MIKID - Mentally Ill Kids In Distress

MIKID improves the behavioral health and wellness of children and youth through a family-centered approach.

MIKID's history stemmed from one individual's overwhelming concern for the lack of services provided for children in the mental health field and the many serious issues that were not being properly addressed. 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 that was indifferent and uncooperative to her needs.

Ms. Gilbertson later came to realize that her struggles were not isolated incidents. She met other families facing similar situations in requesting help for their children who had behavior health challenges. Sue 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 were first brought together in a support group on March 11, 1987. This led to the formation of MIKID.

Today, MIKID employs 125+ professionally trained staff offering an array of services to families of children with emotional and behavioral challenges. Last year MIKID served families in 69 Arizona cities and towns, through 7 licensed outpatient mental health clinics. As you will note throughout our website, MIKID provides education, resources, and support to hundreds of Arizona families annually. From Family Support to Peer Support, from Living Skills to Youth Leadership groups, MIKID has an array of services for youth with mental health challenges and their families.

MIKID also supports the community through educational courses ranging from Mental Health First Aid to Suicide Prevention. Currently, these courses are free to community groups and schools throughout Arizona through the generosity of our donors.

Testimonials

"I am the guardian of my grandson. 3 years ago I was at a loss, walking out of my grandson's therapy appointment after he ran away, I walked by MIKID and went in, stood in the lobby, and cried. Not knowing anything about the agency and what they did I just saw "mentally ill kids in distress" and I just knew this is where I needed to be." - MIKID grandparent

"MIKID has always been there for our family. They have helped me advocate for my grandson, not just in court, but also in the school setting. MIKID has given me the tools and knowledge to help me be successful and take pride in my role as an advocate to my grandson. Even though my grandson is now a young father, he still continues to use the services through MIKID for respite and skills to be successful." - MIKID parent

"here's a program that truly cares about its clients, their concerns, and most of all, their struggles. A program that assists in every way possible and at times goes above and beyond their way to help out. Filled with passionate staff members who are never too far when you need them, that'll reach out at any time for their clients, there are no limits to their care (not to mention their time). My family and I will be forever grateful to a program that's helped so much, and continues to pass out their support every day." - MIKID parent