all mental illnesses begin by age 1475% begin by age 24The average delay between symptom onset and treatment is 11 yearsSuicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among people ages 10-34Mental Health Awareness Month 2026 Theme: "More Good Days, Together" Mental Health America founded Mental Health Awareness Month in 1949—making this the longest-running awareness campaign dedicated to mental health in the United States. This year's theme encourages us to reflect on what a "good" day looks like, and to connect people to the right support at the right time.Good looks different for everyone. And no one should have to figure it out alone.📺 Watch The Home Health Care Today Show WMYD-TV20 Detroit | Saturdays at 10am EST🎙️ Listen to the Podcast Available on Buzzsprout, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcastsProudly sponsored by Meridian, a Centene Corporation company. "Care. Above All Else."🔗 Resources:Ellie Mental Health Michigan: https://elliementalhealth.com/locations-page/michiganMental Health America: http