We’ve been sharing ways to #CopeWell during stressful and uncertain times. Because mental health is connected to our physical well-being, health care services are increasingly offering mental and behavioral health services in conjunction with primary care to effectively address root causes of health concerns. This Wellness Wednesday tribute goes to Adventist Health Tillamook and their providers who share information about these vital services.
What are some of the more common issues for which people are seeking help right now?
We are definitely seeing an increase in individuals struggling with feelings of anxiety and depression, but anxiety seems to be the predominant emotion at this time. It is important to recognize that anxiety and depression affect children as well as adults. It is estimated that about 7.1% of children, ages 3-17 experience these conditions. There is also a lifetime prevalence of 28.8%, with the average age of onset around age 11.
What are common warning signs for this condition?
Common warning signs people should look for include excessive worry, restlessness, insomnia, racing thoughts and fear of the future. If any person is experiencing these symptoms, it is important to schedule a visit with their primary care provider who will work with their care team to support their mental and physical health needs.
What are some of the specific services your organization provides that help individuals with these concerns?
As a first line of treatment, patients are provided counseling or behavioral health treatment. Typically, this is a form of talk therapy where a person gains insight into their thoughts and how they are affected by anxiety, and then develops an understanding of how to best cope with it. There are also more specialized approaches that some therapists utilize such as somatic experience, movement, or Eye-Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) to name a few. There are also medications such as SSRI’s which can help reduce a person’s feelings of anxiety, which would be prescribed by their medical provider.
Are these services covered by insurance and/or do you offer a sliding scale for payment?
Adventist Health Tillamook accepts insurance for behavioral health services, and if someone does not have insurance, the hospital has a financial assistance program to help those who otherwise might not be able to afford these services.
With multiple behavioral health providers working within the Adventist Health system, you can find one that fits your needs. And just like with medical care, if your provider does not suit your needs, it is your right to switch providers. Having a provider you feel shares a connection is vital within behavioral health care.
To schedule an appointment, call (503) 842-5546. You can also go to https://www.adventisthealth.org/tillamook/services/behavioral-health/ to learn more.