Montrose Counseling Center

Montrose Counseling Center's Response to the H1N1 Virus (Swine Flu)

The media is focusing a great deal of attention on the H1N1 Virus, more commonly known as Swine Flu. There is certainly a good reason to be concerned when the federal government has declared a public health emergency. However, like with other media frenzies, the nonstop coverage may be the source of unnecessary stress. Montrose Counseling Center's Clinical Director, Chris Kerr, MEd, LPC, says, "If you find yourself become increasingly anxious about your own health, and if that stress is impacting your ability to live productively, it may be helpful to limit the amount of information you access through the media, in terms of watching the news on television, listening to the radio, reading newspapers or online news sources."

Kerr suggests that you may want to go to established and reliable health organization's websites, such as the Center's for Disease Control and Prevention or World Health Organization if you're interested in finding out the most current details about the disease. More regional information may be found at the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS).

Kerr stresses the importance of self care if you find your stress level increasing. For some that may be talking with friends and family members, while others may benefit from exercise or meditation. "It may sound cliché, but you know yourself better than anyone else. Do what you need to in order to take care of yourself, and try to do it in a healthy, productive way instead of turning to drugs or alcohol."

If you are concerned about prevention, Kerr says that the prevailing advice is to treat it like you would any other respiratory virus and take ordinary precautions, such as frequently washing your hands, covering your mouth when you cough, asking others to cover their mouths when they cough or sneeze.

At an agency such as Montrose Counseling Center, where clients with compromised immune systems receive care, it is important that if you begin experiencing flu-like symptoms that you reschedule your appointment. Take care of yourself and consult your primary care physician right away. If you do not have a primary care physician, contact your therapist or case manager for a referral to an agency that may test you for the H1N1 virus.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month: Help Erase the Stigma

Mental Health Awareness One of the reasons we are extremely proud of the success of the first floor GLBT Cultural Center is that we hope it will bring members of the community to Montrose Counseling Center to find out about all the work we're doing. Over time, perhaps it will lessen the stigma associated with receiving mental health care. As an organization that provides behavioral and mental health services, we know that word of mouth probably isn't the way most people hear about most of our programs. That's because a lot of people are ashamed to tell anyone they are struggling with depression or other issues that have prompted them to seek counseling. "We deal with stigmas on a daily basis," says Executive Director Ann J. Robison, PhD.

Staff therapist, Sue Long, LCSW, agrees, "Other stigmas may create barriers for people to discuss the care they receive at MCC, such as internalized homophobia, substance abuse and HIV status."

Many come from an era when you didn't talk about your problems with anyone. You kept family secrets hidden. Even though there has been great progress in reducing the stigma associated with mental health care, many people still see the need for therapy as a sign of weakness. You wouldn't hesitate to call a physician if they had a sore throat, because there is no shame in having a sore throat. But when it comes to addressing their depression, many people refuse to get help. Family and friends may tell you it's all in your head and that you should "just get over it." You may believe this, too.

According to Long, stigmas may result in someone refusing to seek help, and that may exacerbate the situation, especially when it comes to substance abuse or depression. "When someone associates his or her mental health with guilt and shame, it may cause that person to use more or isolate more. In the most drastic situations with either, it could lead to physical harm."

Is there anything you can do to help reduce the stigma surrounding mental health? According to Long, you can help by paying attention to the way you communicate. How often do we hear people use terms like retard, demented, or cuckoo or see them use gestures to insinuate that someone is crazy?

Another step you can take is to seek treatment if and when you need it, like you would if you had a sore throat. For some, getting mental health care is situational, while others may benefit from an ongoing relationship with a therapist. Either way, recognize that your mental health needs are important and ignoring them won't make them go away.

Bequest Results in Naming of GLBT Cultural Center Room

You may never know what impact you'll have on the lives of others. A landscaper by trade, Craig Stanley Brown will be remembered for his intelligence, his wry wit, loving character and devotion to his family, which according to his cousin, extended beyond his relatives to those whom he entrusted with his friendship. That friendship included Montrose Counseling Center. Executive Director Ann J. Robison, PhD, recently learned that Mr. Brown recognized the organization's hard work with a generous donation after his passing. MCC will honor Mr. Brown's life by naming one of the meeting rooms at the GLBT Cultural Center after him so that future clients, volunteers, visitors and staff forever will know that he made a difference. Dr. Robison extends her heartfelt condolences to Mr. Brown's family and expresses her gratitude on behalf of the agency and its Board of Directors.

