Faces of CMHA WW: Megan Miller, Mental Health Clinician, 1st Step Program & Clinical Lead for Mental Health and Addictions

“I love having the opportunity to get to know someone really well and support them to create and achieve meaningful goals. 1^st Step allows for a great blend of both clinical support, individualized recovery planning and interdisciplinary care. I always try and approach those I support with compassion, understanding and hope for their recovery.”

1. What is involved in your role?

My role is split 60/40 between my time at 1^st Step and my Clinical Lead role. I have been with 1^st Step since 2014 and started the Clinical Lead role in December of 2020. My role at 1^st Step involves comprehensive assessment of individuals referred to the service to determine eligibility in partnership with psychiatry. As their clinician, if a person is admitted into the program I coordinate their care within the team, provide counselling and case management supports. In my role as clinical lead I provide clinical support, consultation and supervision to Mental Health Clinicians in Adult and Senior’s services. I love that this role allows me to support my colleagues, and also supports them to provide the best possible care to those we serve. This is done through facilitation of our Community of Practice meetings, individual support for clinicians as needed and supporting agency priorities.

2. What brought you to CMHA WW?

I have had a passion for mental health for many years. I was drawn to CMHA (it was Grand River Branch back then) because of the community-based and recovery-focused care. My first role with the agency was in support coordination. I loved that it allowed staff and clients to creatively engage in working on recovery goals. After completing my Masters I was excited to move to a clinically focused team and to have the opportunity to work on interdisciplinary care to a specialized population.

3. How do you support people of CMHA WW in your role?

From a recovery-focused lens. I love having the opportunity to get to know someone really well and support them to create and achieve meaningful goals. 1^st Step allows for a great blend of both clinical support, individualized recovery planning and interdisciplinary care. I always try and approach those I support with compassion, understanding and hope for their recovery.

4. What are you proud of during your time at CMHA WW?

I am proud of the way I have served both clients and the agency. I feel dedicated to the health and wellbeing of the agency and those we serve. I truly feel through my many years at CMHA WW that I have been able to do both of those things and contribute to a positive working environment and making CMHA WW a great place to receive services.

5. What would you like people to know about mental health clinicians and 1^st Step?

The clinicians on our team are like the rudder that helps steer the ship of our treatment team. We are dedicated to providing excellent client care and working together with our entire team to ensure the success of those we support. We see ourselves as a vital part of a team that is focused on providing excellent service to those we support. We are also dedicated to supporting one another to ensure that we can continue to foster a positive working environment and provide excellent client care.