Myrtue Behavioral Health Introduces Walk-In Group For Mental Health

HARLAN - Area community members have a new option in caring for their mental health. Myrtue Medical Center’s Behavioral Health department is offering a weekly walk-in group session for adults with both a daytime and evening option. The Behavioral Health Foundations Group provides a timely way to gain support and learn practical skills to start feeling better as soon as possible.

The Behavioral Health Foundations Group is relevant to a wide variety of mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, and general life stressors. Are you feeling stressed and know it would be good to get support? Are you feeling anxious? Would you like to learn some tips for creating more balance and mental wellbeing? The anxiety and uncertainty everyone has felt at some point in the past few years has made mental healthcare a hot topic and the group sessions are a way to help. It is easy to take the next step and take action for your mental wellbeing. The group sessions will be structured, so there is time for sharing, but most of the session focuses on learning and practicing strategies that members can apply immediately. Group participants can share according to their own comfort level.

While the COVID-19 pandemic is putting more strain on mental health, connecting with support can be challenging. Barriers such as finances, time, and knowledge of resources remain ongoing issues. According to Mental Health America, over half of adults experiencing a mental health condition do not get treatment. Even when someone reaches out for help, the shortage of mental health providers can mean a wait of several weeks or even months.

“We get that it takes a lot of courage to make that first call. When you hear that your first visit will be months out, it can feel frustrating and discouraging,” said Katie Sandquist, LMHC, one of the therapists facilitating the new group. “We knew that we had to find a way to connect with people sooner, and this group allows us to offer timely and practical support.”

The walk-in structure of the group provides a simple way to start the process of mental health support. Patients can come when it works for them, with no need to sign up in advance or commit to ongoing attendance. Groups will be Monday nights at 6 pm and Friday mornings at 9 am. Anyone wanting to participate will need to come 30 minutes before group time to get registered and complete a brief intake form. Participants will also need to bring their insurance card to their first session. The group is open to any adult who feels they would benefit, regardless of their previous experience with mental healthcare. Both new and current Behavioral Health patients are welcome.

“Behavioral Health has a team of providers who are dedicated to providing quality mental health care, and we recognize that the wait for our services has been a big barrier for some,” said Lindsey Kinney, LMHC, Director of Behavioral Health. “The foundations group offers quick access to quality mental health services, and we are excited to continue to offer innovative solutions to the community.”

To learn more about the Behavioral Health Foundations Group and all services, call Myrtue Behavioral Health at 712.755.5056. Behavioral Health is located at 1110 Morningview Drive in Harlan. The clinic also offers therapy for individuals of all ages as well as couples and families, substance abuse evaluations, medication management, and community support services.