MHCAN of Santa Cruz
Mental Health Client Action Network
1051 Cayuga 831-469-0462
The Only Mental Health Peer-Run Organization
in Santa Cruz, CA
Tyler Starkman
Current Executive Director of MHCAN as of July 1st 2024. Peer survivor and mentor for those with mental illness and/or substance abuse. I am dedicated to empowering individuals and communities affected by mental health challenges. I firmly believe in the transformative power of peer support in mental health recovery, as it fosters an environment of understanding, empathy, and shared experiences. My experience includes, not only administrative and strategic leadership, but also direct involvement in peer support programs. This dual perspective allows me to effectively bridge the gap between organizational goals and the needs of the community we serve.
I have been living with bi-polar disorder for the majority of my life. Clinically diagnosed in 2009, by the head of psychiatry at UCLA I was relieved to know there was a name for what I had been struggling with. Knowing there were other people out there who are either undiagnosed or still struggling with medication management is a big part of why I am here. With the right mixture of therapy and medication I am living proof that we do get better. I was lucky enough, with the help of my sister, to find the help I needed to recover soon after I was diagnosed. Had I not been so fortunate I would likely still be suffering today.
MHCAN holds a unique and invaluable position unlike any other organization I have encountered. It is the sole environment where I have felt completely at ease being myself, openly sharing my experiences with mental illness without the burden of stigma or judgment. Beyond MHCAN, I am consistently mindful of the misperceptions that surround our community, which perpetuate a constant concern about potential repercussions such as involuntary commitment, police harassment, or professional ramifications. Within MHCAN's supportive environment, these anxieties dissipate, providing a sanctuary where I feel fully accepted and understood. This acceptance by the community is profound and inspires me to envision a future where such inclusivity extends far beyond our organization's walls. I am eager to contribute to realizing this vision of a more compassionate and understanding world.