Great Nonprofits

Joan Braveman

A Vital Community Initiative

A Vital Community Initiative

COMHAR Awarded Opportunity to Train Clinicians in Prolonged Exposure Therapy

In a groundbreaking development for the Philadelphia community, COMHAR Outpatient Services has been awarded the prestigious opportunity to train clinicians in Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE) through an Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) designation. 

EPIC has partnered with COMHAR to bridge the gap between research and practice, ensuring that the latest, most effective treatment modalities reach those who need them most.  COMHAR’s selection for this EBP designation recognizes the clinic’s commitment to excellence, data-driven practices, and continuous improvement in mental health care.

Prolonged Exposure Therapy is an integral component.  This evidence-based therapy approach is primarily used to treat individuals struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It has demonstrated remarkable efficacy in alleviating the burdens of trauma and helping members regain control over their lives.

In the Philadelphia community, where trauma-related mental concerns often go unaddressed, the introduction of PET represents a significant step forward.  Its importance cannot be overstated, and here is why:

1. Targeted Healing

2. Improved Quality of Life

3. Empowering Clinicians

4. Reduced Stigma

In conclusion, COMHAR‘s achievement in being awarded the opportunity to train clinicians in Prolonged Exposure Therapy is a significant step forward in the quest for evidence-based, data-driven mental health care in Philadelphia. Prolonged Exposure Therapy, as a critical component of this endeavor, promises to make a lasting impact on the community by addressing trauma-related mental health issues and fostering healing and resilience.

COMHAR‘s commitment to senior leadership in the field, paired with its dedication to evidence-based practices, is a beacon of hope for individuals and families who have longed for effective, accessible mental health support in the community.
August/September 2023 Newsletter

August/September 2023 Newsletter

Welcome to Volume 8 of PEOPLE FIRST, COMHAR’s Agency Newsletter.  In this issue you will read about how the children in COMHAR’s Latino Treatment Program were prepared for the first day of school; the 25th Anniversary party for the Independence House; a preview of SafeinHome; the COMHAR/NAMI Kick-Off Walk; and more!   

If you are interested in receiving the newsletter electronically, please email a request to info@comhar.org.

National Hispanic Heritage Month

National Hispanic Heritage Month

The theme for 2024 Hispanic Heritage Month, Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together, seeks to recognize the trailblazers who have paved the way for all who have followed. This theme invites us to celebrate Hispanic Heritage and our history, while building up the generations that will follow our lead in the future.  

National Hispanic Heritage Month traditionally honors the cultures and contributions of both Hispanic and Latino Americans as we celebrate heritage rooted in all Latin American countries, including Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Equitorial Guinea, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Puerto Rico, Spain, Uruguay, and Venezuela. 

Hispanic Heritage Month began in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week, under President Lyndon Johnson, and expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period. It was enacted into law on Aug. 17, 1988. During National Hispanic Heritage Month, we celebrate the immeasurable impact Hispanic and Latinx people have made in our nation. We honor those who inspired others to dream, study, work, serve and succeed. For us at COMHAR, this also means acknowledging, appreciating and celebrating the proud legacy of Hispanics dedicated to the members and residents of COMHAR.

Please take a moment to thank all of COMHAR’s Hispanic team members who make a difference in our members’ lives every day!

Latino Treatment Program Backpack Party

Latino Treatment Program Backpack Party

Latino Treatment Program (LTP) hosted over 100 children at the 2023 Backpack Party!  The festivities began outside with face painting, games, giveaways, and a surprise visit from the Philadelphia Fire Department. Even in the rain, the children enjoyed touring the fire truck and playing games.

Game playing led to enjoying pizza, pretzels, and flavored ices!  YUM!

 

 

The highlight of the day was the backpack giveaway!  Now it’s back to school.

COMHAR Elects New Board Member

COMHAR Elects New Board Member

COMHAR is pleased to announce the election of Allie Bruchwalski to the COMHAR Board of Directors on August 11, 2023. Allie is a Community Liaison at Friends Hospital in Philadelphia as well as a member of the Suicide Prevention Task Force of Philadelphia Sub-Committee, Special Populations and Engagement.  She has a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Pittsburgh and Project Management Certificates from Villanova University.  Her experience with Behavioral Health, both personally and professionally, is part of what drives Allie’s interest in serving on COMHAR’s Board of Directors.  Collaboration, communication, and connection are a few attributes that she looks forward to contributing to the Development Committee of the board.