About Ohana
A first-of-its-kind program, Ohana was created by nationally renowned youth mental health leaders, and is staffed by experienced and compassionate mental health professionals. Ohana is built on a breakthrough idea: mental illness is always treatable and can often be prevented. Mental fitness — like physical fitness — can be developed and sustained.
Ohana's transformative work
History of Ohana
In Hawaiian, Ohana means “family” in the broadest sense. Immediate and extended family, as well as the community of support around each individual. In the spirit of Ohana, everyone is family, and caring for the whole family is at the heart of the Ohana model.
Read how a historic financial gift from philanthropist Bertie Bialek Elliot established the program. Ohana is designed to fill critical gaps in pediatric and adolescent mental and behavioral healthcare in our region and beyond.
Stronger Together
“There is a Hawaiian saying for just this sort of effort: ‘A’ohe hana nui ke alu ‘ia’. ‘No task is too big when done together by all.’ Young people who are facing emotional and mental challenges, they can’t do it alone. Families can’t do it alone. Even the wonderful staff can’t do it alone. It takes a community — and that’s why I suggested ‘Ohana.’ And I’m so happy and proud to be part of this bigger effort.”
— Bertie Bialek Elliott, philanthropist
Our Programs and Services
Each year, Ohana provides care to hundreds of children and adolescents. Explore our programs and services to find out if they may be right for your family or a young person you care about.
Expect us to provide evidence-based care that follows existing best practices while driving innovations that create new standards for excellence. Ohana offers:
- Classes, workshops, and support groups for young people, parents, teachers, and community members
- Early intervention and outreach with community partners to engage patients and their loved ones early, before issues arise
- Education and guidance for parents and young people
- Family care management to quickly address concerns and provide ongoing support
- Outpatient care involving families, schools, pediatricians, and community organizations, counseling, and ongoing treatment for substance abuse
- Residential care at our Ohana campus in a peaceful, healing environment
- Emergency and crisis care specifically designed for young patients
- Complementary, holistic services, such as art therapy, pet therapy, peer mentoring, life coaching, and athletic activities
Our Team
Get to know the professionals who make up the Ohana team, led by Ohana’s executive director, Dr. Susan Swick.
For the Media
Contact Montage Health’s Marketing and Communications department if you have a media request.
View our latest press releases about the program, learn more about Montage Health, or download our resources for members of the media:
Bertie Bialek Elliot’s biography
Roberta “Bertie” Bialek Elliott has a long history of volunteerism and philanthropy, especially on the Monterey Peninsula and through Montage Health. Download the biography [PDF] of Ohana’s founding donor.
Photos for the media
People
Groundbreaking
- Bertie Bialek Elliott, founding donor, speaks at Ohana groundbreaking [.jpg]
- Dr. Susan Swick, Ohana executive director at Ohana groundbreaking [.jpg]
- Richard Dallam, NBBJ (architecture firm) managing partner, at Ohana groundbreaking [.jpg]
- Dr. Steven Packer, Montage Health, president/CEO speaks at Ohana groundbreaking [.jpg]
- Ohana supporters John and Laura Gamble, Dr. Steven Packer, Montage Health president/CEO, Kathleen Bang, chair, Montage Health Board of Trustees, Bertie Bialek Elliott, founding donor, and her son-in-law, Zakai Akcan, Richard Dallam, architect, and Dr. Susan Swick, Ohana executive director. [.jpg]
Construction
Building renderings
Building photos
