In the last month, local psychiatrist Dr. Carlos Garcia Espinoza has provided several trainings for around 55 people affiliated with Back2Back, including Strong Families parents, 12 Stones staff, and Rancho de los Niños children’s home staff. Dr. Garcia Espinoza is a medical professional and psychiatrist trained in several types of therapies; he came highly recommended to staff as he is well known throughout Mazatlán for his work.
Over the course of three different sessions, staff and parents gained more clarity and understanding about mental health and the stigma attached to it. Dr. Garcia Espinoza came with several themes to teach regarding mental health and presented them in personable and engaging ways. He covered myths and truths about seeking help for mental health/seeing a therapist, how to know when one should seek help or a consultation, what the difference between therapists, psychologists, and psychiatrists are and how they work together, and psychiatric medication and how it applies to the development/health of a patient.
“Staff and parents walked away with a greater understanding and knowledge of these themes and a sense of confidence on the topic of mental health,” explained Wendy Acevedo, Back2Back staff.
Dr. Garcia Espinoza will continue working with Mazatlán staff and very closely with staff psychologists. They plan to dive deeper into discussions from previous sessions and will better understand the use and side effects of medications. This will be extremely helpful knowledge as they work with young adults at the home.
Please join Back2Back staff in prayer over the trainings; pray they facilitate higher empathy and better understanding of what these conditions and treatments mean for young adults. Pray also more conversations would be fostered as a result of the doctor’s leading.