Canvas Health CEO, Khu Thao, was recently featured in the Gustavus alumni magazine about young people’s mental health. Read the Q&A below or click here for the full article.
THAO: I would say the kids are resilient, but the kids need support to continue to be resilient and to thrive. Our kids have had to go through COVID, social unrest, war, and lots of other social changes and challenges. They survived and they thrived. Our kids are resilient, but we need to continue to provide them with the support that they need in the evolving environment that they live in.
THAO: It makes such a big difference, not just to the child, but for the entire family. For providers, before you can even start helping the child, you have to help the parents or guardians feel comfortable with who you are. If they don’t feel like their therapist or provider understands them, or has the capacity to invite diversity and differences, they’re not going to come for services, and seeking and accepting services is one of the biggest barriers in healthcare. As a person of color who is also a therapist, that’s been the biggest factor to success with clients, being able to be open to diversity, being flexible to different cultures. That openness opens so many doors.
THAO: Human beings are very complex; and that’s a little bit different from being complicated. When something is complicated, it means that you don’t understand it. If it’s complicated, with time, you can understand it, and then it’s no longer complicated. But when something is complex, it means that there are many things woven together. It’s this tangled ball of yarn. Adolescence is a complex time. The best way that I can describe the support adolescents need is “allow space”—for discovery, for some of this complexity to work itself out. And, we have to listen. That’s the biggest thing—just listen. Ask them what part of that big, old, tangled ball of yarn they want to start with.
THAO: Even though we’ve gone through a lot, even though young people today have experienced things that we’ve never imagined and have never experienced before, there is just so much positivity with our adolescents. I need people to understand that this is our future, and they are so bright and resilient. And with some help and some support, and by listening to them, they will take us to places we’ve never imagined.
For the full article, click here for Gustavus Quarterly.
Canvas Health CEO, Khu Thao, was recently featured in the Gustavus alumni magazine about young people’s mental health. Read the Q&A below or click here for the full article. From your perspective as a practitioner and a parent to two adolescents—how are the kids? THAO: I would say the kids are resilient, but the kids […]
Mood disorders are very common mental health diagnoses in teenagers, but they still carry a lot of stigma. The first step in getting past a teen’s negative perception of their depression diagnosis is to provide some education on the topic. I like to think of depression as having three major contributing factors:
A family history or genetic predisposition is what people are talking about when they refer to depression as “running in the family” or “a chemical imbalance.” When a genetic predisposition is present, a person’s brain is not able to effectively move and use hormones that contribute to mood, such as serotonin, dopamine, or norepinephrine.
Environmental factors are a wide range of stressors that contribute to a person’s mood, such as a significant loss, failing in school, divorce, trauma, bullying, and more.
Finally, the way a person perceives their world and thinks about what happens to them has an impact on their mood. If a person has a more negative mindset, or views “the glass half empty”, they are more susceptible to depression.
The two most common forms of treatment for depression are medication and therapy. Both of these methods have pros and cons, but the most important thing to remember is that neither medication nor therapy works as a magic wand to address all aspects of the problem at once. Medication, for example, can help significantly with the genetic predisposition or “chemical imbalance”, but can do nothing about stress in a person’s environment. There is no pill on the market yet that can help someone process a bad breakup, or explore feelings of shame around being the “bad kid” in the family. Therapy can be very helpful in processing environmental stressors and helping a person learn to think about things differently, but can’t alter the chemistry in the brain. This is why doctors often believe that a combination of medication AND therapy is the best treatment for depression.
If you or a child you know might benefit from counseling, contact you can contact Canvas Health here or call (651) 777-5222.
The therapeutic process requires time and a willingness to participate, and medications can’t work unless the right one is found and it is taken as prescribed. The good news is that the majority of depression in teenagers is situational, meaning that once life starts improving, they find symptom relief. But a depression diagnosis sometimes means a long road of ups and downs. The measure of success isn’t only symptom relief, but progress in a healthier direction. Success might simply mean that the lows don’t get as low, don’t last as long, and can be dealt with until the feelings pass.
