Mental health and counselling centres play a key role in helping people manage life’s challenges and emotional struggles.
They provide services like therapy, counselling, and resources to support mental well-being.
Range Mental Health Center is one such place, offering care and support to individuals in need.
Their team of professionals works together to provide personalized services that address a wide range of mental health concerns.
In this article, we’ll take a look at the different services they provide and how they help improve the well-being of their community.
Along with in-person care, online platforms like BetterHelp make it easier for people to connect with licensed therapists from home.
BetterHelp offers flexible therapy options for those who prefer remote care or have trouble accessing in-person services.
About Range Mental Health Center
Range Mental Health Center (RMHC) is a nonprofit organization that has been providing mental health care to northern Minnesota since 1961.
It was the first rural community mental health centre in the U.S. and the first in Minnesota to focus on helping people with serious mental illnesses.
Each year, RMHC supports over 2,500 adults, children, and families across northern St. Louis County, covering an area of more than 6,800 square miles.
With about 150 staff members, RMHC works to ensure everyone has access to high-quality, compassionate mental health and substance use care.
In 2023, it became a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC), which means it offers a wide range of services to anyone who needs them, no matter their age, income, or where they live.
RMHC is dedicated to helping people live healthier, more independent lives and continues to be a trusted resource for the community.
Mental Health Services Provided By Range
Range Mental Health Center provides many services to help people with different needs. Some of the main services include:
1. Outpatient Services
Range Mental Health Center provides outpatient services to support adults, children, and families with their mental health.
For adults, this includes therapy to help with stress, anxiety, depression, anger, social fears, and family issues, as well as testing to understand things like memory, focus, and personality.
For children, services include therapy and evaluations for challenges like ADHD, learning difficulties, depression, and anxiety.
The centre works closely with parents and coordinates with schools, doctors, and community resources to ensure children get the care they need.
They also offer psychiatric services for adults to diagnose and treat mental health conditions like mood disorders, anxiety, schizophrenia, and ADHD.
These services aim to provide personalized care to help people feel supported and improve their well-being.
2. Community Support Services
Their Community Support Services help people with serious mental health challenges build skills and find the resources they need to live better lives.
These services include support with housing, case management, peer guidance, and mental health care in schools.
Adult Rehabilitative Mental Health Services (ARMHS) provide personalized or group support at home or in the community to help individuals manage their mental health.
Case management helps adults and children connect with important services and resources.
The Peer Support Program pairs individuals with trained peers who have experienced mental health challenges and can offer understanding and support.
The Housing Program helps people with mental health issues who are homeless find stable housing.
School-Based Mental Health Services provide care to students directly in their schools to support their mental health and well-being.
3. Crisis Stabilization Services
For those in a mental health crisis, the centre offers Crisis Stabilization Services to help individuals regain stability and safety.
The Compassionate Community Response Team (CCRT) partners with emergency services to provide immediate help during crises, including support for mental health, substance use, and homelessness.
Mobile Crisis Stabilization offers short-term, in-person assistance for both children and adults, with assessments, counselling, and safety planning.
For more intensive support, the Wellstone Center for Recovery provides short-term residential care for immediate stabilization or longer stays to help individuals build skills and transition smoothly back into the community.
4. Substance Use Disorders Services
The centre also provides Substance Use Disorder Services for individuals and their families.
The Range Treatment Center offers both inpatient and outpatient care with personalized treatment plans and aftercare options.
Outpatient services, available during the day or evening, include assessments, interventions, and educational resources.
For urgent needs, a 24-hour Detoxification Service provides short-term care for those experiencing severe intoxication, with nurses and counsellors offering support and connecting individuals to further treatment as needed.
Overall, Range Mental Health Center focuses on helping people feel supported, regain stability, and move forward in their recovery journey.
Team Members of Range Mental Health Center
The team at Range Mental Health Center consists of compassionate and experienced professionals who work together to provide high-quality care. The team includes:
1. Executive Leadership
1. 1 Annmarie Florest
Annmarie Florest is the CEO of Range Mental Health Center (RMHC), where she has worked since 2018, becoming CEO in 2022.
