Counselor's Column readers encouraged to submit questions, ideas, concerns

West Yavapai Guidance Clinic

Originally Published: June 9, 2012 10 p.m.

It is an honor to provide information via the Counselor's Column for you, the readers, each week. But the Counselor's Column needs to hear the questions and topics currently of interest to you. Don't wait. Email a topic idea or a question today, to L.Norman@wygc.org, call 445-5211, ext. 2650, or write us at 505 S. Cortez St., Prescott, AZ 86303.

The Counselor's Column and West Yavapai Guidance Clinic have seen many trends, and many issues, through the years. Did you know that when the nonprofit clinic was established, the entire Yavapai County population per the 1960 census count was 28,912? Recent Census data showed that there are more than 211,000 people living in our county. Borrowed space and part-time professionals were the clinic's norm in the '60s, yet the clinic steadily grew to provide mental health services in permanent sites. Today, West Yavapai Guidance Clinic serves some 7,300 people each year and has the following numbers of people currently in care:

• About 1,200 children, who have diagnoses that include autism, anxiety and depression.

• Nearly 1,000 adults with serious mental illness, such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

• Almost 1,200 adults with mild to moderate disorders, such as anxiety and depression.

• More than 300 adults currently in outpatient or residential addiction treatment.

The above does not even capture the entire array of clinic programming - there are even more programs and more people being served through clinic locations in Prescott Valley and Prescott, and they come from as far away as Cordes Lakes and Ash Fork. There are not many people remaining who recall the clinic's earliest days, but indeed there are some who remember the beginnings of what is now a comprehensive nonprofit service agency.

We have heard from many of you, whether it was because you did not like a column, you did like a column or you had a question. Take time to share your wisdom with us; we really do want to hear from you!