Flip the Script
Flip the Script on Mental Health
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), mental health stigma refers to the negative attitudes, beliefs, and stereotypes that society holds about individuals who experience mental health conditions. It is a form of social discrimination and prejudice that can lead to negative consequences for those affected by mental health issues. Stigma is not only harmful to mental health, but also to physical and social health because it creates shame, fear, or silence, which can stop individuals from seeking help and getting treatment.
Southwest Michigan Behavioral Health (SWMBH) is committed to increasing its understanding of the health needs of individuals within its 8-county service region and finding ways to achieve the goal of reducing stigma within underrepresented communities. Through “Flip the Script,” we aim to flip the negative attitudes, beliefs, and stereotypes on mental illness into positive thoughts, solutions, and outcomes. Through the anti-stigma campaign, we challenge mental health stigma by promoting public awareness, advocacy, and holding open conversations about mental health. Reducing stigma is necessary for forming a more inclusive and supportive community that allows all people to seek the help and treatment they deserve.
Where to Seek Help?
Trying to find services or help for mental health conditions or substance use can be difficult to navigate, but don’t be afraid to reach out. There are options for every level of insurance. (no insurance, Medicaid, Medicare, Private, Commercial, etc.)
Contact the SWMBH service line: (800-890-3712) to find out what services and supports are available in your community.
Below are some resources and organizations by county that can assist you in finding the care you deserve.
If you are looking for substance use services, you can call SWMBH directly. We are the Regional Coordinating Agency to provide services to people with substance use disorders. If you have Medicaid, Healthy Michigan Plan, or do not have insurance, please call our Substance Use Access line at 1-800-781-0353.
Access phone numbers for the county Community Mental Health (CMH) offices:
Barry County 269-948-8041 or 1-800-873-0511
Berrien County 269-925-0585 or 1-800-336-0341
Branch County 517-278-2129 or 1-888-725-7534
Calhoun County 269-966-1460 or 1-800-632-5449
Cass County 269-445-2451 or 1-800-323-0335
Kalamazoo County 269-373-6000 or 1-888-373-6200
St. Joseph County 269-467-1000 or 1-800-622-3967
Van Buren County 269-657-5574 or 1-800-922-1418
Upcoming Provider Events
June 13th Symposium– Southwest Michigan Behavioral Health (SWMBH) welcomes you to attend our health equity symposium aimed to address racial & ethnic disparities in the behavioral health system. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage in thought-provoking discussions and workshops, while gaining insight from several renowned local speakers who are passionate about challenging stigma and breaking down barriers to seeking care. Keynote speakers include Valarie Cunningham from The Synergy Health Center and Kevin Fischer of NAMI. Join us as we explore different perspectives on behavioral health and foster a new positive narrative for the communities we serve.
Valarie Cunningham: Racial Disparities in Black Mental Health
Kevin Fischer: Stop Stigma
Dr. Shea-Lin Shobowale-Benson: Fear & Faith: Stigma in the Faith Based Community
Carlos Brown: Addressing Mistrust: Treatment in Practice (TIP)
Click to Register for the June 13th Symposium
Click to Register for the Virtual Health Equity Training Series
