Art, interaction help kids overcome mental health challenges
EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) –When it comes to kids, mental health and social participation are deeply connected. Some local young people are getting help with socialization and making friends, thanks to UTEP Occupational Therapy doctoral student Desirae Gomez. She partnered with La Mente Behavioral Health as part of her OT Capstone project.
Every week, kids currently being treated at La Mente can gather in a special room to paint, journal, or take part in activities like cupcake wars. They think it’s fun – but it’s actually much more. In this environment, without diagnoses or labels, they begin opening up to others while they create. She provides the art supplies and the safe space.
“I’ll leave less glitter on the table so they have to interact and say, ‘can i borrow the glitter?’ Just get that interaction together,” Gomez says. In the past few weeks, she’s noticed the children are opening up and conversing more. There are more smiles. And more kids! What started as a group of four has already grown to 36. That’s more glitter, glue and art supplies for Gomez to buy, but she doesn’t mind at all.
La Mente employee Alexandra Zuniga agrees. She says this program compliments the work they do every day. She calls it a success, and something their clients can count on.
“Having a support system is super important and can help you in life, no matter the struggles you’re facing. A lot of times the kids who come in have low self esteem so connecting with others increases their joy and happiness.” For more information on La Mente, and how to get your child involved, click here: https://lamentehealth.com/
Desirae Gomez says after she completes the program, she will stay in the mental health field. She says emotions effect people’s everyday life and seeing that children struggle with that, she wants to continue to find ways to help and improve their lives.
For more information on UTEP’s Occupational Therapy doctoral program, click here: https://www.utep.edu/chs/ot/
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