Annmarie specializes in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Critical Incident Debriefing, and is a certified supervisor for social work and behavioural health.
She leads a variety of services at RMHC, including therapy, crisis support, community programs, and substance use treatment.
Outside of work, Annmarie enjoys travelling, cooking, and spending time with her family and her dog.
2. Directors
2.1 Dr. Jill Barger
Dr. Jill Barger is the Medical Director at Wellstone Center for Recovery, joining Range Mental Health Center in April 2024.
She specializes in treating individuals with serious mental health conditions and has experience working with these populations in the Twin Cities.
Dr. Barger is also a faculty member at the University of Minnesota’s nursing program.
She is passionate about improving mental health care in rural communities, and in her free time, she enjoys outdoor activities like kayaking and camping, as well as travelling around the world.
2.2 Tara LaMourea
Tara LaMourea is the Director of People Operations at Range Mental Health Center. She has an associate degree in administration from Mesabi Range College.
Tara first worked at RMHC from 2007 to 2017 and returned in 2023.
She appreciates the centre’s collaborative culture and the opportunity to work together to provide excellent care to clients and benefit the community.
Outside of work, Tara enjoys outdoor activities like hunting, fishing, and spending time with family at the cabin.
2.3 Andi Macenski
Andi Macenski is the Director of Administration at Range Mental Health Center, joining in April 2022.
She has a strong passion for mental health and is proud to work for an organization that positively impacts the community.
3. Program and Service Leadership
3.1 Tara Etter
Tara Etter is the Program Supervisor for ARMHS and Peer Support at Range Mental Health Center.
She returned to RMHC in 2019 and is dedicated to creating a supportive space where everyone’s voice matters.
Tara is passionate about kindness, empathy, and social justice, and she works to ensure acceptance and love for all.
3.2 Karl Ezell
Karl Ezell is the Maintenance Supervisor at Range Mental Health Center, where he has worked since 2009.
With a background in electrical technology and emergency response, he helps keep the centre’s buildings in good shape.
Karl is dedicated to supporting mental health in the community and enjoys seeing people get the help they need.
3.3 Katie Finch
Katie Finch is the Mobile Crisis Program Supervisor at Range Mental Health Center. She started with RMHC in 2016 and returned in 2022.
With training in crisis intervention and suicide prevention, Katie is dedicated to helping people in need.
She believes in working together as a team to provide the best care and raise awareness about mental health services in the community.
4. Providers
4.1 Shawna Behrendt
Shawna Behrendt is a School-Based Therapist at South Ridge and Mesabi East, where she has been working since September 2022.
With a Master’s in Social Work, Shawna helps students manage their mental health challenges.
4.2 Megan Bickford
Megan Bickford is a therapist who works with children, teens, and young adults both at the Hibbing office and Cherry School.
She has a Master’s degree in Arts, a certificate in Alcohol and Drug Counseling, and degrees in Psychology and Criminology. Megan loves travelling, camping, reading, and spending time with family and friends.
4.3 Duane Dale
Duane Dale is an outpatient therapist and clinical supervisor at the Hibbing office.
He specializes in helping with anxiety, trauma, and issues around sex and sexuality, using techniques like CBT and EMDR.
Duane joined RMHC in 2011 and has worked in several roles, including Mobile Crisis and Wellstone Crisis Center.
For more mental health professionals of Range Mental Health Center check their official website.
Want to know more about mental health services, check these out:
- Hillview Mental Health Center: Compassionate Care
- Coastal Mental Health Center: Supporting Wellness
- Centerstone Mental Health Center Review
Locations and Contact Information
Range Mental Health Center provides mental health and substance use disorder services at several locations.
Two of their main locations are the William F. Sauvé Building at 624 13th Street South in Virginia, Minnesota, where you can reach them at (218) 749-2881 or toll-free at (800) 450-2273, and the Judge Donovan Frank Building, located nearby at 626 13th Street South in Virginia, with a contact number of (218) 741-9120.
For any additional details or to explore more locations, you can email them at [email protected] or visit their official website.
