About the Nonprofit
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MIKID improves the behavioral health and wellness of children and youth through a family centered approach.
MIKID’s history grew from one mother, Sue Gilbertson, and her overwhelming concern for the lack of services in Arizona for her son Eric. Back in 1984, Sue found herself amidst a conventional medical community that was simply not equipped to manage the problems her son was facing. Through this struggle she met other families facing similar situations. She took on the responsibility of uniting these families together to build a better mental health system for their children. Sue hosted her first support group in 1985. Her and her team launched MIKID as a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization in 1987.
Today, MIKID has grown to nine licensed outpatient offices across Arizona and Colorado. It employs over one hundred trained staff and is the largest family-run behavioral health organization in the state of Arizona. Over 70% of the staff and 51% board have lived experience with a behavioral health challenge in their family. 100% of family support staff have this lived experience.
MIKID’s services include Family Peer Support, Youth Peer Support, training for youth on transitioning to adulthood, Health and Wellness training, Suicide Prevention, Parent Support Now, Active Parenting, and Respite.
Some of the support groups offered by MIKID include Mental Health First Aid, Fathers Raising Children with Autism, Family Support Groups, Peer Support Groups, Grandparents Raising Children with Special Needs, and Bonding with Children with Special Needs.
Through these programs, MIKID alters family dynamics, breaks down stigmas, and creates healthy communities where young people can thrive. MIKID helps over 4,000 children/youth and their families each year.
