Behavioral Healthcare, Inc. - "Your doorway to Choice, Hope and Recovery"

Mary D., a shy 25-year-old, was homeless and suffered from major depression & anxiety, having had difficulties with completing her master's degree in education at UF due to her mental illness and homelessness. She was about ready to drop out of school due to severe depression and anxiety exacerbated by a poor ability to cope with the stress of school and being homeless. Mary was sleeping on benches on UF campus after her friends
had kicked her out because of her inability to contribute for any rent.

Mary was admitted to Meridian's HOPE program. After her condition was stabilized with medication, she enrolled in the disabilities program at UF as well and was linked with therapy services through UF psychiatry clinic where she received group and individual therapy. Mary was able to adjust her class schedule to a slower pace. She was in the HOPE Program for 18 months and during this time was able to obtain a substitute teaching position with the School Board of Alachua County. Once she completed her master's degree in education Mary was able to transition into permanent housing and obtain a full time teaching position. She has since been able to maintain a positive and successful career and housing, with the assistance of continued medication treatment and therapy.

Paul J. came to Meridian through a child welfare referral due to a failed adoption. He was adopted as part of a sibling group. Unfortunately the adoptive parents felt that his behaviors were not manageable, reversed the adoption on him but not his siblings. This rejection caused tremendous additional stress on Paul who grew up in an abusive environment. On top of his poor socialization skills Paul was suffering from diabetes and hepatitis. His hepatitis was thought to have been contracted through his father who was an intravenous drug user. Paul often hoarded unhealthy food that could trigger his diabetes and often flirted with levels that could put him in a diabetic coma. When behavioral interventions were attempted he was often oppositional and non responsive.

Paul required intensive psychiatric medication, residential treatment and therapeutic intervention. When stabilized from these services he was returned to one of Meridian's Specialized Therapeutic Foster Homes. The foster parent was open to the idea of working on Paul's goals, strengths and talents. The case manager also encouraged him to continue his academics to pursue his goal of college.

Paul was also interested in swimming. After working on his form at the YMCA the he was able to make the varsity swim team at the local high school. Currently Paul is enjoying being in mainstream high school and maintains many friends through his swim team socialization. His foster parent has decided to adopt him and they arein the final stages of a successful adoption story. Paul is now on target for graduation.