Author: Emily Johnson, MSW LICSW, School-Based Mental Health Supervisor
Factors of Depression Mood disorders are very common mental health diagnoses in teenagers, but they still carry a lot of stigma. The first step in getting past a teen’s negative perception of their depression diagnosis is to provide some education on the topic. I like to think of depression as having three major contributing factors: […]
We are incredibly grateful to our Valley Vine & Harvest Throwdown sponsors! Their support helps make everything we do at Canvas Health possible!
Mercury Trading Company
Eckberg Lammers, Attorneys at Law
Kelly Fenton
Ahola, Mack & Associates, Ltd.
Valley Agencies/First State Bank & Trust
Khu Thao, Canvas Health CEO
Tom Ruter, Canvas Health COO
Hilke S. Riechardt-Martinez, Canvas Health CFO
Kurt Seestrom and Denise Heuer
We are incredibly grateful to our Valley Vine & Harvest Throwdown sponsors! Their support helps make everything we do at Canvas Health possible! 3M Andersen Windows Mercury Trading Company RBC Wealth Management Eckberg Lammers, Attorneys at Law Kelly Fenton Lake Elmo Bank M-Health Fairview Ahola, Mack & Associates, Ltd. BWBR The Credit Department Prime Therapeutics […]
The human experience is full of emotional ups and downs. It is absolutely normal for a young person to experience a wide variety of emotions. Adolescence is an extra emotionally intense time due to changes in hormones and rapid brain development, but without the “pause button” of a fully developed pre-frontal cortex.
The phrase bi-polar is often casually used by high schoolers as a way of saying that they struggle with mood swings, but fails to be a truly accurate description of most high schoolers’ state of mind.
Bipolar disorder is characterized by major depressive episodes accompanied by manic episodes. True mania is actually quite different than a period of feeling happy or an absence of depressive symptoms. In a true manic episode, a person’s elevated mood would be accompanied by other symptoms such as pressured speech, racing thoughts, a feeling of grandiosity, psychomotor agitation, an increase in dangerous or risky behavior, or even psychosis. Bipolar disorder is difficult to diagnose, so if there are concerns about abnormal moods, refer the young person to a mental health professional.
But even normal teenaged mood swings can cause problems, like if the young person is unable to tolerate them or find healthy ways to cope. Encouraging teens to remember that all feelings are in the realm of normal, and they eventually pass, is important. Supporting teens to “hang in there” and “ride the wave” of an emotion rather than making an impulsive decision in response to it, will help them learn to self-regulate.
If you or a child you know might benefit from counseling, you can contact Canvas Health here or call (651) 777-5222.
In the meantime, how can the young person take care of themselves and think about what message the emotion may be communicating to them? Do they need some space, or need time to think something through? Do they need to take a walk or talk to a trusted friend or adult? Do they need professional support, a hot shower, a journal, or a workout? Can they express how they are feeling through an artistic medium like painting or music? Do they need to have a good cry (or a good laugh)? Or would a good night’s sleep help?
The Guest House
This being human is a guest house.
Every morning a new arrival.
A joy, a depression, a meanness,
some momentary awareness comes
as an unexpected visitor.
Welcome and entertain them all!
Even if they are a crowd of sorrows,
who violently sweep your house
empty of its furniture,
still, treat each guest honorably.
He may be clearing you out
for some new delight.
The dark thought, the shame, the malice.
Meet them at the door laughing and invite them in.
Be grateful for whatever comes.
Because each has been sent
as a guide from beyond.
— Jellaludin Rumi
Author: Emily Johnson, MSW LICSW, School-Based Mental Health Supervisor
The human experience is full of emotional ups and downs. It is absolutely normal for a young person to experience a wide variety of emotions. Adolescence is an extra emotionally intense time due to changes in hormones and rapid brain development, but without the “pause button” of a fully developed pre-frontal cortex. Bipolar Disorder Meaning […]
The transition from summer to back to school can be difficult for any child. After weeks or months of having a less structured sleep schedule, fun-filled vacations or day camps, and freedom from the demands of daily homework, you might find that your child is approaching the upcoming school year with dread, avoidance, or outright resistance.
