Why I do what I do – Aaron Newton, Access Center & Admissions Program Manager

If you would have asked me 15 years ago what I wanted to be when I grow up, I would have been dumbfounded. I likely would have made something up to escape the conversation. Throughout high school I experienced debilitating social anxiety. Social anxiety so crippling that it often had me questioning my self-worth and confidence. There would be days I would go without saying a single word. I would isolate, sit in the far back of the room, be the first to leave school while others mingled, and barely made passing grades. The stress was heavy, but the self-destructive thoughts were heavier. Higher education was not in my plans until a couple of teachers took an investment in me, offering words of encouragement and mentoring.

My interest and passion in mental health grew exponentially after taking some of my first courses in sociology and psychology during my undergraduate years. The intertwining of these two studies is essential for whole-person wellness; this, coupled with my personal experiences is what motivated me to explore career opportunities in the field of mental health.

My first job was as a school-based children’s case manager. I went into the position not really knowing what I was going to be doing or about to experience; however, after the first week, I knew this is where I was meant to be.

Although the experience was short lived, I yearned for more. I relocated, enrolled into graduate school for my master’s in social work, and began working as a crisis case manager at the COMCARE Crisis Center in Wichita. 

In this role, I was afforded invaluable professional experience and personal self-reflection that has helped to shape my practice today. I worked alongside some of the most gifted social workers who modeled and instilled the values of what it means to be a social worker. The around-the-clock care, compassion, and empathy toward members of the community coming in to seek support on some of their darkest days.

 Applying my clinical experience from the crisis center to my course work, I was quick to learn that suicide was not content often covered in my social work courses. In fact, this was true for most major universities across the nation. It really struck a chord with me that one of the leading causes of death would not have training or course work dedicated to education and prevention efforts. I worked closely with professors, conducted research, and continued learning through clinical practice in efforts to create and establish curriculums catered to train and educate those professionals who are on the front lines.

Following completion of my MSW, I relocated to Lawrence, and Bert Nash, where I began as a crisis therapist. My specialty and passion are working with individuals who experience thoughts of wanting to kill themselves. At Bert Nash, we deliver high quality services and life-saving treatment. Whether you are walking through the doors for the first time or picking up the phone to call us, we have dedicated staff who are focused on your wellness and healing. In times of uncertainty we are committed to providing premier services in mental health care to our community.