Mädchen Amick Expands Mental Health Advocacy in Coachella Valley with Don’t Mind Me Gala and Golf Tournament

Actress and director Mädchen Amick is continuing her mission to expand access to mental health care in the Coachella Valley through her nonprofit organization, Don’t Mind Me.

Known for roles in Twin Peaks, ER, Damages, and Riverdale, Amick founded the organization after her family’s personal experience navigating the mental health care system when her son Sylvester was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 2011.

What began as sharing their story to raise awareness and reduce stigma has grown into direct action. Amick says her family struggled to find clear guidance and support after the diagnosis, which inspired her to use her platform to help others facing similar challenges.

That mission deepened during the pandemic in 2021, when her son experienced another severe manic episode while the family was living in the Coachella Valley. Amick says the search for primary mental health care locally revealed a major gap in available resources. That realization pushed the family to expand their advocacy beyond awareness and into building solutions.

Don’t Mind Me now helps individuals access treatment through scholarship funding and partnerships with mental health providers, including programs in San Diego. The organization is also working toward developing expanded care options in the Coachella Valley.

To support that effort, Don’t Mind Me is hosting its fifth annual gala and charity golf tournament this weekend. The poolside gala takes place Saturday at the Frank Sinatra Twin Palms Estate in Palm Springs, followed by a charity golf tournament Sunday at Seven Lakes.

Amick says the events are designed to bring the community together, spark open conversations about mental health, and connect people with resources.

More information and tickets are available at dontmindme.org.

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