About Us:

MIKID History...

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 mentally ill children. Sue took on the responsibility of uniting these families and worked together with them to build a better mental health care 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, Mentally Ill Kids in Distress.

MIKID was incorporated in Arizona in 1991. From 1990 until 1996, MIKID was a board-operated organization with an Office Manager and/or a Program Director on staff full time or part time as funds would allow. With continued growth, MIKID hired its first Executive Director in 1996. Governor Fife Symington signed a proclamation declaring March 11, 1997 as "MIKID Day" in recognition of its 10th birthday.

Today, MIKID employs over 25 professionally trained staff offering an array of services to families of children with emotional and behavioral challenges. MIKID provides education, resources and support to hundreds of Arizona families annually. MIKID has three full-service offices, one in Phoenix, one in Tucson and one in Yuma. In addition, MIKID also operates satellite offices with limited services in Apache and Navajo Counties, as well as the Lake Havasu area. MIKID also provides 1-800 and internet support to families across the state of Arizona.

Advocacy...

Our advocacy deals with systems of care issues, eradication of stigma and public education about mental health. We work with the Governor’s Division for Children, Juvenile Justice Department, AHCCCS and the state Departments of Economic Security, Education and Health Services. To educate the public, maintain a library of current children’s and family issues, speak to the media, telephone network and make presentations at conferences, seminars, and meetings.

Status and Affiliation...

MIKID is a non-profit 501(c) (3) organization affiliated with The Federation of Families for Children's Mental Health.