While all of these reactions are normal, here are some tips for making the transition easier:
While it’s normal to be dreading the first day of school, here are some signs that your child might be struggling with their mental health:
If you find your child is struggling with any of the above symptoms, there is help available. Canvas Health has school-linked mental health services at several Twin Cities metro schools, and we also have outpatient clinics throughout the metro.
Even if your back-to-school doesn’t look like the happy photos you see on your friends’ social media posts, just remember that kids are resilient and that early intervention can help get your child back on track. Don’t hesitate to give us a call or reach out to your school social worker for resources.
Author: Danielle Hance, MA, LPCC, REAT – Canvas Health school-based therapist
The transition from summer to back to school can be difficult for any child. After weeks or months of having a less structured sleep schedule, fun-filled vacations or day camps, and freedom from the demands of daily homework, you might find that your child is approaching the upcoming school year with dread, avoidance, or outright […]
Canvas Health has over 30 openings in a range of positions all across the Twin Cities metro area. Openings include therapists, crisis clinicians, receptionists, and more!
As a nonprofit community mental health clinic, Canvas Health is a great place to work that allows staff to be supported and grow as professionals while living their values that all people—no matter age, identity, or life experience, etc.—get the care they deserve.
I was looking for somewhere that aligned with my values and where I could be supported and grow as a clinician. I found that at Canvas Health.
-Rachel, Canvas Health therapist
And there are more benefits! Canvas Health is proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package that supports employee health, savings, and balance. We offer a variety of benefits for eligible employees and their families. In many cases, you can also cover your dependents, including your spouse or domestic partner, and children.
Benefit options offered by Canvas Health include:
Come join Canvas Health, a pillar and critical provider mental health and substance use treatment services to the Twin Cities metro for more than 50 years.
For more info about Canvas Health, including a virtual tour of our Oakdale headquarters, visit our careers page. Otherwise head on over to the Canvas Health job board and find out how you can join our work helping our communities find hope, healing, and recovery.
Canvas Health has over 30 openings in a range of positions all across the Twin Cities metro area. Openings include therapists, crisis clinicians, receptionists, and more! As a nonprofit community mental health clinic, Canvas Health is a great place to work that allows staff to be supported and grow as professionals while living their values […]
Andrea*, an outpatient therapy client at Canvas Health, recently shared her story of how her work with her therapist helped her begin healing.
“I started seeing a therapist at Canvas Health a few months ago to help me manage my Bipolar Disorder diagnosis. I can honestly say that she is the best therapist I’ve ever had. She listens to me and helped me make therapy goals that make sense to me. She helps me solve day-to-day situations and respects that I need some time to work on my past traumas.
I also joined one of Canvas Health’s intensive therapy groups, which is helping me not feel so alone. I’m learning to manage my symptoms, and to stop and think before self-harming or making other impulsive and unhealthy choices.”
Outpatient mental health therapy at Canvas Health is provided both in our Bloomington, Cottage Grove, Coon Rapids, Forest Lake, North Branch, Oakdale and Stillwater clinic locations as well via telehealth. To find a therapist at Canvas Health, please search our provider list.
Canvas Health offers a Sliding Fee Scale for eligible services based on income and family size. Those eligible for sliding fee discounted rates from Canvas Health include people who have low incomes and are uninsured or under-insured. Canvas Health also has flexible payment plan options for all clients.
Canvas Health accepts Medicaid, Medical Assistance, Tricare, Medicare, as well as most private insurance including Blue Cross Blue Shield, HealthPartners, Medica, Optum, United Healthcare, UCare, Aetna, Cigna, and Preferred One. Call (651) 777-5222 to verify your insurance.
To make an appointment at Canvas Health, please call (651) 777-5222 to talk to our Intake Coordinators or complete our online appointment request form. They can help match you with a clinician who can get you, your loved one, or your client the help they need in the location that’s most convenient.
Andrea*, an outpatient therapy client at Canvas Health, recently shared her story of how her work with her therapist helped her begin healing. “I started seeing a therapist at Canvas Health a few months ago to help me manage my Bipolar Disorder diagnosis. I can honestly say that she is the best therapist I’ve ever […]
If mood-altering chemicals are of concern, Canvas Health offers Substance Use Comprehensive Assessments (known as “Rule 25 Assessments” until 07/01/2022). These can be scheduled on a required (legally motivated) or voluntary basis.
