May is Mental Health Awareness Month —a time to talk openly about emotional health and connect people to care.
It’s also a chance to remind ourselves that mental wellness matters at every age, in every community. Whether you’re facing a tough time or simply want to build a healthier mindset, support is available.
In Wayne County, Michigan, many individuals face real-life challenges like stress, anxiety, depression, or substance use concerns.
That’s why LAHC (Leaders Advancing and Helping Communities), based in Dearborn, offers comprehensive behavioral health services to support people at every stage of life—from young teens to older adults.
Why accessible behavioral health services matter to a community
Mental health is more than just emotions—it’s how we cope with stress, make decisions, manage relationships, and stay strong during life’s ups and downs.
But not everyone has equal access to care. Some people don’t know where to turn. Others feel nervous about reaching out. And for many, traditional therapy doesn’t feel welcoming or familiar.
That’s where LAHC comes in. With a focus on accessibility, education, and culturally responsive support, LAHC ensures that more people in our community can access the help they need without barriers.
What behavioral health services does LAHC offer?
LAHC’s team offers a wide variety of Behavioral Health Services, designed to meet the emotional and mental health needs of youth, adults, and families.
These services are confidential, compassionate, and available in both English and Arabic, making them more accessible to a broader range of residents.
Counseling and therapy services
LAHC can help if you’re struggling with:
- Depression or sadness
- Anxiety or panic
- Anger or family conflict
- Grief or trauma
- Relationship or communication issues
Our licensed professionals work with each person to find the right kind of support, whether that means individual counseling, family sessions, or help managing emotions and stress. Services are tailored to the person’s age, background, and personal goals.
To learn more, contact Marci Mahfouz, Behavioral Health Director, at 313-254-2660 or [email protected]
Support for developmental disabilities and autism
If you’re a parent of a teen or young adult with developmental disabilities or autism, LAHC’s Pathways program can help your child build the practical skills they need for everyday life.
This program is structured, supportive, and designed specifically for youth who need assistance with skills such as communication, problem-solving, time management, and personal safety.
Sessions take place in small group settings, allowing your child to learn, practice, and grow at their own pace with peers who understand them.
What does the Pathways program include?
The program is built around four six-week series, each focused on a key area of development:
- Social & communication skills
Making friends, reading social cues, and staying safe - Leisure enrichment
Mindfulness, music, movement, and creative arts - Foundational life skills
Time management, organization, and problem-solving - Personal safety
Internet safety, emergency response, and bullying awareness
These group sessions use hands-on activities to help youth prepare for greater independence and inclusion in school, work, and daily life.
Prevention and intervention: stopping problems before they start
Substance use can have a profoundly negative impact on individuals and their families.
That’s why LAHC offers several programs focused on prevention, awareness, and recovery support—especially for youth and their parents.
Botvin Life Skills Training
This is a science-based prevention program for middle and high school students, delivered by LAHC prevention specialists. Lessons are interactive and hosted over Zoom.
Students learn how to:
- Say no to drugs, tobacco, and alcohol
- Avoid violence and peer pressure
- Make healthy, informed decisions
- Build self-confidence and social skills
It’s not just about saying “no”—it’s about giving young people the tools to make strong choices.
Gambling prevention education
Gambling may seem like just a game, but for some teens, it becomes a real problem. LAHC’s 5–6 week gambling prevention course helps youth:
- Understand the risks
- Practice better decision-making
- Build stronger problem-solving skills
The program utilizes familiar formats, such as Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune, to keep students engaged and learning.
The Synar Program: Preventing youth tobacco usage
Tobacco use among teens is still a serious concern. LAHC is proud to be part of the Synar Program, which works to prevent the sale of tobacco to anyone under 21.
By partnering with state and local agencies, LAHC:
- Conducts compliance checks at tobacco retailers
- Educates store owners and staff
- Monitors youth tobacco access in Wayne County
Nurturing Parenting Program
Parents play a huge role in prevention. LAHC’s Nurturing Parenting Program helps adults raise emotionally healthy children by teaching how to:
- Be a strong, positive role model
- Recognize early signs of substance use
- Use healthy discipline methods
- Build their child’s confidence and self-worth
You don’t have to be in another LAHC program to join—just email [email protected] to get started.
Practical support for healthier living
Medication disposal
Expired or unused medications can be dangerous. LAHC helps people protect their homes and communities with:
- Deterra and Dispose RX bags
- Medicine take-back events
- Education on removing labels and private info
Narcan training & distribution
Narcan (Naloxone) can save lives by reversing opioid overdoses. LAHC trains community members to use it safely and provides:
- Free Narcan kits
- Fentanyl testing strips
- Bilingual (English/Arabic) instructions
You can find these free supplies in the Narcan Porch Box at:
5275 Kenilworth St, Dearborn, MI 48126
It’s open to the public—no questions asked.
A community-focused, collaborative approach to behavioral health
LAHC doesn’t do this work alone. They partner with local and regional organizations to ensure services are strong, professional, and culturally informed.
Key partners include:
- Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network
- Wayne County Department of Health, Human, and Veteran Services
- Wayne State University’s Center for Behavioral Health and Justice
- The Youth Connection
- Strategies to Overcome Obstacles and Reduce Recidivism
LAHC also leads community education efforts in schools, faith centers, and neighborhood hubs. Whether it’s through outreach events or online sessions, the goal remains the same: to empower people to take the first step toward mental wellness.
Visit LAHC’s Substance Use Prevention Programs
How to access LAHC’s behavioral health services
- Call or email the Behavioral Health Director, Marci Mahfouz
- Get a referral from another LAHC program
- Ask your school, doctor, or local organization to refer you
- Walk in or attend a community outreach event
Help LAHC continue its work—make a donation or follow us on Facebook to stay involved and support our community all year long.