The David Bohnett Foundation Helps GLBT Youth and Seniors

As one of more than 60 recent Cyber Center grant recipients, Montrose Counseling Center will receive five desktop computer stations for HATCH and SPRY participants from The David Bohnett Foundation. Besides the computers themselves, which will be located in the HATCH room at the GLBT Cultural Center, the grant guarantees free internet access, educational enhancement and computer technology training to GLBT youth ages 13-20 and seniors 60 years and older.

Los Angeles philanthropist David Bohnett, co-founder of GeoCities and other internet venues, leads his foundation with a mission of improving society through social activism. One of The David Bohnett Foundation's major programs is the establishment of state-of-the-art "Cyber Centers" within GLBT-oriented organizations across the nation.

Volunteers interested in helping staff this project are encouraged to call 713.529.0037 x372 or email.

You Are Not Alone.
Coming Out Support Group Begins Thursday, June 18

Coming Out is an ongoing process for anyone who identifies as Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, or Transgender. Have you ever introduced your partner as your friend? Have you found yourself avoiding pronouns when you talk about your love interests? Every day, you are presented with choices about how open you will be with friends, family members, and coworkers.

The Coming Out Support Group is open to all persons who identify as GLBT or Questioning. Meetings will take place in the GLBT Cultural Center on the 1st Floor of MCC at 401 Branard from 6 - 7:30 p.m. during an 8-week period that will last from June 18 - August 6. Participants may join at any time, and you need not be a client of Montrose Counseling Center to join. There is no fee to participate, although we will accept donations.

Each session will be composed of an educational presentation on a specific topic, followed by an open, confidential discussion of that topic. Topics include: Coming Out; Homophobia and Self-Loathing; Spirituality for GLBT persons; Gay History/Gay Pride; Coming Out to Others; Coming Out to Family; Coming Out in the Workplace; Healing the Hurt - Prejudice & Discrimination; Coming Out - A Lifelong Process; Healthy Relationships.

Registration is requested, but not required. For more information, please call 713.529.0037 x394.

EVENTS ON THE HORIZON...

Buy a Bear to Benefit HATCH at the Teddy Bear/Bear Auction on Friday, May 1

Imperial Princess XXV Lillian Devereaux hosts Lillian's 2nd Annual Birthday Teddy Bear/Bear Auction at Tony's Corner Pocket, 817 W Dallas, on Friday, May 1, at 8:30 p.m. Proceeds to benefit HATCH through the Empire of the Royal Sovereign Imperial Court of the Single Star, Inc. [ERSICSS]. Some of the teddy bears were decorated by the HATCH youth. Come one and all to bid on the adorable Teddy Bears/Bears!

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Ms. Gay Pride Houston Goes Country on Friday-Saturday, May 1-2
Join Sara Sjolander, reigning Ms. Gay Pride Houston, as she celebrates some all-time country music hits. On Friday, May 1, the celebration will take place at Brazos River Bottom [BRB], 2400 Brazos Street, at 9 p.m., featuring classic country music, pre-1980. Calling all performers! This show will be open to all who want to participate. Prefer contemporary country music? Then Chances, 1100 Westheimer, is the place for you on Saturday, May 2, at 10 p.m., where the show will feature post-1980 country hits. The lineup will be preset, but audience participation in encouraged. Both shows will benefit MCC's Stella Link SeVille Room and Gulf Coast Archive & Museum of GLBT History, Inc.

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Carl Han Celebrates 4th Annual Love Party on Saturday, May 2
Experience the love at Meteor, 2306 Genesee, on Saturday, May 2, from 6:30 - 9 p.m., for Carl Han's 4th Annual Love Party, "Beautiful." Han is a long-time supporter of MCC and HATCH, and all of the proceeds from this event will go towards the HATCH Prom in June. Suggested donation for entry is $10. Performances include Houston's premiere belly dancing troupe the Tribal Lillies and drag performances by Yna Nova and China Doll.