A Substance Use Comprehensive Assessment consists of an interview; a series of relatively standard questions conducted by a professional, Licensed Drug and Alcohol Counselor (LADC), and generally lasts about forty-five minutes to one hour. The individual will be asked to provide permission to the LADC to make “collateral” contacts – permission to reach out to someone who knows the individual well and can provide data helpful to the assessment process. All of this assists the professional in determining whether the individual has a diagnosable Substance Use Disorder.
Additionally, the individual’s responses and collateral data collected assists in determining whether there is a need for intervention through Substance Abuse Counseling or Treatment as well as in determining the appropriate level of care. Once all data is collected, recommendations are made for the individual and a report is sent to the appropriate and interested parties.
If there is a need for Substance Abuse Treatment, there are several levels of care for those with Substance Use Disorders:
Generally, there is a continuum of care that involves a “step-down” process for the individual in need of Substance Abuse treatment. This is determined in collaboration with the LADCs involved in the individual’s care.
If you or someone you know is in need of a Substance Use Comprehensive Assessment or Substance Use Treatment our friendly and non-judgmental providers are here to help. Book an appointment online or call us at (651) 777-5222.
If mood-altering chemicals are of concern, Canvas Health offers Substance Use Comprehensive Assessments (known as “Rule 25 Assessments” until 07/01/2022). These can be scheduled on a required (legally motivated) or voluntary basis. What Is a Substance Use Comprehensive Assessment? A Substance Use Comprehensive Assessment consists of an interview; a series of relatively standard questions conducted […]
“The best thing about providing service to our clients is witnessing the healing process first-hand. It brings me such joy to see their progress.
Recently, a client entered the Bloomington office and was not even able to sit in a chair. He was so nervous and very uncomfortable. I welcomed him to our office and explained that there was some paperwork to complete, and that he could do it when he was ready.
He explained that he didn’t know where to turn or what to expect from therapy. I reassured him that he would have a conversation with his therapist, just like he was having with me. I explained that he was on a journey and he just took the first step, and it would be a wonderful process. I explained that over course of time, he would begin to increase his strength and understanding so much. That at some point, he would be filled with joy and wonder of his accomplishment.
Later, he stated that Canvas Health saved his life.
I will never forget him.”
~ Linda Pavlick, Administrative Specialist, Canvas Health Bloomington Clinic
Learn more about our Outpatient Services here.
Make a gift in honor of the work of our Outpatient Staff and Programs here.
“The best thing about providing service to our clients is witnessing the healing process first-hand. It brings me such joy to see their progress. Recently, a client entered the Bloomington office and was not even able to sit in a chair. He was so nervous and very uncomfortable. I welcomed him to our office and […]
We are super grateful to Tim Safe of Pathfinder Insurance for donating the proceeds of his first quarter referral program, totaling over $3,640, to Canvas Health.
To help make his program even more impactful, Tim’s community business partners match his donations! Partners include: Kevin Johnson, Forward Accounting, Nick Junker, The Nick Junker Team – Keller Williams Premier Realty, Eric Hoffman, Datastream Connexion, Jon Weaver, Jon Weaver – Mortgage Professional, Pamela Brown, Budget Blinds of Stillwater/Lake Elmo, F45 Training Stillwater, Kristina Marshall, Kristina Lynn Photography & Design, Matthew Stepaniak, Tawnya Stepaniak, Corey Oscarson, Northland Chiropractic Clinic, Lakeview Health Emergency Medical Services, Nick Howe, Mark Howe, Adam Bettin, Buildtec Contracting Company, and Jerry’s Auto Body.
If you’re interested in donating to Canvas Health you can donate online today!
We are super grateful to Tim Safe of Pathfinder Insurance for donating the proceeds of his first quarter referral program, totaling over $3,640, to Canvas Health. To help make his program even more impactful, Tim’s community business partners match his donations! Partners include: Kevin Johnson, Forward Accounting, Nick Junker, The Nick Junker Team – Keller […]
Canvas Health leadership recently announced the agency’s annual CEO Awards. The awards highlight accomplishments in areas including impact to the organization, stress/crisis management, going beyond job description, performance excellence, contribution to morale, and leadership development.
