With the proper support and resources, every individual has the potential to overcome life’s challenges. From substance use to mental health, our programs are designed to empower individuals and families to reclaim their lives. While we can share about our programs and the successes they’ve seen over the last year, we firmly believe nothing illustrates the success of our efforts better than the stories from people who have been directly impacted: our clients. Each of the following stories highlights the profound impact access to behavioral health services has on individuals and our communities.
The Path to Recovery: Tyler
The road to recovery is rarely a straight path. For Tyler, it was a journey that spanned several years before he felt ready to commit to sobriety fully. Along the way, he made several attempts to seek help, including trying methadone, but nothing seemed to take hold. It wasn’t until he hit rock bottom that he found the determination and strength to turn his life around.
“I was absolutely terrified,” Tyler recounted, reflecting on the depths of his addiction to fentanyl. “I couldn’t go longer than 30 minutes without running to the garage for another hit. It was taking up my entire life.”
Tyler had sought help before but had only experienced failed attempts when it came to getting clean. This time, he knew it would be different. He was ready to make the commitment. After a painful time of withdrawals, treatment with suboxone and methadone, and a supportive team, Tyler was able to obtain sobriety.
“I was really scared at first – I didn’t want to be committed to anything,” Tyler shared. “But the people at Comprehensive were so accepting and cool as hell. They convinced me to stay, and so I did.”
Comprehensive’s team played a vital role in Tyler’s success. Tricia, one of his advocates, and Dr. Zuckerman provided unwavering support. “Tricia has been there for me since the beginning, and Dr. Zuckerman gave me hope when I needed it most,” Tyler said. “They just kept making me feel good about myself and told me that I could make it. It gave me the hope I needed to start the program.”
Before seeking services with Comprehensive, Tyler was reclusive, avoiding activities – especially interacting with other people. Today, Tyler attends group therapy sessions every Thursday and Friday, even though he now qualifies for take-home doses. “Group is the one thing I look forward to,” he said. “It’s something positive, and I feel like I can help others. I’ve talked people out of leaving the clinic when they were struggling. Knowing I’ve helped someone stay clean feels amazing.”
Tyler’s journey proves that recovery is possible with the proper support and determination. Reflecting on how far he’s come, he said, “I never thought I’d be here. I thought I’d be a junkie forever. But now, I’m focused on health and making my life better.”
I never thought I’d be here. I thought I’d be a junkie forever. But now, I’m focused on health and making my life better.
Tyler, Client at Comprehensive Healthcare
His message to others? “Don’t wait. Do it now. Whether it’s getting sober or improving your health, the time is now.”
Tyler credits his family and the team at Comprehensive Healthcare’s Methadone Program for helping him find hope again. His story is a powerful reminder that recovery is not just about overcoming addiction—it’s about reclaiming a life once thought lost.
Turning Lives Around: The Armendariz Family
The Multisystemic Therapy (MST) program continues to change lives for families struggling with behavioral health challenges. The Armendariz family is a shining example of what MST can accomplish when dedication and teamwork come together. Their powerful testimonials give us a glimpse into the profound impact MST has made on their lives.
For Veronica, mother to three girls in the MST program, the experience has been nothing short of life-changing.
“Since we have been in MST services, life has been so much easier!” Veronica shared. “Before MST, my girls were in and out of juvie. They were drinking, using drugs, not listening to me, and running away.”
Veronica credits much of their progress to Mims, the family’s MST counselor, who she describes as “kind but straightforward.” This approach, combined with the program’s focus on accountability and positive behavioral changes, has helped transform the dynamics in their home.
For 12-year-old Aaliyah, MST has been a turning point in her young life. “Before MST, I was drinking almost every day and smoking. Mims helped me a lot with my anger issues, and I’m very grateful for her,” Aaliyah wrote in her heartfelt testimonial.
Through the program, Aaliyah has learned how to process her emotions in a healthy way, avoid risky behaviors, and set her sights on a brighter future. Her progress is evident in the positive feedback from her family, who have observed her behavior changes firsthand.
Aaliyah’s own words capture her new mindset: “I want to do more – there’s more to life than being on the streets. I feel like I can be more.”
I want to do more – there’s more to life than being on the streets. I feel like I can be more.
Aaliyah, Client in the MST Program at Comprehensive Healthcare
At 15, Araceli also faced significant challenges before starting MST. She describes her life before the program as chaotic, marked by drug use, drinking, running away, and constant conflict with her family.
“Mims taught me better ways to cope with everything,” Araceli shared. “I no longer do drugs, run away, or fight with my sisters or mom.”
In addition to addressing her behavior, MST has empowered Araceli with tools to set boundaries, express her emotions, and focus on her education and goals. She is now enrolled in school, preparing for driver’s education, and excited to start shadowing at a hair salon – a far cry from her path before MST.
