An Introduction to Desert Hills
Desert Hills provides mental health services to Deaf, Deaf/Blind and Hard of Hearing individuals nationwide. The linguistic, cultural and experiental differences in a Deaf person’s life become the foundation of treatment at Desert Hills. Here, therapy is provided in an environment free of communication barriers, with Deaf and Hearing professionals who understand the impact that Deafness can have on mental health.
“Individual psychotherapy offers Deaf persons the opportunity to interact with a mental health professional who understands their culture, their language, and their expressive way of communicating about feelings and emotions.”
Deafness does not cause mental illness. However, factors such as communication barriers, lack of support services, societal and family pressures, along with a child/adolescent’s inability to cope with personal issues, may result in behavioral disorders, substance abuse or even severe illness. Many times, if these issues are not addressed and redirected during childhood or adolescence, serious problems may surface in adulthood.
“Mental health treatment for Deaf persons must take place in an environment that offers an understanding of their language and culture, and knowledge of implications for treatment of persons with mental illness.”
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