Author: Stephanie Ferro, Graduate Student Worker, Health and Human Services Agency, North County Regions

North County residents now have a new place to turn to when they need help with substance abuse and behavioral health issues. The new North Coastal Live Well Center in Oceanside is a state of the art facility that provides a wide variety of behavioral health services for adults and houses the North Coastal Mental Health Clinic and Mariposa Clubhouse operated by Mental Health Systems.

The Mariposa Clubhouse offers a rehabilitation program for individuals living with mental health issues. Their psychosocial rehabilitation model focuses on treating the whole individual rather than focusing only on their mental health symptoms. Members of the Clubhouse participate in social, educational and vocational activities that promote self-reliance and receiving support from trained staff to help them achieve their individual goals.

The Clubhouse also provides a variety of support groups and recovery classes offered by staff, members, and other agencies, including Recovery Innovations International, National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI), San Diego State University Research Foundation, and Recovery International. Members can find employment by working side-by-side with Clubhouse staff in various roles, as well as participate in volunteer opportunities within the community. The Clubhouse focuses on helping members make healthier choices by incorporating the Live Well San Diego vision into their programs, including the recently implemented Healthy Living with Chronic Conditions program.

“It is very rewarding to see members build confidence and a support network free of stigma, and advocate for themselves for both their mental health and in their personal lives,” said Kelly Villa, Program Manager at Mariposa Clubhouse. “I also enjoy that they have ownership over the activities offered at the Clubhouse by providing suggestions and helping the program run smoothly by volunteering in various roles. I am always impressed with how committed members are to our program and to their recovery.”

The Clubhouse works towards having a welcoming environment free of stigma where members can relate to others and know that recovery is possible. It creates opportunities for members to grow and connect.

“Friends at the Clubhouse have helped me find resources that have helped my recovery, and I have found the right medication. For those of us who do not have family, it gives us a place to go during holidays. [It] feels like family,” shared Jessica G., Mariposa Clubhouse Member.

For more information, please visit: www.mhsinc.org.

The North Coastal Live Well Center recently celebrated its grand opening on December 4, 2018. The Mariposa Clubhouse is open Monday through Friday, from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm.