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WHY Mental Health: Centering Wellness, Hope & You

Feb 28, 2026 11:02PM ● By Jerome Bilaos

“ There is no power for change greater than a community discovering what it cares about.” – Margaret Wheatley

For generations, stigma and fear have prevented many individuals—particularly within communities of color—from accessing mental health care. Concerns about judgment, cultural misunderstanding, and lack of trust have left countless people carrying emotional pain in silence.

WHY Mental Health—Wellness, Hope, & You—was created to change that reality.

Founded and led by Jason M. Dotson and Associates, WHY Mental Health is a community-centered behavioral health practice dedicated to providing culturally responsive, affirming care. The practice intentionally serves individuals and families who have been historically marginalized and disproportionately impacted by trauma and systemic inequities.

Clients at WHY Mental Health are supported by licensed clinicians who bring not only professional expertise, but also cultural awareness and lived understanding. This allows healing to begin without the burden of explaining one’s identity, family structure, or community norms. Care is grounded in respect, trust, and authentic connection.

Drawing from decades of combined clinical experience, Jason Dotson and Associates focus on addressing gaps in traditional mental health systems through ethical, trauma-informed, and evidence-based services. The organization embraces a holistic view of wellness, recognizing the interconnectedness of emotional health, family, community, and overall well-being.

WHY Mental Health is more than a provider—it is a space for empowerment, restoration, and growth. By centering wellness, cultivating hope, and honoring the individual, WHY Mental Health supports healing that is both personal and transformative.

To discuss matters with Jason virtually,  please schedule an appointment at Calendly.com/jasondotson. 

Jason M. Dotson, PhD(c), MHS, MHD, ACS is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) – New Jersey, and a Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LCADC) – New Jersey, located at 4 South Orange, unit #200, South Orange. 

For information, call 973-851-7830. See ad, page 19.
In-Print, Health+Wellness, Community, Healing Ways Local Insights NCNJ March 2026

 

 

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Tick Tackler

Spring officially sprung on March 21. We have turned our clocks ahead. We are looking forward to warm winds, sunny skies and the smell of fresh cut grass. The daffodils and tulips have recently bloomed and we are just starting with the yard work that comes with the warmer weather.  Sadly, another season has started ramping up.  Tick season.

•             The best form of protection is prevention. Educating oneself about tick activity and how our behaviors overlap with tick habitats is the first step.

•             According to the NJ DOH, in 2022 Hunterdon County led the state with a Lyme disease incidence rate of 426 cases per 100,000 people. The fact is ticks spend approximately 90% of their lives not on a host but aggressively searching for one, molting to their next stage or over-wintering. This is why a tick remediation program should be implemented on school grounds where NJ DOH deems high risk for tick exposure and subsequent attachment to human hosts.

•             Governor Murphy has signed a bill that mandates tick education in NJ public schools. See this for the details.  Tick education must now be incorporated into K-12 school curriculum. See link:

https://www.nj.gov/education/broadcasts/2023/sept/27/TicksandTick-BorneIllnessEducation.pdf

•             May is a great month to remind the public that tick activity is in full swing. In New Jersey, there are many tickborne diseases that affect residents, including Anaplasmosis, Babesiosis, Ehrlichiosis, Lyme disease, Powassan, and Spotted Fever Group Rickettsiosis.

•             For years, the focus has mainly been about protecting ourselves from Lyme disease. But other tick-borne diseases are on the rise in Central Jersey. An increase of incidence of Babesia and Anaplasma are sidelining people too. These two pathogens are scary because they effect our blood cells. Babesia affects the red blood cells and Anaplasma effects the white blood cells.

•             Ticks can be infected with more than one pathogen. When you contract Lyme it is possible to contract more than just that one disease. This is called a co-infection. It is super important to pay attention to your symptoms. See link.

https://twp.freehold.nj.us/480/Disease-Co-Infection

A good resource from the State:

https://www.nj.gov/health/cd/topics/tickborne.shtml

 

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