The impact of MST on this family is undeniable. Veronica notes that their household is calmer, their relationships are stronger, and her daughters are more motivated and focused on their futures. The MST program and the unwavering dedication of counselors like Mims are at the heart of this transformation. By addressing the underlying causes of problematic behavior and engaging the entire family in the process, MST empowers youth and their loved ones to create lasting change.
For families like the Armendariz family, MST is more than just a program – it’s a lifeline and a source of hope for a brighter future.
“I would recommend the MST program to anyone that is having trouble with their children,” Veronica shares. “Thank you, MST, from the Armendariz Family.”
Community, Care, and Courage: Jennifer
Just before her 20th birthday, Jennifer found herself in a dark and isolating place, unsure how to find a way out. Battling depression and undiagnosed mental health struggles, she felt lost and overwhelmed. Like many young adults, Jennifer turned to the internet in search of guidance. Instead of hope, she encountered stories of stigma and judgment from people who sought help and were dismissed or misunderstood by their loved ones. These narratives deepened her fear of rejection, leading Jennifer to conceal her struggles from those closest to her.
One day, on her way to work, Jennifer’s mental health challenges became too severe to ignore. She decided to pull off on the side of the road, and a kind motorist stopped to see if she needed help. Realizing she needed more help than he could give, he called the police department to intervene. She was taken to a local hospital, beginning what would become a lifelong journey of seeking mental health care. It took years of trial and error—finding the right support systems, medications, and medical team—before Jennifer began to experience stability.
When Jennifer first became ill in 2001, resources in their community were limited. “We were unable to find the help we needed here,” Jennifer’s mother, Leslie, shared. “We were in Portland, Spokane, and Seattle for some time. She saw many different doctors, therapists, and social workers, but there was no consistency. Finally, at Harborview in Seattle, she met Dr. J. Veitengruber and his team. After many months and with Jennifer’s participation, a treatment plan was formulated. This was the turning point.”
Eventually, Jennifer returned to Yakima in 2015 and began receiving services from Comprehensive Healthcare. For Leslie, this marked a turning point in her daughter’s journey. “Comprehensive was amazing,” Leslie recalled. “They are such a gift to this community and all the communities where they provide services. Having access to excellent services in your community enables you to be close to family and friends, and that makes all the difference.”
Jennifer’s mental health journey now spans over two decades, and her family has learned to navigate the ups and downs with the support of a reliable care network. “I’m a retired nurse, but when we started this journey with Jennifer, I knew nothing about mental health,” Leslie admitted. “As a nurse, I thought they’d put her on medication, and she’d be fine. But my husband and I eventually realized this was a lifelong journey. There is no quick fix. There are highs and lows, and over time, the highs start to outnumber the lows when you have the right support.”
That support made all the difference in August of 2024 when Jennifer began noticing unsettling symptoms. “I knew something wasn’t quite right – it had been building for weeks,” Leslie recalled. Jennifer confided in her mother that she was struggling with worsening anxiety, paranoia, and even hallucinations. Drawing on years of experience navigating Jennifer’s mental health challenges, Leslie recognized these symptoms as signs of a more serious issue. Having learned to identify warning signs and respond quickly, she encouraged Jennifer to lean on the support system they had carefully built over the years.
After speaking with her therapist and making arrangements to ensure her day-to-day responsibilities were taken care of, Jennifer checked into one of Comprehensive Healthcare’s inpatient centers to seek help.
There, Jennifer found a safe, welcoming environment and a team of attentive professionals. One staff member in particular, an ARNP named Silas, quickly identified the root of her symptoms: Jennifer was being overmedicated.
“I went to visit her the day after I dropped her off, and she was completely different,” Leslie recalled. “When I first brought her in, she was so anxious and distressed – it was heartbreaking. By the second day, the stress was gone from her face. I walked back to my car, sat down, and just cried – happy tears. The staff had made such a huge difference so quickly.”
Silas called Leslie during Jennifer’s stay to explain the issue. Jennifer had been on several medications, one of which had too high of a dosage, which was causing her symptoms to worsen. “I want her to be happy,” he reassured Leslie. With adjusted medication and the compassionate care of Comprehensive’s staff, Jennifer was ready to be discharged just a few days later.
“We’ve been through so many difficult, heartbreaking experiences over the years,” Leslie said. “But the staff at Comprehensive listened to her, truly cared, and responded in ways that made all the difference. We’re so grateful for everything they’ve done.”
A Ripple Effect of Change
The stories shared here testify to the power of access to behavioral health programs in our communities. Each of these individuals has a unique journey, but together, they demonstrate the ripple effect that occurs when people receive the care and support they need. Recovery doesn’t just transform lives; it strengthens families, builds healthier communities, and inspires others to seek help.
If you or someone you know needs support, contact Comprehensive Healthcare. Together, we can continue to create vibrant communities where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
