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Wisconsin Rapids – In the year In 2019, 20 percent of the American population, or nearly 50 million people, were diagnosed with a mental health problem. In honor of Suicide Prevention Month, Aspirus Health is working to raise awareness of the often marginalized topic of suicide and educate everyone on how to prevent and seek treatment for mental health issues.
Each year, local health needs assessments show that mental health and alcohol and other drug abuse (AODA) are the highest needs in our area. In response, Aspirus and the Central Wisconsin Legacy Foundation have committed to addressing this need in 2018 by opening the Aspirus Riverview Behavioral Health Clinic in Wisconsin Rapids.
In the year Since opening in 2018, the clinic has grown to include more providers and community partners. Aspirus Riverview Behavioral Health Clinic now serves patients of all ages at the clinic, high school and Wood County Jail. Led by Nikki Williams, director of behavioral health for the Aspirus system, the clinic’s providers include:
- Dr. Alex Kelsey – Adult Psychiatrist
- Dr. Kathy Rusz – Child Psychiatrist
- Ciara Neeb – Adult Physician Assistant
- Catherine Katanach – Adult Physician Assistant
- Deborah Miller – Adult Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
- Craig Rasmussen – child therapist and one day/week at Lincoln High School
- Sandra Holmes – adult therapist
In addition, two adult therapists are working at the Wood County Jail helping with the mental health needs of inmates. We continue to see the benefits of this service as the number of suicidal inmates continues to decline.
This fall, Dr. Kelsey will start a suboxone clinic for opioid addiction at the Wisconsin Rapids clinic. Suboxone is used to stabilize a person in opioid withdrawal and to promote recovery from opioid use for maintenance treatment.
“The first step to change is realizing that something could be better,” Dr. Rust said. “It’s great to see the community understand their needs and raise their concerns. We’re grateful to be a part of the positive change our community is looking for.”
If you or a loved one is struggling with behavioral or mental health concerns, Aspire Health’s team of specialists can help. Learn more at www.aspirus.org/behavioralhealth.
Those who are in crisis or have suicidal thoughts and know someone who is in crisis can contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline to meet with a trained crisis counselor. Call or text 988 or use the chat on 988lifeline.org. 988 is confidential, free and available 24/7/365. For more immediate emergency intervention assistance, call 911 for yourself or a loved one and/or go to the nearest emergency room.
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