Castro County Healthcare is expanding access to mental health services for children, teens, adults, and seniors with the addition of facilitated virtual behavioral health care visits at the Medical Center of Dimmitt.
Through a partnership with BSA Behavioral Health, Medical Center of Dimmitt patients can see a mental health professional locally while maintaining continuity of care with their local primary care provider.
The Panhandle region has a severe shortage of behavioral health professionals, with just 1 psychiatrist for every 14,000 residents, according to the Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute.
The new telehealth service connects patients with licensed behavioral health care professionals for evaluation, diagnosis, medication management, and ongoing treatment of a range of mental health conditions. Appointments are conducted in a private setting at the clinic, where patients are securely connected with a behavioral health specialist, eliminating the need to travel outside the community for care and reducing wait times for care.
“Mental health is an essential part of overall health,” said Elisha Rosier, RN, BSN, CEO of Castro County Healthcare.” By offering this service here at our clinic, we are making it easier for patients to receive timely, confidential support.”
Behavioral health services are available for diagnosis and management of conditions such as anxiety, depression, mood disorders, stress-related concerns, and other common mental health challenges affecting children, adolescents, and adults.
Care plans may include therapy, medication management, and collaboration with other healthcare professionals as appropriate.
“Removing barriers to timely behavioral health care is critical,” Rosier added. “When services are available locally, patients are more likely to seek help early and stay engaged in their treatment. That leads to better outcomes for individuals and families across our community.”
The addition of behavioral health services reflects Castro County Healthcare’s continued commitment to expanding specialty care options and strengthening comprehensive healthcare access for residents of Castro County and surrounding areas.
This is the second telehealth service Castro County Healthcare has deployed at the Medical Center of Dimmitt. Earlier this year, it launched virtual endocrinology services.
To schedule an appointment or learn more about our behavioral health services, call the Medical Center of Dimmitt at 806-647-2194 or visit CastroCountyHospital.com.