Places to turn to for help in Modesto area

With the New Year arriving and holiday rush done, we have long, dark and sometimes lonely nights to bear. Friends or family members may experience anxiety or depression and look for support within our community. I would like to mention a few helpful local agencies offering free or affordable guidance.

• Wellness Recovery Center, (209) 558-4610, on North Ninth Street, has a 15-year track record of mental health expertise.

• NAMI-Stanislaus, (209) 558-4555, is an alliance of family and friends of the mentally ill and includes support and classes aimed at recovering consumers of psychiatric services.

We have a bounty of 12-step groups, addiction-cessation groups and dozens of grass-roots support groups. These are listed on www.friendsaregoodmedicine.com.

I'd also mention Recovery International, (209) 247-2620, a 75-year- old self-help method for regaining and maintaining sound mental health, with weekly meetings in Modesto, throughout the United States and via telephone.

DAVID BARTLETT

Recovery International group leader

Modesto