The 2022 CEO Award recipients include: Andrew Baur, Darcy Gassman, Rodney Gayle, Beth Hopkins, Jamie Lindstrom, Ali Ryan, and Jessica Torrey. Following are excerpts from the award nominations for these outstanding individuals who help make Canvas Health the incredible mental health agency that it is.
“Andrew’s assessments have been used as examples for staff, even when he was the most junior member of the team. His ability to connect with people and de-escalate crisis situations through both face-to-face and phone conversations is excellent.
“Rodney has received high praise from school staff in Anoka County for his work with children, and has been requested by a school to conduct assessments due to his gentle and helpful manner. Additionally, as a Veteran himself, Rodney has a passion to work with other Veterans and explore outreach opportunities with this community.”
“Ali’s work on Diversity Committee and its subcommittees has resulted in actions that will make Canvas Health stronger for years to come as our agency continues to evolve in its understanding of diversity issues. Ali also has taken on the task of implementing a new Circle of Security Group for parents and children in the Hastings School District.”
“Darcy consistently goes above and beyond in the Adolescent Day Treatment program. When the opportunity to start an all-day Day Treatment program in Oakdale presented itself, she agreed with excitement to lead the program. Her skills and strengths set the new program on a pathway to success.”
“Everywhere Jamie goes, staff and clients want to work with her. She’s not only fun, but she is accepting and safe. Kids and teens get better and heal because of Jamie’s work to create a safe and fun place for them to be themselves.”
“Beth sets the bar for clinical care, great paperwork, productivity, being an active participant in supervision/consultations, and providing excellent customer service to her clients, families, and her school. Beth mentors other school-based therapists and also helps her colleagues complete assessments for children under 5 years old. She’s a strong and steady presence on the school-based therapy team, while providing her team with light and laughter, which has been needed more than ever for staff working in schools during a pandemic.”
“Jessica has worked closely with Anoka County to set up referrals from 911 that are effective and help get people in mental health crisis the help they need. Jessica dove deep into our Credible transition to help make sure that mobile crisis teams had good workflows. She continues to run a consultation groups for LGSWs across the organization and also conducts supervision for LICSW interns.”
Canvas Health leadership recently announced the agency’s annual CEO Awards. The awards highlight accomplishments in areas including impact to the organization, stress/crisis management, going beyond job description, performance excellence, contribution to morale, and leadership development. 2021 Canvas Health CEO Award Recipients The 2022 CEO Award recipients include: Andrew Baur, Darcy Gassman, Rodney Gayle, Beth Hopkins, […]
Adam Wahlberg is one of Canvas Health’s new Board of Directors members who began his term in 2022.
Wahlberg has a BA in Mass Communications from St. Cloud University and a Masters in Public Affairs from the U of M. An entrepreneur, he lives in Minneapolis and is the founder of Think Piece Publishing which is dedicated to mental health books where he published Julie Barton’s memoir, Dog Medicine, which became a New York Times bestseller.
He has served in editor positions for Twin Cities Business Magazine, Super Lawyers and Minnesota Law and Politics, and currently is the copy chief at Fast Horse marketing agency. He has a wide skill set in communications on mental health, messaging, running events and raising awareness.
“I’ve long admired Canvas Health for everything it does in the community. It shows up for people, which has never been more important. I’m delighted to lend my talents to Canvas Health. You are on the side of the angels,” said Wahlberg.
Learn more about Canvas Health’s Board of Directors.
Adam Wahlberg is one of Canvas Health’s new Board of Directors members who began his term in 2022. About Adam Wahlberg has a BA in Mass Communications from St. Cloud University and a Masters in Public Affairs from the U of M. An entrepreneur, he lives in Minneapolis and is the founder of Think Piece […]
Canvas Health school-based clinicians in Minneapolis Public Schools provided an incredible 159 hours of therapy to students during the recent teacher strike. Canvas Health currently supports eight Minneapolis Public Schools.
Therapy was conducted wherever students were most comfortable – in school buildings, in coffee shops, over Zoom, in homes, and in the community.
