May is Mental Health Month.  This month and every month, we are passionate about helping individuals feel their best physically, mentally and emotionally! One way we help achieve that at the Family Health Clinic is by offering behavioral health services in addition to our medical services.

To help you get a clear picture of behavioral health and its importance, we’ve talked to our Family Health Clinic Behavioral Health Specialists, also known as counselors, and researched behavioral health information to share with you.

Read through our talk with Jessica Skinner and Allison Dowty to help you learn more about behavioral health, why you shouldn’t be afraid to seek treatment if you need help, their careers in behavioral health, and more.

What is behavioral health?

Behavioral health is the scientific study of the emotions, behaviors and biology relating to a person’s mental well-being, their ability to function in everyday life and their concept of self. “Behavioral health” is often used instead of “mental health.” (Insight).

“Behavioral health is an outside resource to be able to look at things going on in someone’s life that may be difficult, traumatic, overwhelming, or stressful,” said Jessica Skinner.

If you’re feeling physically sick, you go and see a medical professional. If you’re feeling mentally and emotionally unwell, you can go see a Behavioral Health Specialist. By, taking care and checking in on the health of both your mind and body can help you achieve your optimal health.

“At the Family Health Clinic, our behavioral health team focuses on overcoming barriers that make it difficult for our patients to achieve their optimal health. This is primarily achieved through our counseling services but sometimes through referrals to community resources to help meet our patients’ needs,” said Allison Dowty.   

“We are here to help those that choose therapy as an option to provide support, hope, and a direction when you feel a change in your life is needed,” Jessica added.

Stopping the Stigma Around Behavioral Health

Oftentimes there is stigma around seeking help for your mental and emotional well-being. As defined by Nami, “Stigma is when someone, or even you yourself, views a person in a negative way just because they have a mental health condition. Some people describe stigma as a feeling of shame or judgement from someone else.”

However, at the Family Clinic we are working to stop the stigma affecting those who seek behavioral health help.

“For anyone considering seeking help, the hardest part of the process is getting to the first session. Most clients have been suffering from anxiety or depression for a long time and it impacts their ability to live their daily life and sometimes puts strain on their employment and relationships. Most clients say they wish they would have started counseling a long time ago once they are actually attending therapy because they see the positive impact it has on their life,” Allison said.

In fact, taking care of your mental wellbeing is crucial to your overall health.

“Mental health is just as important as physical health. When there are things going on physically, we go to the doctor or nurse practitioner without a second thought, however mental health should be no different.

There can be things going on in our lives that are hard to manage, upsetting feelings or emotions, or behavioral problems that need addressing, and licensed professionals are a great resource, just as medical providers, it is all important for our overall health and well-being,” Jessica said.  

A Snapshot of Our Behavioral Health Specialists

To help you get to know our Behavioral Health Specialists better, we asked each of them why they decided to pursue a career in mental and behavioral health.

“I chose a career in behavioral health because I enjoy helping people and problem solving.  As a social worker, I have the honor of supporting people through the best and worst life circumstances.  Although the job can be stressful at times, seeing people accomplish their goals, learn new skills, and heal from past traumas is a truly rewarding experience and I am constantly in awe at the strength and courage my clients possess.” – Allison Dowty

“I choose to help others.  I have always enjoyed bringing a smile and comfort to those that need it most and as a social worker, I have the opportunity to do this every day.” – Jessica Skinner

The Family Health Clinic’s Behavioral Health Services

The Family Health Clinic’s behavioral health services are open to the entire community.

As Jessica said, “We have the ability to work with young children all the way through older adults. We work with anxiety, depression, bipolar, grief and loss, behavioral issues such as Oppositional Defiant Disorder or Conduct disorder, and many others. Our ability to partner with our Nurse Practitioners, pharmacist, insurance navigators, and many others provides a unique opportunity to help individuals in so many different areas.”

Even if you are not a therapy client, you are welcome to speak with our behavioral health providers about any questions or concerns you may have.

If you are interested in learning more about the Family Health Clinic’s services or would like to make an appointment, call (800) 321-5043.