Did you know that 60% of tribal members who responded to a recent health survey said that mental health is one of the most important health risks in the community that needs to be better supported?
Finding care in Oregon can be difficult. Oregon ranks 48th out of all states in the country for access to mental health care. We need to do so much better!
We are hoping to help change that both for our tribal communities and for the residents of Coos County. Health care workers at Three Rivers Health Center will
provide access to both medical and mental health care.
Our behavioral health director is psychiatrist, Dr. Alfredo Velez. Our second psychiatric medication provider is psychiatric nurse practitioner, Cassy Cressall.
We have four therapists on staff. Kelli Bosak is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). She is the lead therapist and supervisor. Mandilynn McClain will also be a clinic LCSW. Two Clinical Social Work Associates (CSWA) have joined the team. They are Makenna Davis and Sean Huling.
Even with access to mental health care, it is difficult for many people to ask for help. Stigma, prejudice, and discrimination against people who struggle with mental health issues are big problems. More than half of people with mental health conditions don’t receive help. Some of the reasons that may cause people to avoid or delay seeking help is a concern that they might be treated differently or worry what other people might think if they ask for help.
Harmful effects of stigma include not only a reluctance to seek help but also social isolation, relationship difficulties with friends, family, and coworkers, lower self-esteem, and a belief that things can never get better.
If you are feeling depressed, sad, or anxious, it doesn’t have to be that way! Help is available, and you have options. There are different forms of mental health care that people use to start their journey toward wellness.
Psychotherapy will be offered at Three Rivers Health Clinic. There are many different types of therapy and about 75% of people who enter psychotherapy show
some benefit from it.
Play Therapy uses play, storytelling, art and other activities to help children learn social, coping and other skills that will benefit them.
Prescription Medicine can sometimes help ease the symptoms of many mental health disorders. Both our psychiatrist and psychiatric nurse practitioner can
meet with you and discuss whether medications could be helpful.
Focusing on Wellness is a great way to complement mental health care treatment and improves an overall sense of well-being. Meditation, exercise, improving
sleep, eating healthy foods, learning new things, and developing a solid social support
network are all important things that contribute to good mental health, and
they are great ways to take care of yourself.
Plans that use these techniques are tailored to each individual person. Every person is unique, and every path is different. As you start your journey of healing and wellness, your behavioral health partner will be there to walk with you.
Your Three Rivers Health Center team is looking forward to serving you. We are planning to open June 2024. If you are interested in receiving care at Three Rivers Health Center, you can either call (541) 435-7200 during business hours or fill out new client form at our website: https://threerivers.health/
If you are struggling with your mental health and need help now, please contact:
- Coos Health and Wellness 24/7 crisis line at 541-266-6800
- 24-Hour suicide hotline, Dial 988
- Text OREGON to 741741; or
- Go to the nearest Emergency Room.
References and Links:
- Three Rivers Health Center or call (541) 435-7200.
- Tips for Talking With a Health Care Provider About Your Mental
Health – National Institute of Mental Health. - APA Foundation – Mental health care can work for you
- Psychiatry.org – Stigma, Prejudice and Discrimination Against People with Mental Illness
- Psychiatry.org – Helping a Loved One Cope with Mental Illness
