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Interventionalist bridging the gap between crises and recovery!
Steven Murphy with United Interventions: A Beacon of Hope

In the realm of mental health and addiction recovery, one name stands out for its dedication and compassion: Steven Murphy. As the founder of United Interventions, Steven has made it his mission to provide families with the support and guidance they need during some of the most challenging times in their lives.
A hidden lifeline to families in crisis lives and works in the heart of our community, Steven Murphy stands as a steadfast beacon of hope and compassion, tirelessly working to aid families grappling with the complex challenges of addiction and mental illness. Through his organization, United Interventions, Steven has dedicated his life to supporting those who find themselves caught in the throes of substance abuse and mental health crises, offering a lifeline to those who feel powerless and overwhelmed.
Families of loved ones who respond to internal voices, impulsively spend money, or engage in high-risk behaviors often face immense frustration and heartache. These dramatic changes, often fueled by substance abuse, leave families bewildered and desperate for answers. Society's lack of education about the disease model of addiction exacerbates this pain, as many cannot comprehend why their loved ones cannot simply quit. The heartfelt plea, "If they love me, they would quit," echoes in their minds, deepening their sense of helplessness and despair.
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Steven Murphy, however, understands the intricate struggle of addiction intimately, having been a survivor himself. His personal journey has endowed him with a unique perspective and profound empathy, enabling him to connect with those in crisis on a deeply personal level.
Steven Murphy and United Interventions: A Beacon of Hope
Find out what's happening in La Mesa-Mount Helixfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Steven's journey began in a time of societal strife and misunderstanding. Growing up in the 1970s and 1980s, he experienced firsthand the harsh prejudices faced by the LGBTQ community. His mother, an openly lesbian woman, and his father divorced when he was very young. Living with his mother, who struggled with untreated mental health issues, Steven's childhood was marred by societal unkindness and isolation. Unwed mothers were often stigmatized, and Steven became a target of relentless bullying and exclusion during his school years. The cruelty of his peers and the judgmental attitudes of society left deep scars, driving him into the arms of a crowd that sought refuge in drugs and alcohol.
Without guidance or coping mechanisms, Steven internalized his pain and anger. Despite the tumultuous path of his youth, Steven emerged with a profound understanding of the struggles that accompany mental health issues, addiction, and societal rejection.
As a young man, Steven turned to alcohol and drugs to cope with his feelings, quickly becoming addicted. With dreams of college dashed, he worked with his hands and started a carpet-laying company. Despite his efforts to stay positive and take life one step at a time, Steven's anger often boiled over, affecting his relationships. He struggled to trust women and found it difficult to maintain tolerance in his relationships, which led to several failed partnerships and children whom he dearly loved but felt unable to support fully.
Steven's life seemed to spiral in a cycle of jail time and addiction, despite his love for his children and a desire for change. It wasn't until he met Nicole, a beautiful blonde-haired woman, that his life began to shift. Nicole instantly connected with Steven on a level he had never experienced before. They married in2002, and Nicole became the pivotal force that helped Steven confront his addiction with love and strong boundaries. Her unwavering support and clear limits gradually brought about changes in Steven's life.
Through Nicole's steadfast support, Steven found the courage to address his rage and anger. As trust grew between them, Steven's own mental health diagnosis came to light, initiating a journey of self-discovery and healing. With Nicole by his side, he began to understand his life without the burden of guilt and shame. This newfound clarity allowed him to repair relationships and set a new course for his future. Embracing his own recovery, Steven changed his profession to behavioral sciences in2010, dedicating himself to understanding addiction and mental health. He has now worked in the recovery field for many years, using his personal experiences to connect deeply with those he helps. Steven's profound empathy and resilience have made him a pillar of strength for countless families in crisis.
Steven's company provides crucial support to powerless, frightened parents and loved ones of individuals experiencing severe psychotic episodes. These families are often at their wit's end, desperate to help their loved ones who are not only sick but also misunderstood by a society that often equates mental illness with a lack of intelligence.
One of the significant challenges these families face is the difficulty in securing proper care for their loved ones. Often, they resort to calling 911 or bringing their loved ones to the hospital, only to encounter another hurdle: their loved ones' ability to temporarily mask their symptoms. In moments of crisis, individuals might convincingly assure medical professionals that they do not pose a danger to themselves or others, resulting in a failure to qualify for even a 5150 hold—a temporary, involuntary psychiatric commitment.
Steven’s approach is professional, compassionate and pragmatic. He recognizes the systemic gaps and the additional strain they place on families already stretched to their limits. Through United Interventions, Steven and his team work tirelessly to bridge these gaps, offering education, support, and practical solutions to families in crisis. He helps them navigate the often-bewildering healthcare system, advocating for their needs and ensuring they receive the appropriate care and intervention.
Additionally, United Interventions work emphasizes the importance of examining those with addiction and mental health issues through a lens of compassion and understanding. They educate families and society at large about the nature of these conditions, striving to dispel the stigma that surrounds them. As an advocate the message is clear: individuals struggling with addiction and mental illness are not broken or beyond help; they are ill and in need of support, not judgment.
