There’s No Wrong Door at BACH, Making Mental Health Accessible to All
Mental health can feel complicated, but getting care shouldn’t be. At Bay Area Community Health (BACH), we follow a "no wrong door" policy when it comes to mental health.
“If someone walks into any of our sites, they don’t need to know exactly what kind of behavioral health care they need,” adds Shivani Dongre, a Licensed Psychotherapist and Behavioral Health Manager at BACH. “We just want to get them in the door. From there, our team will work together to determine whether therapy, psychiatry, or another type of support is the best fit for them.”
Whether it’s your first time thinking about mental health or you’re looking for ongoing support, we’re here to meet you where you are.
Mental Health Care Isn’t Just for Diagnoses
There’s still a stigma around mental health diagnoses. But getting support doesn’t always mean you have a disorder. “It can be as simple as needing someone to talk to,” Shivani explained. “Think of it like going to the doctor when something just feels off. You don’t have to wait until it becomes a crisis.”
Therapy can be a safe space to process everything from relationship stress to big life changes, and you don’t need a diagnosis to get started.
Spotting the Signs in Others
It’s not always easy to know when someone is struggling. But behavioral changes are often a red flag. “If someone you love is acting different, maybe they’re more withdrawn or just not themselves, it might be time to check in,” said Shivani.
You don’t need to be a professional to ask how someone is doing. Early support can make a big difference.
Tips for Supporting Your Mental Well-Being
Make a joy list: Shivani suggests listing things that bring you peace or happiness. This could be something as simple as listening to music, walking outside, or resting.
Pair hard tasks with good ones: Have a stressful meeting? Plan to grab a coffee with a friend afterward.
“Don’t wait until you’re burned out, go to therapy before you feel like you’re falling apart. That way, you and your provider can build healthy tools together.”
Let’s Make Mental Health Routine
One in five people will experience a mental health condition, but stress, grief, and burnout affect us all. Let’s treat mental health like we treat physical health: with routine check-ins, open conversations, and early support.
This Mental Health Awareness Month, take a step:
Schedule a check-in.
Reach out to a friend.
Help someone open the door to support.
And you don’t have to be a professional to ask someone how they’re doing or suggest they talk to a provider. Early support can make all the difference. Visit our website to learn more about how BACH can help you, Behavioral Health at BACH — Bay Area Community Health