Valley mental health program helps Peoria teen overcome challenges

PEORIA, Ariz. — The numbers are staggering. In the past year alone, more than 20% of kids between the age of 12 and 17 reported suffering from at least one major depressive episode. That’s according to Mental Health America.

But thankfully there is help available.

After years of struggling with mental health issues, with the right support, a Peoria teenager is proof, that living a sober, confident life is possible.

“It started when I was younger and it just kind of progressed as I got older,” said 16-year-old Alexandra Palacios.

She has battled with mental health struggles for years. Palacios said she was in and out of therapy, but nothing ever clicked.

“I never exactly connected to a therapist,” said Palacios.  

Then, the unthinkable happened — her family lost their home last year.

“I never really understood,” she said. “…but we just got evicted and we had to go live with my sister, and we couldn’t stay there anymore so now we are in an extended stay.”

With no place to call home, no family car, and no personal space, Palacios’ mental health declined rapidly.

“Just isolated myself, because I don’t want to be around anybody and I didn’t have my own space,” she said. “I just got like… fell into a really bad depression.”

Palacios said she was self-harming and suffering from an eating disorder while using marijuana to try to help her anxiety and sleep issues.

But thankfully her mom said Palacios was strong enough to tell her mom she needed help.

“She’s grown a lot,” said Brook Hernandez, Alexandra’s mom. “She’s come far.”

Palacios was admitted into a behavioral health hospital for a week, and it was during her stay at that facility her family learned about Banner’s Teen Substance Abuse and Mental Health intensive outpatient treatment. Hernandez said they enrolled Palacios right away.

While at first, she was reluctant, with family support, she persisted.

“It was three hours, three times a week,” said Hernandez. “It’s really hard on top of her therapy and on top of my other kids, but I made sure that she was there, and she ended up loving it.”

When the family lost their health insurance, Banner kept Palacios with the program and continued to get her the support she needed.

“It does help a lot and it helps you clear your mind and learn so many more coping skills,” said Palacios. “It helps you really implement them into your life.”

Palacios found success with the help of teen substance abuse and mental health program counselor Jennifer Keiser at Banner Del E. Webb Medical Center.

“She’s an amazing human being,” said Keiser.

Palacios is now a graduate after completing the program in November.

“She truly blossomed, as far as her growth and counseling, and just how assertive she is now versus how she was just so shy and reserved and depressed when she first came to the program,” Keiser said.

Palacios is now entering the new year as a sober, better version of herself, with a continued support system and her faith to lean on.

“I was just really grateful for Jennifer,” Palacios said. “I’d be back in the hospital if it wasn’t for her.”

Alexandra is looking toward the future and planning to get her GED while hoping to become a cosmetologist.

“That’s always been my dream,” Palacios said. “…to make people feel beautiful in their own skin.”

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues, there are so many resources out there to help.

For more information, about the Banner Health program, head to their website.

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