It seems as if United Interventions, Steven Murphy, has created a sanctuary for families and individuals grappling with the harsh realities of addiction and mental health issues. His organization not only provides immediate crisis intervention but also fosters long-term recovery and healing. Steven’s tireless dedication and profound empathy continue to inspire those around him, offering a beacon of hope to all who seek solace in the face of overwhelming adversity.
In a world where the challenges of addiction and mental health often feel insurmountable, Steven Murphy's unwavering commitment stands as a testament to the power of compassion, resilience, and hope. His work reminds us that even in the darkest of times, there is always a path towards healing and recovery, illuminated by the kindness and dedication of those like Steven who refuse to give up on those in need. Steven Murphy's journey from addiction to advocacy is a powerful story of transformation. His ability to overcome his past and channel his experience into helping others exemplifies the strength of the human spirit. Through United Interventions, he continues to provide crucial support to individuals and families, offering a beacon of hope and a path toward healing. Steven’s life is a testament to the power of love, resilience, and the profound impact one person has on an entire community.
Statistics Speak Volumes: Interventions can play a crucial role in encouraging individuals to seek and engage in treatment, helping bridge this gap and supporting recovery efforts.
- Prevalence of Mental Health and Addictive Illnesses: Prevalence of Mental Health and Addictive Illnesses:
- Approximately 51.5 million adults in the United States experienced mental illness in 2019, according to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).
- Around 20.3 million adults had a substance use disorder in the past year, as reported by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
- SAMHSA reports that about 13.1% of adults with mental illness and 7.6% with substance use disorder did not receive treatment in 2019.
- Thus, roughly 44.9 million adults received mental health treatment, and around 18.8 million received treatment for substance use disorder.
These numbers underscore the significant gap between the prevalence of mental health and addictive illnesses and the number of individuals receiving treatment. Interventions can play a crucial role in encouraging individuals to seek and engage in treatment, helping bridge this gap and supporting recovery efforts. United Interventions play a crucial role in the treatment and recovery process for individuals struggling with mental health disorders and addictive illnesses in several ways:
- Breaking Through Denial and Resistance: Many individuals with these conditions may be in denial about the severity of their illness or resistant to seeking help due to fear, shame, or stigma. Interventions provide a structured opportunity for loved ones to express their concerns and encourage the individual to consider treatment.
- Creating Awareness: United Interventions helps individuals understand the impact of their condition on themselves and their loved ones. Hearing heartfelt messages from family and friends can highlight the need for change and motivate the individual to seek help.
- Providing Information and Support: During an intervention, a trained professional (interventionist) facilitates the process, providing information about treatment options, resources, and support available. This can alleviate some of the uncertainty and fear associated with entering treatment.
- Encouraging Immediate Action: United Interventions often results in a clear and immediate plan for treatment. This can include arrangements for admission to a rehab facility, scheduling appointments with healthcare professionals, or starting therapy sessions. Having a structured plan in place can prevent delays in receiving necessary care.
- Leveraging Support Networks: United Interventions family members, friends, and sometimes colleagues who come together to support the individual in their journey toward recovery. This network of support can continue to play a crucial role throughout the treatment process, providing encouragement, accountability, and emotional support.
- Facilitating Long-Term Recovery: By addressing the individual's resistance to treatment early on, interventions increase the likelihood of successful long-term recovery. Individuals who participate in interventions are more likely to engage in ongoing treatment and follow through with recommended therapies and supports.
I now have learned that the skills offered at United interventions and others like them are an initiative-taking and compassionate approach to helping individuals with mental health and addictive illnesses recognize their need for treatment and take steps toward recovery. They provide a supportive environment where concerns can be expressed constructively, fostering a process of recovery.
My Personal Journey and Commitment
"What If We Had Tried Everything? The Unseen Power of Interventions"
Despite not being able to change the past, I have channeled my grief into action. As a result of my daughter's accidental overdose, I am now the San Diego Chapter Leader of Grief Recovery After a Substance Passing (GRASP) La Mesa/San Diego Chapter. I also have worked within the Cooccurring population since 2015. I work with whose compassionate approach I an deeply admire and whom support. healing, and improving the quality of life for the entire family. I will be collaborating with this company any time I am privileged to do so.
I wish I could say "I tried everything”
If you are struggling with a loved one that has unpredictable mental health symptoms or an addictive illness, know that you are not alone. Seek resources and support and remember that every effort counts. Don’t Regret the missed Intervention where it could be your families hope for change. I believe that an intervention may have been the element of change that might have changed my baby girls course and she would be here today. I tried everything” but the first thing I should've done was hire Steven to help me. I did not know this was available to regular middle class softball families like ours. I want everyone to know that there are professionals like Steven Murphy and organizations like United Interventions that offers a lifeline of hope and healing for families navigating the challenges of mental health and addiction. They are out there waiting to help your family.
To find out more about United Interventions
contact Unitedinterventions@gmail.com
Steven Murphy 619-300-6949 or shawnmnorton@gmail.com
United we can do the impossible
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