Community Support

Community plays a significant role in recovery. The hours spent with a mental health professional are relatively few compared to time outside of treatment. Being connected to a non-judgmental community can help fill that gap. It also gives a person a chance to work on their mental wellness with the support of others, reducing isolation and loneliness.

Shasta County is fortunate to have trained Peer Support Specialists and two wellness centers offering free support groups, workshops, trainings, and other activities that promote mental wellbeing. Services are free and anyone in the community can participate.

Peer Support

Peer support specialists have lived experience with mental illness, substance use, homelessness, the justice system, or a combination of these. They have sustained their own recovery and walk alongside people who are going through similar life challenges, offering emotional support and wellness tools. They often serve as a mediator between clients and professional staff, building trust and understanding.

A presentation by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration highlights various studies that show peer support is effective in:

Encouraging people to start and stay engaged in treatment.
Decreasing substance use, depression and psychotic symptoms.
Reducing hospitalizations, use of inpatient services and costs to the mental health system.
Helping people in recovery gain confidence and a sense of control over their ability to make changes in their lives.

HHSA Peer Support is available to clients who receive services through the agency. Additionally, HHSA helps fund community-based peer support, which is for everyone, and can be found at Sunrise Mountain Wellness Center in Redding and Circle of Friends in Burney.

Watch the video below to learn how peer support is transforming Shasta County.

Sunrise Mountain Wellness Center (Redding)

A program of Kings View, Sunrise Mountain Wellness Center offers support for mental health and substance use recovery. The Center offers peer support, WRAP Wellness Recovery Action Plan workshops, support groups, job readiness, arts & crafts, and activities. All services are free.

The Center is is open Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. and is located at 1300 Hilltop Dr. in Redding (behind Bank of America). Contact Jullie Calkins at jcalkins@kingsview.org or (530) 618-5630 for more information.

Check out their groups and activities – April 2023 Calendar, Newsletter.

Circle of Friends (Burney)

Circle of Friends is a safe and welcoming place to make new friends, find support and encouragement. Recognizing that we all have mental health, our doors are open to any person experiencing mental health challenges and/or their family members. We also support anyone looking to heal, grow and learn more about themselves and mental wellness.

We learn to support one another through friendship, peer support, a variety of classes and other activities. We help people discover their individual strengths and gifts. And we use those strengths to make valuable contributions in our lives and in our communities.

Circle of Friends is located at 36987 CA-299E in Burney. Call (530) 335-4222 for more information.

Check out their groups and activities – April 2023 Calendar, Newsletter.

Shasta County NAMI

Provides support for parents, families, friends and people experiencing mental health challenges.

Visit the Shasta County NAMI webpage for more information.

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Community Support