Behavioral & Mental Health

Kim: We know that chronic illness increases the risk of depression, but also the reverse is true: depression increases the risk of certain illnesses (https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/chronic-illness-mental-health). Mental health cannot be separated from physical health, and for this reason integrating behavioral-mental health services within a primary care clinic is extremely beneficial. Integrated care improves communication between providers, continuity of care, and allows for a team approach while caring for patients suffering from both physical and mental health conditions.

Nicky: Orange City Area Health System promotes integration of all services by making an environment that is easily collaborative in nature between medical providers and behavioral health providers. Which results in better continuity of care outcomes for patients. Because of that collaborative environment all providers can be better informed on their patients, which allows providers to make the best choices, recommendations and treatment plans possible for the health and wellbeing of their patients. Orange City Area Health System takes a holistic approach integrating both behavioral healthcare with general healthcare in treating the whole person.

Patients can set up an appointment by calling the clinic number (712) 737-2000 and also through referral by their medical provider. Sometimes we even have the opportunity to initiate services during a medical visit, in order for the patient to meet the behavioral health provider and briefly discuss services that could be provided. Confidentiality is always the highest priority for the patient, yet it remains important for the medical provider to be aware of the behavioral needs of the patient and for the behavioral health provider to be aware of the medical issues involved to comprehensively address patient concerns.

Nicky: Behavioral healthcare care are services and care that promote mental health and well-being and the prevention and treatment of mental health conditions and disorders. The treatment of those disorders can come in many forms; therapy services for the individual, couple, or family as well as medication management services. Behavioral healthcare is an important and necessary healthcare service for the overall wellbeing of people, because we know through research, that behavioral health has a direct effect on overall health and wellbeing.