“Caring for students’ mental health is vitally important, especially during times of uncertainty. Our therapists joined other mental health supports in Minneapolis to rise to the challenge for their clients, providing a safe place and connection when children really needed it,” said Emily Johnson, MSW, LICSW, school-based mental health supervisor. “We are so grateful for our relationships with teachers and administrators in all of our schools, and for their support of all school mental health services, including the Tier 3 (most intensive) services that Canvas Health therapists offer.”
Johnson explained that therapists facilitated everything from individual and family therapy to doing outreach by bringing school lunches to the homes of clients. One therapist was able to help a young student by walking him to the strike line to say “hi” to his teacher because he was missing her.
Canvas Health provides school-based therapy in 33 schools in five Minnesota districts.
Learn more about Canvas Health’s school-based therapy program.
Make a gift in support of the school-based mental health program here
Canvas Health school-based clinicians in Minneapolis Public Schools provided an incredible 159 hours of therapy to students during the recent teacher strike. Canvas Health currently supports eight Minneapolis Public Schools. Therapy was conducted wherever students were most comfortable – in school buildings, in coffee shops, over Zoom, in homes, and in the community. “Caring for […]
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. During this month, Canvas Health will be highlighting the work of our Abuse Response Services program in the community, our clinics, and on social media.
Canvas Health encourages those who have experienced a sexual assault or dating violence to call our 24 hour crisis line at (651) 777-1117. This line is for Washington County residents, but advocates can help others with referrals to additional resources.
“Working in sexual violence advocacy and education can be difficult, but it is incredibly important. I believe that our work is creating social change in the hopes that we can put an end sexual violence. I am grateful that Canvas Health supports Abuse Response Services’ work, including 24-hour telephone crisis response, short-term counseling, 24/7 response to local hospital emergency rooms, support groups, legal advocacy, Safe at Home application assistance and community education,” said Tara Kline, Abuse Response Services Therapist/Supervisor
Kline continued, “Remember, one of the most important things we can for victims/survivors is to believe them!”
Learn more about Abuse Response Services here.
Make a gift to support the work of Abuse Response Services here.
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. During this month, Canvas Health will be highlighting the work of our Abuse Response Services program in the community, our clinics, and on social media. Canvas Health encourages those who have experienced a sexual assault or dating violence to call our 24 hour crisis line at (651) 777-1117. This […]
When Joel* joined the Partnering for Jobs program, he was unsure about how to incorporate work into his life while receiving benefits from the Social Security Administration. He had a few jobs in the past but was never happy with how they worked out.
The client and Employment Specialist collaborated with VRS to get him a detailed Benefits Analysis. After learning how a future job may impact his benefits, he decided that working a consistent job would be best for him. The Employment Specialist and client applied to many jobs and found success with Afton Alps as a Ski Lift Operator. The client was highly motivated by the benefits that Afton Alps offered; including a free pass to ski for the season. In preparation for Afton Alps, the Employment Specialist, VRS counselor and client worked together to make sure everything lined up with his social security benefits. Joel worked at Afton Alps the winter of 2021 and after a successful season, decided he also wanted to work there the winter of 2022.
Once this season is over, he wants to find a job that is close to his apartment. The VRS counselor is involved in ensuring his potential job options align with his benefits to support his financial needs. Prior to working with the program, his interests were limited. He has since broadened his scope to include working as a cashier, which he said he would have never been comfortable with doing before joining the program. His experience at Afton Alps and working on communication skills with the Employment Specialist gave him the confidence to do a job with a great deal of customer interaction.
Canvas Health’s Partnering for Jobs Individual Placement and Support Services program is dedicated to bringing hope, healing, and recovery by assisting individuals with finding and keeping competitive employment. The program is a collaborative effort between Canvas Health, Lifetrack and Minnesota Vocational Rehabilitation Services.
Learn more about Partnering for Jobs here.
Canvas Health Client Story When Joel* joined the Partnering for Jobs program, he was unsure about how to incorporate work into his life while receiving benefits from the Social Security Administration. He had a few jobs in the past but was never happy with how they worked out. The client and Employment Specialist collaborated with […]
