“Strengthening Families Since 1987”, M.I.K.I.D. is the largest family-run behavioral health organization in Arizona, with a strong presence across the state. Over 80% of the staff and 51% of their Board of Directors have lived experience as family members, parents, or young adults with behavioral health issues.
M.I.K.I.D.’s history grew from one individual’s overwhelming concern for the lack of services provided for children in the mental health field, the many serious issues that were not being properly addressed, and a relentless passion to see that her child could receive needed services when and where they were needed. Ms. Sue Gilbertson, began her quest in 1984 when her son, Eric, was diagnosed with mental illness. In trying to get assistance for her son, Ms. Gilbertson found herself amidst a conventional medical community that was simply not equipped to handle the problems her son was facing. She was confronted with a community she felt was indifferent and uncooperative to her needs.
Ms. Gilbertson later came to realize that her struggles were not isolated events. She met other families facing similar situations in requesting help for their children who had behavior health challenges. Ms. Gilbertson took on the responsibility of uniting these families and worked together with them to build a better mental health system for their children. Through the efforts of Ms. Gilbertson, families had their very first support group on March 11, 1987. This led to the formation of M.I.K.I.D. The organization focused on supporting families, and advocating at the State legislature and State Agencies for improving the children’s behavioral health system.
M.I.K.I.D.’s mission is to improve the behavioral health and wellness of children and youth through a family-centered approach. They employ professionally trained staff and offer an array of services to families of children with emotional and behavioral challenges. M.I.K.I.D. provides education, resources, and support. Their programs focus on developing skills, networks, and readiness through M.I.K.I.D. staff providing one-on-one family support, transitional age youth services, peer support, health promotion, support groups, training, and education, both individual and community-based living skills, respite, and connecting families and individuals with natural supports in the community. Their services include youth 0-25 years old who have mental health issues. M.I.K.I.D. services are unique in that the staff providing many of these services are family members, parents, and young adults who have personal lived experience in dealing with behavioral health needs. They require all staff who provide services to the parents we serve to have lived experience. M.I.K.I.D. focuses on supporting and educating youth and families with developing coping skills.
2615 E Beverly Ave, Kingman 928-753-4354