Life can be challenging, and dealing with personal struggles or everyday stress can feel overwhelming. Getting the right support is important when you’re going through tough times.
Mental health centres offer a safe and caring place to help people work through their emotional and mental challenges.
Vera French Community Mental Health Center is one of these places, providing different services to help people with their mental health in a supportive way.
In this post, we’ll take a look at the services they offer and the professionals who work there.
Along with local centres like Vera French Mental Health Center, online platforms like BetterHelp make it easier to get help.
BetterHelp connects you with licensed therapists, so you can get support from home whenever you need it. It’s a simple and convenient way to access therapy.
About Vera French Mental Health Center
Established in 1949, Vera French Community Mental Health Center offers vital mental health care to the Davenport, Iowa area.
It started as a place for those who couldn’t afford private care and has since grown to offer outpatient care, residential services, addiction programs, and more.
Named after Dr. Vera French in 1982, the centre has expanded its reach with programs like School & Community-Based Therapy, housing assistance for people with mental illness, and support for children through Rick’s House of Hope.
Today, Vera French serves the community with over 200 staff, providing crisis care, therapy, and housing support, helping individuals improve their mental health and quality of life.
Mission & Vision of VFMHC
The mission of Vera French Community Mental Health Center is to improve mental health for everyone in the community by offering accessible, high-quality services.
Their vision is to collaborate with local partners to create a healthier, more supportive environment where individuals can thrive and live well.
Mental Health Services Provided By Vera French
1. Adults
Vera French Community Mental Health Center offers a variety of services to help adults with their mental health.
They provide therapy and psychiatric care, including evaluations, individual and group therapy, family therapy, and medication management.
These services are available for adults aged 18 and older, with a focus on helping them improve their daily life and mental health.
The centre also offers a program for people with both mental health and substance use issues, helping them address both at the same time.
Their outreach program supports people who are at risk of homelessness or jail, offering a safe place to get help.
For those needing more care, Vera French runs two residential care facilities that offer 24-hour support for people with serious mental health challenges, helping them live as independently as possible.
They also provide telehealth services, same-day appointments, and a Crisis Stabilization Home for urgent needs.
Specialized services are available for older adults dealing with conditions like dementia, depression, and anxiety.
Overall, Vera French focuses on helping people recover, grow, and improve their lives.
2. Children
Vera French Community Mental Health Center provides services for children and teenagers aged 2 to 18.
They offer psychiatric evaluations, treatment planning, and different types of therapy, including play therapy and Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT).
PCIT helps young children with behavioural issues by working with both the child and their parents to improve their relationship and behaviour.
For kids in school, Vera French offers therapy in the school setting, working with parents and teachers to support the child’s mental health both at home and school.
They also have Multi-Systemic Therapy (MST), an intensive program for high-risk youth that involves families, schools, and communities to help the child.
In addition, they provide medication management and language assistance.
Overall, Vera French helps children and families manage mental health challenges and improve their well-being at home, school, and in the community.
Team Members of Vera French Mental Health Center
The leadership team at Vera French Community Mental Health Center is made up of a group of dedicated professionals who ensure the centre runs smoothly and provides quality care to the community.
- Richard K. Whitaker, Jr., Ph.D., CEO: Richard leads the centre, guiding its vision and goals to make sure they provide the best mental health services possible.
- Denise Beenk, MBA, LISW, COO: Denise handles the day-to-day operations, making sure everything runs efficiently and effectively.
- Jill Westhoff, CFO: Jill oversees the finances, ensuring the centre has the resources it needs to keep operating smoothly.
- Nathan Sondgeroth, JD, Executive Director – Vera French Foundation: Nathan manages the Vera French Foundation, helping raise funds and connect with the community to support the centre’s mission.
- Charles Timm, Director of Housing & Property Management: Charles is in charge of the centre’s housing services, making sure people have safe places to live.
- Shelly Chapman, HR Director: Shelly manages the centre’s staff, making sure employees are supported and the workplace runs smoothly.
- Korinne Betker, Executive Coordinator: Korinne helps keep everything organized and ensures communication flows smoothly between the leadership team and departments.
- Henry Emerle, MD, Interim Medical Director: Dr. Emerle oversees the medical side of things, making sure patients get the care they need.
- Stacy Kiser, Executive Director of VF Housing Development: Stacy works on expanding housing options for those who need them, helping to create more supportive living environments.
- Luke Rushing, IT Director: Luke takes care of the centre’s technology, ensuring everything runs securely and efficiently.
- Angi Tracy, Carol Center Director: Angi oversees the Carol Center, supporting individuals with severe mental health challenges and providing a safe space for them.
- Julie Zogg, LISW, Outpatient Director: Julie leads the outpatient services, making sure clients receive the care they need outside of the centre.
Together, this team works to make sure Vera French Community Mental Health Center continues to support the mental health needs of the community.
Want to know more about mental health services, check these out:
- Nebraska Mental Health Center: Empowering Wellness
- Catawba Mental Health Center: Compassionate Care & Support
- Mgh Center for Women’s Mental Health: Specialized Care
Insurance and Financial Assistance
Vera French Community Mental Health Center wants to make sure everyone gets the care they need, no matter their financial situation.
While individuals are responsible for paying for their services, the centre will help by checking insurance and handling billing for them.
Payment is expected at the time the service is provided.
If someone needs financial help, the centre offers reduced fees or free services for those who qualify.
Vera French believes everyone should have access to their programs, regardless of how much money they have.
To apply for financial assistance, people can fill out an application form and bring it in with proof of income and a photo ID, or fax it to 563-823-0761.
The centre will review the application, help schedule an appointment, and assist with applying for Medicaid or other local support programs.
Locations and Contact Information
Vera French Community Mental Health Center is located at 1441 W. Central Park Ave., Davenport, Iowa 52804.
For more information or to get in touch, you can reach them at (563) 383-1900.
You can also visit their official website for additional details.
