As part of our Committed to You brand campaign, we’re sharing stories from your healthcare teammates about how they demonstrate their commitment to our patients every day. Today, Clinical Psychologist Michael Lucido, PhD, is Committed to Mental Health.
Choosing psychology was not really a choice for me, it was a calling.
“I felt drawn to the field of psychology because my mother acted as a therapist in so many ways. Around the kitchen table, she was an active listener, reflected a deep understanding of others, provided patience in turbulent moments, showed unconditional support, and thoughtful guidance for many. In addition, I was also impacted by my own experiences with mental health issues. Participating in intermittent therapy throughout my life helped me cope with the impact of traumatic events like losing my mother to cancer and close friends tragically dying at a young age. Further, I witnessed the impact of mental health issues through loved ones who were challenged by bipolar disorder, anxiety, depression, autism, and those who died by suicide. I wanted to be that support for others as I have received throughout my life.
“Prior to my current role, I worked at Munson as an emergency services worker and clinical supervisor at Kalkaska, Otsego, and Charlevoix Emergency Departments. I thought highly of the emergency services professionals I encountered through this great hospital system. They were so understanding of the mental health needs of our patients and cared deeply for them. It was this history working in the system that made me want to be a part of Munson in the future, and gratefully, my opportunity came.
“Dr. Wendling at Munson Boyne Area Medical Center advocated, pursued, developed, and ultimately was awarded a grant through Blue Cross Blue Shield to expand behavioral health services at Charlevoix Hospital and Boyne Area Medical Center. When my esteemed colleagues Dr. Katzman and Dr. Boss recruited me for this position, I had no doubt in my mind that I would join Munson. I saw this as an opportunity to transition from community mental health where I could only service patients who had Medicaid to being able to provide care to any patient regardless of their insurance.
“I admire and respect every person who seeks care. I am committed to providing my very best effort at helping every person I see. I hope and wish for their discovery of their hidden strengths, coping with the psychological pain they carry, and working through their past traumas to begin a new present understanding of their best self. I love seeing the outcome of their hard work come to fruition in resolutions, reconciliations, and recoveries. I love seeing people overcome their past traumas and resolve the pain they’ve carried for so long.”
To learn more about the Committed to You campaign, visit our community webpage.