Southwestern Mental Health: Your Journey to Better Living

People across the country, as we know well, are sadly dealing with more prevalent mental health issues.

That is why more facilities are opening to assist those needing support, including Southwestern Mental Health.

This centre offers empathetic and accessible mental health care for individuals and families.

What sets Southwestern Mental Health apart is that their team realizes not everyone has the same requirements, so therapy and counselling is tailored for individual clients.

Keep reading to learn more about their services.

For homebodies who want to get help from home, BetterHelp is an excellent solution.

BetterHelp will link you with a therapist who is licensed for it, and that connects with you via the help of the internet, so don’t have to leave the comfort of home going through the personal culture.

This flexibility makes it possible for more people to seek the same mental health care they require no matter where or when they can do so.

About Southwestern Mental Health

Southwestern Mental Health (SWMH) is diverse, energetic and dedicated to mental health and overall wellness for the communities they serve while treating everyone with dignity and respect.

Their mission is to provide quality mental health services to those in Cottonwood, Jackson, Nobles, Pipestone and Rock counties across the age span and within the cultural backgrounds of its community members.

They do not refuse to treat someone due to inability to pay or because of their race, colour, sex, national origin, disability, religion or sexual orientation.

A licensed By the Minnesota Department of Human Services, The SWMH team consists of independently licensed social workers, marriage and family therapists, mental health therapists, mental health practitioners, and peer support specialists.

The centre does have psychiatrists as well as psychiatric nurse practitioners who see clients by appointment.

SWMH, a National Health Service Corps site, participates in all health insurance plans, including medical assistance, Medicare, and other forms of third-party payments.

They offer sliding scale fees for residents of their service area who have no insurance, so it’s an option for all members of our community to receive mental health care.

Mental Health Programs Provided By Southwestern Mental Health

1. Outpatient Therapy – Adult

Southwestern Mental Health (SWMH) provides compassionate and confidential outpatient therapy to adults navigating through challenging times.

Whether you are feeling stressed, overwhelmed, or having issues in your relationships, SWMH is here to help you feel better and restore balance.

They offer therapy to help you cope with life transitions, process grief, heal trauma, enhance relationships and manage your mental health.

Services range from one-on-one and group therapy to medication assistance, support for daily life skills, and focused treatment such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).

They also help coordinate overall care, and secure stable housing. SWMH is with you for every step of this journey.

2. Outpatient Therapy – Children

Southwestern Mental Health (SWMH) provides loving and confidential therapy for children to deal with what life throws at them.

Their team supports healing and growth in a safe and understanding environment for kids and families.

SWMH treats children struggling with anxiety, depression, school difficulties, social problems, relationship issues, trauma or abuse. They also teach children healthy strategies for dealing with emotions and everyday life.

The services that they provide include 1:1, family, and group therapy, play therapy, trauma-focused CBT, and adolescent DBT. They also offer mental health check-ups and medication support as needed.

3. Psychiatry

Their psychiatric care for people of all ages, helping with mental health challenges like depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and more.

Their team offers in-person and online appointments, thorough mental health evaluations, ongoing help with medications, and clear information about your treatment.

SWMH is here to support you and your loved ones with care that’s easy to access and focused on your well-being.

4. Assertive Community Treatment (ACT)

Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) is a program provided by Southwestern Mental Health (SWMH) for adults with serious mental health needs. ACT is a mobile service where helping individuals manage their symptoms, keep safe and enhance their life.

This program is for people who have a hard time meeting their daily needs, keeping a job or home, or who are frequently hospitalized or in legal trouble due to their mental health or substance use.

Each individual receives care from a team of psychiatrists, nurses, counselors and specialists, who provide flexible, daily support when needed.

ACT helps with everyday tasks, managing health and medications, finances, family relations, working, housing and substance use recovery.

The majority of the assistance is provided in the community, and the team remains engaged for as long as required to guaranteeclients feel supported and secure.

5. Unity House

Located in Worthington, MN, Unity House is a nine-bed residential facility operated by Southwestern Mental Health (SWMH).

It’s a safe and supportive place for adults with severe mental health challenges who require some additional care to prevent them from going to the hospital, or who are working to reintegrate to the community after a hospitalization.

At Unity House, residents receive assistance with their mental health, learn to be more independent, and cope emotionally.

Support for healthy living and mental illness management along with learning everyday skills such as cooking, managing money, and staying fit.

The program also equips participants to achieve sobriety, control anger and stress, identify potential crises and triggers, and create contingency plans to avoid or mitigate relapses..

Staff Members At SMH

Staff Members At SMH and its employees have experience in leadership, psychiatry and outpatient services

Here are a few of its key team members:

1. Leadership Team

Executive Director Luke Comeau directs and manages all aspects of the center’s operation and vision.
A focus on staffing, employee relations and organizational growth is Steve Holtz, Director of Human Resources.
Chief Financial Officer Dennis Gyberg oversees the center’s finances such as budgeting and financial reports.
Sara Adkins, Director of Operations (MSW, LISW, LICSW, LCSW) – Sara is responsible for ensuring that we operate as seamlessly and efficiently to serve our clients and community.

2. Psychiatry Team

The Psychiatry team is led by Brian Merrill, DO, who is responsible for the psychiatric care and treatment.
Afton Artz, NP is on the ACT team — which stands for Assertive Community Treatment — a team that provides intensive, community-based care for individuals with severe mental illness.
Anne Davis, NP- Psychiatric evaluations, diagnosis and treatment plans
Another one is Gayatri Doshi, NP Psychiatrist for mental health care, including therapy and medication management.

3. Outpatient Team

Kori Guza, LPCC, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor specializes in outpatient therapy as well as being part of the 24/7 Mobile Crisis team to provide immediate support in crisis.
Mental health content from the Breathe Community Maria Anderson, LMFTLicensed Marriage and Family Therapist specializing in family and relationship therapy.
Another Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor is Malea Beeson Stoesz, LPCC, who specializes in therapy for a variety of mental health disorders.
Charlotte Heinz-Hoefert, LPCC is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor providing help and support to clients through therapy.

This team collaborates to deliver holistic mental health care and support to individuals in need.

Want to know more about mental health services, check these out:

Locations and Contact Information

The centre has locations in two of Southwesteren s most urban settings:

Luverne Address: 117 S Spring Street, Luverne, MN 56156. You can have them at 507-283-9511.

The southwestern mental health center Worthington Location: 1210 5th Ave, Worthington, MN 56187 You can contact them at 507-376-4141.

To learn more visit their website.