MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES
Help and Resources
in Our Communities
Mental health is a very heavy topic. Below are several resources for finding help in our communities. For additional help please email info@missionventura.com
Rhesa Storms,
Associate Marriage and Family Therapist
What are we talking about when we talk about mental health?
Kayanna Campana,
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
What is anxiety? What are some practical tools to help with anxiety?
Rhesa Storms,
Associate Marriage and Family Therapist
How can I help someone experiencing anxiety?
Dr. Paul Lenderman,
Pastoral Thanatologist, Certified Grief Counselor, Founder of Mark Ministries
What are the five stages of grief?
Dr. Paul Lenderman,
Pastoral Thanatologist, Certified Grief Counselor, Founder of Mark Ministries
How do I show up for someone who is experiencing a season of grief?
Rhesa Storms,
Associate Marriage and Family Therapist
What is depression?
Rhesa Storms,
Associate Marriage and Family Therapist
How can I help someone struggling with depression?
Kayanna Campana,
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
What should I say and do if someone I know is expressing suicidal thoughts?
General Resources
Lutheran Social Services - Can help with basic needs, clothes, connecting to services etc. - Located in Thousand Oaks
Project Understanding - Can help with basic needs, clothes, connecting to services etc. - Located in Ventura
Ventura County Family Justice Center (for domestic violence victims) Social services, restraining orders help, lawyers etc free of charge
School on Wheels (tutoring for homeless kids) Make sure you scroll down to the one in Ventura
Ventura County Area Agency on Aging Promoting the development and implementation of a comprehensive coordinated system of care that enables older individuals, children and adults with disabilities, and their caregivers to live in a community-based setting and to advocate for the needs of those 60 years of age and older in the county
Suicide and Crisis Lifeline - multiple resources for mental health help For mental health and suicide hotline - Dial 988
Alternate Number: 800-273-8255; 24/7
Spanish Number: 888-628-9454; Call for help, it will play a message and hold music then connect caller to closest crisis center.
Alcoholics Anonymous - Website
Narcotics Anonymous - Website
Empire Therapy and Family Services (offers individual therapy as well as groups for various ages) - Website
Center for Integrative Change (Therapy Center-multiple therapists) - Website. 3585 Maple St #233, Ventura, CA 93003
New LIfe Counseling Center (805) 240-3299 (offers mentoring, not licensed therapists)
Crisis Team offered by VENTURA COUNTY BEHAVIORAL HEALTH DEPARTMENT - ADULT SERVICES (VCBH-HCA);
Crisis and Referral Line: 866-998-2243; Program Hours: Services available 24/7. Call for assistance.
Substance Use Treatment Access Line 1-844-385-9200
Family Support Group offered by NAMI VENTURA COUNTY
NATIONAL ALLIANCE ON MENTAL ILLNESS; Helpline: 805-500-6264; Main Number: 805-641-2426; Program Hours:
Zoom Meetings: 2nd Tuesday of each month at 6:30pm and 4th Tuesday of each month at 6:30pm
Email for zoom meeting link, Registration must be submitted by 4pm on day of group to receive link for that week.
Kids/Children Resources
Parenting with Mental Health in Mind $40 course: Website
Parent Cue podcast episode: Helping Kids Cope with Anxiety Podcast Link
Feelings Wheel: Download Here
Cell Phone Agreement: Download Here
Student Resources
Parent Guide to Suicide and Self-Harm Prevention Click Here
Parent Guide to Anxiety & Depression Click Here
Parent Guide to Shame-Free Parenting Click Here
Parent Guide to Pornography Click Here
Parent Guide to TikTok Click Here
Tips and Tricks on talking to Your Student about Faith and Baptism Click Here
Additional Resources from AXIS - Website
Warning Signs of Suicide
• Talking about wanting to die or kill oneself.
• Sudden change in behavior; happier or calmer.
• Suicide threats or previous suicide attempts.
• Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live.
• Loss of interest in things one cares about.
• Talking about being trapped or in unbearable pain.
• Giving things away, such as prized possessions.
• Purchasing a gun or stockpiling pills.
• Talking about being a burden to others.
• Increasing the use of drugs or alcohol.
• Withdrawn or feeling isolated.
• Acting anxious or agitated; behaving recklessly.
• Sleeping too little or too much.
• Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge.
• Making arrangements; setting one’s affairs in order.
• Themes of death or depression in conversation, writing, reading, or art.
Understanding More About Self-Harm
• National Library of Medicine - click here
• Amen Clinics - click here
• Child Mind Institute - click here
• National Alliance on Mental Illness - click here
Things To Know
A suicidal person may not ask for help, but that doesn’t mean help isn’t wanted.
• People who take their lives don’t want to die – they want to stop hurting.
• Suicide prevention starts with recognizing the warning signs and taking them seriously.
• If you think a friend or family member is considering suicide, you might be afraid to bring up the subject, but talking openly about suicidal thoughts can save a life.
What To Do
If someone you know is displaying signs
• Take it SERIOUSLY!
• Ask the question, “Are you thinking about suicide?” This will show the person you are concerned about them, and will open communication, allowing the person to express their thoughts freely.
• Listen intently and persuade them to get help. If able, guide them to a local resource such as this webpage.