Garland, TX — As part of the 2026 Mental Health Awareness Month observance, Room for Change (RFC) is pleased to announce its participation in the national theme “More Good Days Together.” Mayor Dylan Hedrick signed and presented a proclamation to Room for Change founder, Amanda Esquivel, LPC, during the City Council meeting on April 21st.
Even though mental health is as important as physical health, it’s still often ignored or misunderstood. Consider these statistics:
- 1 in 5 adults experience mental illness each year.
- 1 in 6 teens has a mental health condition, but only half of them get treatment.
- 50% of mental illnesses start by age 14, and 75% by age 24.
- In 2023, 20% of high school students seriously considered suicide.
These stats are more than numbers. They represent real people — including friends, family, coworkers and classmates — who need support. Mental Health Awareness Month reminds us that mental health care should be just as easy to access as seeing a doctor when we’re physically sick. Everyone deserves support, understanding and care when they’re struggling with their mental health.
Throughout May, Room for Change will host Room to Bloom, A Mental Health Pop-Up, at its downtown location, 505 W. State St., featuring a variety of educational activities to help individuals manage their mental health, reduce burnout, and expand access to care in Garland.
5/2/26 11-2pm Mindfulness Activity – Solid Affirmations
A rock painting class
5/9/26 11-2pm Mindfulness Activity – Your Story Matters
A journal decorating class
5/23/26 11-2pm Mindfulness Activity – Mailable Hugs
A card writing class
Room for Change encourages residents to stop by Room to Bloom throughout the month of May. It will be open Monday through Saturday from 11 am to 2 pm, with special events on Saturdays. Drop by and pick up free mental health resources. Help spread the word that mental health is health, and you don’t need to be in a crisis to benefit from counseling.
Other RFC community outreach events include school presentations, free mental health screenings for veterans, sponsoring the Garland Grow event and the Garland Chamber’s Direct Connect. Room for Change is also hosting a First Responder Retreat May 27-29th.
“Everyone has good days and hard days with their mental health, and for 2026, we are focused on helping our community have more good days, together,” said Amanda Esquivel, LPC and Founder of Room for Change. “By providing practical tools, fostering connections, and encouraging open conversations, we can help break the stigma and ensure no one faces these challenges alone”.
For more information about local Mental Health Month events, please contact Becky Vance at beckyv@roomforchange.info.
Room for Change is a Texas-based counseling practice serving teens (12+), adults, couples, and families with in-person therapy in Garland (three locations), Dallas (Oak Lawn), and Houston (Westchase and Montrose), plus secure telehealth statewide. Room for Change provides LGBTQ+ affirming and gender-affirming care and accepts most major insurance plans, including Medicare, Medicaid, and TRICARE.
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Media Contact:
Becky Vance, 713-705-3594 (mobile)
beckyv@roomforchange.info
www.RoomforChange.info
