Blessing Health Mount Sterling Clinic Expands Services with On-Site behavioral Care
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MOUNT STERLING, Ill. – Blessing Health Mount Sterling clinic is expanding its services by introducing on-site behavioral care, marking a significant milestone as its opening in 2021. Destiny craven, a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with Blessing Health System, joined the clinic in March to spearhead this crucial service. craven will provide evidence-based treatment for various mental health conditions,including depression,anxiety,and trauma,addressing a critical need in rural healthcare access. This expansion aims to bring comprehensive mental health support closer to the residents of Mount Sterling and surrounding areas.
The addition of behavioral health services represents a substantial advancement for the clinic, ensuring that residents of Mount Sterling and neighboring communities have access to comprehensive healthcare without extensive travel. this initiative is designed to reduce barriers to mental health treatment, making it more accessible and convenient for those who need it most. The clinic’s commitment to providing holistic care is a testament to its dedication to the well-being of the community.
Addressing the Rural Healthcare Gap
Destiny Craven’s arrival at the Blessing Health Mount Sterling clinic directly confronts the challenges faced by rural communities in accessing mental health services. Recognizing the difficulties individuals encounter when seeking help, Craven emphasized the importance of bringing care directly to those who need it.
One of my personal and career goals is to bring mental health services to rural communities. Frequently enough people have to drive to access this vital healthcare service. It’s hard to ask for help. Having to drive long distances to get help adds to the disadvantage people in rural communities’ face. With me at the clinic, people don’t have to travel far and don’t have to take as much time off of work.
By offering on-site behavioral care, the clinic aims to alleviate the burden of travel and time off work, making it easier for individuals to prioritize their mental well-being. This approach is notably crucial in rural areas where access to specialized healthcare can be limited. The clinic’s initiative is a proactive step towards bridging the healthcare gap and ensuring that rural residents receive the support they need.
Appointment Details and Services Offered
Craven is available to see patients aged 18 and older on Mondays through Wednesdays. Individuals interested in scheduling an appointment can contact Blessing Outpatient Behavioral Health services at 800-222-9913 and specifically request an appointment with Destiny Craven at the Blessing Health Mount Sterling clinic. This streamlined process ensures that patients can easily access the care they need.
Craven encourages anyone experiencing mental health struggles or significant life changes to reach out for support. She emphasizes the importance of seeking help, even if individuals are unsure about the specific type of assistance they require.
I encourage anyone to make an appointment who has had mental health struggles throughout their lifetime or has had a recent life change that is adding a lot of stress to their life with which they are not able to cope. Maybe they have tried some other options to cope, including therapy, but are still struggling on a daily basis.
She further adds:
Reach out. Even if you are not certain about the help you may need, I will help you bring positivity back to your life and inspire you to move forward.
Medication management will be the primary focus of Craven’s services, providing a medical perspective on mental health care. However,she also emphasizes a holistic approach,considering the impact of lifestyle choices,diet,supplements,and physical activity on mental well-being.
I will have a medical point of view. I will also be mindful of how someone’s lifestyle choices,food,supplements and physical activity might potentially be impacting their mental health.
In addition to her work at the clinic, Craven will also visit local nursing homes on Thursdays to conduct appointments, further extending her reach within the community.On Fridays, she will offer virtual appointments, providing versatility and convenience for patients who may have difficulty attending in-person sessions. This hybrid approach ensures that care is accessible to a wide range of individuals, irrespective of their circumstances.
Craven’s background and Expertise
Destiny Craven’s journey to becoming a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner began in 2018 when she started her career as a nurse. Prior to earning her master’s degree and passing the national examination, she gained valuable experience at Blessing and Illini hospitals. Her diverse background and commitment to ongoing education have equipped her with the skills and knowledge necesary to provide high-quality mental health care. Craven’s dedication to her profession is evident in her passion for serving rural communities and her commitment to providing compassionate and effective care.
Community Impact and Collaboration
Dawn Koch, who has been with the Blessing Health Mt. Sterling clinic since its opening, expressed her enthusiasm for the addition of behavioral health services. She highlighted the importance of providing the types of healthcare services that are most needed in the community.
This is an exciting asset for the communities we serve. I am proud that we are providing behavioral health services to our patients. It is indeed not just about providing access to healthcare for rural communities, but more significant, providing the type of healthcare services that are needed the most. I feel like we are doing just that for our communities with the addition of Destiny to our team.
Koch’s connection with Craven dates back to her time at Illini Community Hospital, where she hired Craven as a certified nursing assistant while she was still in nursing school. This prior relationship underscores the collaborative spirit and shared commitment to providing the best possible care to the community.
