Aspirus Offers Local Mental Health Services

WOOD COUNTY, WI (OnFocus) – In 2019, almost 20 percent of the U.S. population, or nearly 50 million people, were diagnosed with a mental health condition. In observance of Suicide Prevention Month, Aspirus Health is striving to raise awareness about the often-stigmatized topic of suicide and educate everyone on how to help prevent it and how to receive treatment for mental health conditions.

Each year, local health needs assessments show mental health and alcohol and other drug abuse (AODA) to be the greatest need in our area. In response, Aspirus and the Legacy Foundation of Central Wisconsin committed in 2018 to work toward addressing this need by opening the Aspirus Riverview Behavioral Health Clinic in Wisconsin Rapids.

Since its opening in 2018, the clinic has grown to include multiple providers and community partners. Aspirus Riverview Behavioral Health Clinic now serves patients of all ages at the clinic, a high school, and the Wood County jail. Led by Nicki Williams, Aspirus System Director of Behavioral Health, the clinic’s providers include:

• Dr. Alex Kelsey – Adult Psychiatrist
• Dr. Kathy Russeth – Child Psychiatrist
• Ciara Neeb – Adult Physician Assistant
• Catherine Cattanach – Adult Physician Assistant
• Deborah Miller – Adult Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
• Craig Rasmussen – Child Therapist and one day/week at Lincoln High School
• Sandra Holmes – Adult Therapist

In addition, two adult therapists are working at the Wood County jail, assisting with inmates’ mental health needs. We continue to see the benefits of this service, as the number of suicidal inmates has been decreasing.

This fall, Dr. Kelsey will launch a Suboxone clinic for opioid addictions within the Wisconsin Rapids clinic. Suboxone is used to stabilize someone who is in opioid withdrawal and for maintenance treatment to promote recovery from opioid use.

“The first step toward change is recognizing something could be better,” said Dr. Russeth. “It is wonderful to see the community understanding the needs and raising their concerns. We are grateful to be part of the positive changes our community is seeking.”

If you or someone you love is struggling with behavioral or mental health concerns, Aspirus Health’s team of specialists can help. Learn more at www.aspirus.org/behavioralhealth.

People in crisis or having thoughts of suicide and those who know someone in crisis can contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline to connect with a trained crisis counselor. Call or text 988 or use the chat at 988lifeline.org. 988 is confidential, free, and available 24/7/365. For more immediate crisis intervention support for yourself or a loved one, call 911 and/or go to the nearest emergency room.

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