Why I do what I do – Tara Westerhouse, WRAP Specialist

I pursued a career in mental health because I have always found great joy and value in helping others. As I got further into my graduate program, I felt myself being drawn more and more toward working with kids and adolescents. I just love their energy. Prior to working at Bert Nash, I worked in an inpatient psychiatric hospital for children and adolescents. After spending time in a very crisis-driven environment, I became even more passionate about mental health prevention and education. I wanted to help people get the support they needed before the point of crisis.

Working in the WRAP program allows me the unique opportunity to provide mental health support to students in school – a true illustration of meeting clients where they’re at. I love that the WRAP program removes barriers to accessing care. I am able to check-in with my students as often as needed and provide support right when the stressors arise. In my office, we celebrate successes and we work through the hard stuff. I love that every day brings something new. There is nothing that brings me greater joy than when my students drop by my office unexpectedly, just to share something that happened in their day. Middle school is a time of so much growth and change, which is why I love working with this age group. I do what I do because my students deserve to have a cheerleader and an advocate.

In addition to my role as a WRAP therapist, I am a certified Mental Health First Aid instructor. I love this course and the valuable information it teaches participants. I use many of the skills I’ve learned from  the class every day. I’m very grateful for the opportunity to further educate the community about mental health.