Now we will be working as partners and collaborating together to provide the best care to our communities. Destiny was always dependable, eager to learn and a very compassionate nurse. I am very excited and eager to have her at Blessing Mount Sterling clinic and to be working side-by-side with her again.
Conclusion
The addition of Destiny Craven and on-site behavioral health services at the Blessing Health Mount Sterling clinic represents a significant investment in the well-being of the community. By addressing the challenges of accessing mental health care in rural areas, the clinic is making a tangible difference in the lives of its patients. With a focus on medication management, holistic wellness, and convenient appointment options, the clinic is poised to provide comprehensive and compassionate care to those in need. This initiative serves as a model for other rural healthcare providers seeking to expand their services and improve the health outcomes of their communities.
Rural Healthcare Revolution: Is on-Site Behavioral Care the Answer to the Mental Health Crisis in Rural America?
Over 60% of rural counties in the US lack adequate mental healthcare access. Is on-site behavioral care within smaller clinics the solution we’ve been searching for?
Senior Editor (SE): Dr. Emily Carter, welcome. You’re a leading expert in rural healthcare and mental health access. The Blessing Health Mount sterling clinic’s expansion to include on-site behavioral care is generating significant interest. What makes this model so possibly impactful?
Dr. Carter (DC): Thank you for having me. The Blessing Health model is significant because it directly addresses the core issue: geographical barriers to mental healthcare. For too long, individuals in rural communities have faced ample hurdles in accessing crucial mental health services, ofen requiring lengthy commutes to distant facilities. This model brings the care directly to them, removing a major obstacle for many who might otherwise forgo treatment altogether. the convenience factor cannot be overstated. This is especially true for those struggling with depression, anxiety, or other conditions which can make even simple tasks feel overwhelming.
SE: Many argue that telehealth could solve the access problem. Why is a physical, on-site clinic still considered superior, especially in this context?
DC: Telehealth is certainly a valuable tool, and it offers increased access in many cases. However, telehealth doesn’t eliminate all barriers. For exmaple, digital literacy, reliable internet access, and the willingness to engage with technology are all significant factors that can preclude successful telehealth treatment, especially among vulnerable populations. Moreover, the personal connection built through in-person interactions can be invaluable in establishing trust and rapport during treatment, something critical in mental health care. A face-to-face encounter allows for a more holistic assessment, incorporating non-verbal cues that might potentially be missed during virtual sessions. The Blessing Health model offers the best of both worlds—in-person care with the potential for virtual services as a supplemental option.
SE: The clinic focuses on medication management alongside a holistic approach. Why is this integrated strategy so crucial for successful outcomes?
DC: Mental health is complex and interconnected with various aspects of an individual’s life—their physical health, lifestyle choices, diet, the degree of social support, and so on. A truly effective approach must acknowledge this interconnectedness. By combining medication management (when appropriate) with considerations of lifestyle factors like exercise, nutrition, and stress management, the clinic emphasizes a complete care plan tailored to the patient’s unique needs. This integrated approach promotes better adherence to treatment plans and,ultimately,enhances the likelihood of positive outcomes. This integrated approach makes the care enduring and the patients capable of better self-managing their conditions long-term.
SE: What are some of the broader implications of this model for other rural healthcare systems? Can this be replicated elsewhere successfully?
DC: Absolutely. The Blessing Health model represents a replicable, scalable solution for expanding mental healthcare access in rural communities nationwide. Key elements for successful replication include:
recruiting and retaining qualified mental health professionals: this requires offering competitive compensation and benefits packages, and possibly incentives for working in underserved areas.
Building strong community partnerships: Collaboration with local organizations is essential to raise awareness and encourage patients to seek care.
* Leveraging technology effectively: While in-person care is critical, incorporating telehealth options when appropriate, can significantly expand the reach of services.
this model shows what’s possible when collaborative rural healthcare providers embrace community-focused approaches. The clinic’s proactive steps to reduce barriers to mental health treatment are incredibly important.
SE: What is your final takeaway and why should readers care about initiatives like this?
DC: The success of the Blessing health Mount Sterling clinic highlights the crucial need and, more importantly, the potential for effective solutions in addressing the mental health crisis in rural America. This is not just about access; it’s about providing high-quality, comprehensive care that meets the unique needs of rural populations. This initiative is a testament to the power of community engagement and the profound impact that locally focused healthcare can have on the wellbeing of an entire community. By supporting and replicating successful programs, we bring better mental health services to everyone, irrespective of location. It’s a matter of improving quality of life, fostering stronger communities, and building a healthier future for all. I encourage everyone to share this interview and discuss the importance of expanding access to mental health care, especially in underserved areas.