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Cinco de Mayo Fiesta on Tuesday, May 5
Hosted and emceed by Empress XVI Selena St. John and Arch Duchess for Life Alicia Dos Amantes, you won't want to miss this Cinco de Mayo celebration! The fiesta will take place at EJ's, 2517 Ralph, at 6:30 p.m., featuring guest bartenders and performances. Proceeds will benefit Emperor and Empress XXV J.P. and Marcia Mink Anne Gill's annual beneficiaries, which include HATCH, through the Empire of the Royal Sovereign Imperial Court of the Single Star, Inc. [ERSICSS].

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Underneath Film Screening and Meet & Greet with Co-Director Katrina Deaton on Friday, May 8
Underneath is the coming out story of an African American woman who struggles to find her place in the world while satisfying her need for love. For more information about the film, visit www.underneaththemovie.com. There will be a Meet & Greet with Co-Director Katrina Deaton from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. in the large Community Room of the GLBT Cultural Center on the 1st floor of MCC at 401 Branard. The screening begins at 7:30 p.m. Admission is $9 smf benefitd HATCH. Join us for complimentary hors d'oeuvres and a great film!

Underneath Film Screening

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Montrose Family Reunion and
Pre-Mother's Day Show
Saturday, May 9
Join Miss Gay Pride Houston Regina Dane and Daddy of Montrose Carlos Rivera as they present "Mamas and Papi: A Montrose Family Affair" on Saturday, May 9, at Tony's Corner Pocket, 817 W Dallas. This pre-Mother's Day show is open to all performers, with a special invitation extended to all Mothers of Montrose, Daddys of Montrose, past and present Gay Pride Royalty, and all Houston community titleholders. The festivities will begin at 7 p.m. with a Family Reunion community social, and the show starts at 8 p.m. Proceeds to benefit MCC's Stella Link Seville Room.

Continuing Education Class: Sexually Transmitted Infections [STIs], Hepatitis, & Tuberculosis on May 15

Montrose Counseling Center's Continuing Education classes will feature STIs, Hepatitis, & Tuberculosis on May 15. Classes take place in the GLBT Cultural Center on the 1st floor of MCC and are open to everyone. Continuing Education Units (CEU's) are available for LMSWs, LBSWs, LCDCs, and LPCs. Classes cost $10 per hour if prepaid. If not prepaid, there will be an additional $10 fee at the door.

For more information about these classes and how to register for them, click here, or call MCC's Education Department at 713.529.0037 for additional information.

Flashback to the 80s at the HATCH Prom on Friday, June 12
The 17th Annual HATCH Prom,"Flashback to the 80s" will be held from 7 p.m. - midnight on Friday, June 12, in theCommunity Room of the GLBT Cultural Center, on the 1st floor of MCC. The prom is free for GLBT and questioning youth, and their allies, ages 13-20. Many don't attend their own high school dances because they fear teasing and physical abuse.

A special invitation is extended to GLBT adults who may not have had the chance to attend their own high school prom dressed as they wished or with a same-sex date. Anyone 21 or older may attend for a $25 donation.

If you are interested in sponsoring this event, please contact 713.529.3590 or email.

SPRY Socials:
Food, Entertainment, & Education
Are you 60 years or older and looking to build relationships with your peers? Upcoming SPRY Socials include potlucks, movie screenings, and trip to the International Festival.

For more information about upcoming SPRY Socials, click here.

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Thanks 1,000,000!

A $30,000 grant has been awarded to MCC for its Seniors Preparing for Rainbow Years (SPRY) program by The Isla Carroll Turner Friendship Trust. Founded by Texas philanthropist Isla Carroll Sterling Turner, this foundation has provided for the needs of the elderly throughout the state since 1956. We thank the trustees for their generous support and recognition of the special work SPRY performs with GLBT individuals in their "rainbow years."

Thank you to Emperor and Empress XXV J.P. and Marcia Mink Anne Gill of the Empire of the Royal Sovereign Imperial Court of the Single Star, Inc., [ERSICSS] who raised more than $2,800 for their beneficiaries, including HATCH, at the Houston Church Ladies Bake Sale & Revival on Saturday, April 11, and the Easter basket auction at ERSICSS's Annual Easter Show on Sunday, April 12.

Special thanks also goes out to Falcon and Scott Kenyon for the Illuminations Project fundraiser, Disco Inferno, they threw on Saturday, April 18. MCC is extremely excited to be a beneficiary of this year's event, which will be held in November.