WCHC renovates behavioral health space

WASHINGTON — Washington County Hospital and Clinics began seeing patients this week in a newly renovated behavioral health space inside the McCreedy Medical Clinic, a move leaders say strengthens access to mental-health services at a time when demand continues to rise both locally and nationwide.

Patients started using the space Monday, Nov. 17. WCHC leadership said the expansion reflects a long-term effort to improve care for community members facing conditions such as depression, anxiety and PTSD.

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The clinic notes that 1 in 5 Americans lives with a mental illness, and national agencies report that demand for behavioral-health services continues to grow.

The U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration states that “behavioral health needs continue to rise, with increasing demand for services across the country,” and data from the Kaiser Family Foundation further details that trend, with studies showing 23% of U.S. adults receiving mental-health care in 2022, up from 19% in 2019.

“The addition of this renovated space allows us to better serve the growing needs of our community and continue providing high-quality, integrated care close to home,” CEO Todd Patterson said. “Our goal is to make accessing behavioral health care easier and more comfortable for our patients.”

Hospital officials said the renovation creates a modern, comfortable space that enhances privacy, accessibility and coordination of care between behavioral-health clinicians and primary-care providers.

The clinic kept check-in procedures the same, allowing patients to continue checking in ahead of time through the MyChart app. Patients also will continue entering through Entrance 11 at WCHC for their appointments.

While those processes will remain the same, the Behavioral Health department has adopted a new direct phone number: 319-863-2064, alongside the renovation. WCHC says the number offers clearer access for patients seeking evaluations or follow-up care.

Six providers now practice in the renovated space: Jessica Anderson, DNP; Lisbeth Whaley, DNP; Lauren Burchette, ARNP; Monika Singhal, MD; Elley Mohling, MSW; and Dena Prainito, LISW.

Their services include mental-status and neurological screening exams, risk assessments, individual, group and family therapy, medication initiation and monitoring, and care coordination. Clinicians develop personalized treatment plans that help patients set goals and take control of their mental illness over time.

WCHC officials say the updated space will help the clinic keep pace with growing mental-health needs in Washington County and surrounding communities, offering patients a more streamlined entry point for care.

Comments: AnnaMarie.Kruse@southeastiowaunion.com