July 2016 Department Discovery: Behavioral Health Services

The June 2016 Department Discovery shines a light on Behavioral Health Services.

Campbell County Health’s Behavioral Health Services (BHS) provides the northeastern Wyoming community with compassionate, confidential and comprehensive treatment of behavioral disorders, mental illness, and substance abuse treatment following detox.

With over 50 staff, BHS consists of licensed therapists, providers, and compassionate support staff to help with your mental health needs. BHS and Campbell County Medical Group Kid Clinic offer daily therapeutic scheduling with Licensed Clinical Social Workers, Licensed Professional Counselors, Psychologist, marriage and family therapist, an array of case managers, and providers ranging from highly qualified Physician Assistants to Board Certified Psychiatrists, some of which are providing the Campbell County community support through Telemedicine technology.

Treatment at BHS begins with an initial screening, followed by a team of professionals who work with the patient to develop an individualized treatment plan, which could include group therapy, education and other support options. For patients who may be experiencing severe episodes of mental illness, BHS offers an eight-bed adult and adolescent unit to provide monitored care.

“Paired with a new facility and a very supportive executive team, BHS is staffed with great therapists and qualified people who are driven to do the best that they can for our patients. We are always striving to do better to reach people who truly want and need our help,” says Jeff Rice, BHS Director.

This year, the department is focusing on suicide prevention efforts. Despite a prevalence of mental health and substance use problems, many people go without treatment—often because their disorders are undiagnosed. Regular screenings in primary care and other healthcare settings enables earlier identification of mental health and substance use disorders, which can translate into earlier care. With this in mind, BHS is working with the Campbell County Medical Group Walk-in Clinic on a more effective suicide screening process for patients seen there. In addition, the department has implemented an assessment within to better screen patients for suicidal thoughts and the severity of those thoughts. They have also implemented a tool that will track a patient in treatment, from beginning to end, and measure the reduction in the likelihood of the patient completing suicide.

A big round of applause to the Behavioral Health Services Department staff! Thank you for all that you do for keeping our community healthy and safe.