Mental Health Matters
Albuquerque – May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and promote access to care. This month, the City of Albuquerque is emphasizing the importance of recovery and treatment as essential parts of supporting mental wellness in our community.
Expanding access to mental health care is a key part of the City’s commitment to supporting residents. This includes the growing Gateway Network, essential programs like PATH, ACT, AOT, the innovative work of Albuquerque Community Safety, and partnerships with organizations such as NAMI:
- The Providing Addiction Treatment and Healing (PATH) Program offers low-barrier substance use treatment to people with serious mental illness or co-occurring substance use disorders. PATH provides outreach, case management, and support services to help clients gain access to housing, mental health care, and substance use treatment.
- The Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) program delivers behavioral health services to individuals with serious mental illness. It brings care directly to people’s homes, so they can stay out of the hospital and focus on a pathway to recovery.
- The Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT) Program works with the Second Judicial District Court to support eligible people with severe mental illness, particularly those who have struggled with treatment compliance, to get court-ordered treatment and wrap-around service support.
- Albuquerque Community Safety (ACS) provides a compassionate, public health-based response to 911 calls related to mental health, substance use, and homelessness. Trained behavioral health responders, social workers, and peer support workers are dispatched to connect people with the services they need. Call 911 for mental health emergencies and 311 for non-emergencies.
- Gateway Center is home to key mental health resources, including the National Alliance on Mental Illness or NAMI, which provides free support, education, and advocacy for people affected by mental health conditions and their families. NAMI’s national helpline is 1-800-950-NAMI (6264).
“Through key programming, we’re expanding access to mental health services,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “No Burqueño should ever feel alone in their struggle, so we’re working around the clock to ensure help is available for anyone who needs it.”
In addition to these programs, families and educators can access tools to start meaningful conversations with young people. The “mental HEALTH” video and guide is a free, 45-minute youth-focused documentary designed to help teachers, parents, and group leaders engage teens in discussions about emotions, stigma, and how to seek help.
“Throughout Mental Health Awareness Month, it’s vital to reduce stigma by fostering open dialogue and providing access to education and resources like the video guide,” said Health, Housing, and Homelessness Director Gilbert Ramirez. “Through these conversations, we’re opening doors to care for those who may have been hesitant to seek treatment, and sending the message, you are not alone.”
Mental Health Awareness Month is also a reminder that it’s okay to talk about how you’re feeling. Whether it’s with a friend, a coworker, or a professional, having open conversations can make a big difference. If you or someone you know is struggling, don’t hesitate to reach out. Help is here—and you are not alone.
For an immediate crisis, dial 988 or 911.