ROBERT D SUTHERLAND MEMORIAL FOUNDATION
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Mission Statement
The Robert D. Sutherland Memorial Foundation and the Sutherland Bipolar Center are dedicated to improving the lives of people with bipolar disorder, along with their family and friends, who do not have the financial resources to receive the treatment they need because they are under/uninsured. We support access to comprehensive diagnosis, proven, evidence-based treatment, and education to handle this debilitating brain disorder. We offer education to the public about bipolar disorder and how to manage it.
About This Cause
In late 2001, an agreement was made with the University of Colorado to sponsor a treatment clinic for bipolar disorder on their Boulder campus. It has been staffed by one or more licensed clinical psychologists who practice in the treatment and education of bipolar disorder—a very complex mental illness. In a 12-month period, clinical staff will have provided an individualized treatment program to 30 or more individuals and families affected by bipolar disorders and unable to access similar treatment in the community. Treatment programs will consist of some combination of: individual therapy, family therapy, group therapy, and/or educational seminars. Treatment in each of these modalities is grounded in evidence based therapies such as cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), family focused treatment (FFT), social rhythm therapy (SRT), and psychoeducation. Functional outcomes for each client are assessed approximately every six months when a client’s contract expires. Clients either meet with the Center’s licensed psychologist (Dr. Alisha Brosse) for a “program review” or have a similar conversation with their primary therapist. In this meeting clients are reminded of their initial or recent treatment goals and are invited to share their perspective regarding progress towards these goals. Clinical staff members collaborate with clients to determine if the current treatment program should be continued as is, modified (e.g., adding or subtracting a particular treatment modality) or discontinued (e.g., if a client has obtained greater resources and can now afford services in the community). As part of this process, clinicians on the client’s treatment team complete a form that includes tracking functional outcomes obtained during the six-month review period. Funding through individual donations, grants, or corporate sponsorship will be used to pay for individualized therapy services for patients with bipolar disorder who cannot afford treatment elsewhere. We also educate the community about bipolar disorder through a free biannual 8-week seminar series. Additionally, the Director of the Sutherland Bipolar Center is a licensed psychologist who supervises and mentors graduate students in clinical psychology. These students work directly to treat the patients with bipolar disorder, providing consistent proven therapy, and consequently increasing the pool of highly qualified and specialized therapists in the treatment of bipolar disorder. Our collaboration with the University of Colorado, Boulder allows us to save on overhead expenses. About $0.90 of every dollar donated goes directly to the Sutherland Bipolar Center. We are also fortunate to have support from a charity foundation, The Colorado Grand, which matches all donations made to the RDS Foundation by 25%. So a $500.00 donation actually equals $625.00. One psychotherapy and medication management client from the Center once shared his experience. He said, “I went through three months of living in my truck this past summer. It felt like it was twice that long. With Sutherland’s support and help in working with that challenge I was able to keep my feet on the ground and find a place to live. I woke up a few months ago and realized that I had been free of severe [suicidal] depression for ten months. That felt remarkable. Then I looked back over the years, (looking) for the last time I had that long of a depression-free period. I couldn’t find one; it was at least ten years. For me this was a remarkable sign of improvement. The stability and understanding I have gained this past year have allowed me to begin giving something back to the community. None of these good things would have happened without the help of the people of the Sutherland Center. They have been unfailingly warm and friendly whether in a class, therapy or crossing paths in the waiting area. I have told many of the people with bipolar disorder I’ve encountered in the last year about Sutherland, hoping that they will come there and find help. I am convinced that I am getting better treatment than anyone with bipolar that I have talked to in depth.” Since 2002, we’ve helped over 1700 people. Over 1100 of those people have been educated in our 8-week Seminar Series. Our Center Director has trained 38 graduate student therapists who’ve taken their skills and expertise out into the world, not just in the US, but to other countries. Most importantly, we’ve provided evaluation and treatment services to over 670 people. Our clients have been able to find new or better housing; they gained employment, or they were able to keep their jobs; some went back to school and are doing better in their studies; they have better relationships with family and friends; they’re no longer hurting themselves or doing self-destructive behavior; and the list of successes goes on. Our longevity and the resulting life improvement of people with bipolar disorder is a testament to our mission. Your contribution is an investment in the well-being of those who need treatment. Thank you for making a difference!