Bartlett Regional | House Calls | Winter 2021

www.bartletthospital.org 7 Getting outside in the Southeast Alaska fresh air, even in challenging weather, can help relieve depression and anxiety. “It’s a significant challenge, but it’s our focus,” Bradley says. “We live in a community where socially distancing outside is not a hard thing to do.” Therapists work with youth to instill a sense of hope and motivate them to seek different outlets, including walking, hiking, skiing, or playing in the rain or snow. HELP IS HERE, AROUND THE CLOCK It may not be common knowledge, but the emergency department (ED) can treat a broken spirit, as well as a broken leg. Psychiatric and counseling services are available in our ED 24/7 for people experiencing a crisis or thoughts of self- harm. “If you’re feeling symptoms of depression or anxiety, we want you to take that same approach as you would with a physical injury—we want you to come and let us help you,” Bradley emphasizes. “We have licensed, master’s level therapists and behavioral health technicians on-site, ready to see what they can do to help you through that moment and make a plan for how to support you.” VIRTUAL SERVICES We are able to accommodate the growing need for mental health counseling and substance misuse services through telehealth virtual appointments. Clinic hours are 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday. Six therapists and three psychiatric providers are on hand full time. On average, new patients can secure appointments within two to three days. PAYMENT IS NOT AN ISSUE All types of insurance are applicable for Behavioral Health Services. “The last thing we want is for someone to not get help because they can’t afford it,” says Bradley. Services are available on a sliding scale. Subsidies are also available. EXPANDED RAINFOREST RECOVERY CENTER Rainforest Recovery Center has expanded from a residential detoxification program for a dozen patients to a three- pronged service center for many more Southeast Alaskans. The residential program is currently at half capacity due to the pandemic. A new Withdrawal Management Unit opened December 1. When the unit is full, overflow patients will be treated on the main campus. The four-bed facility was designed with a regional aesthetic. Works by well-known Alaskan artists adorn the hallways. Inspiring murals by local artists celebrate the beauty of the surrounding natural world. “Our whole approach is therapeutic and healing,” Bradley says. “The rooms are welcoming and warm. We want people to get better. We want you to chart a new course or get back to who you are.” Outpatients can receive assessment, counseling and medication management services via telehealth. MENTAL HEALTH As of November 2020, Bartlett Behavioral Health staff were seeing an average of 25 new patients per month, the majority under 18 (16 youth and 9 adults), along with a significant uptick in kids attempting suicide, more than half under the age of 14. RIPPLE EFFECTS OF THE PANDEMIC IN JUNEAU Find out more about how COVID-19 has affected children’s mental and behavioral health at www.bartletthospital.org/covid-stats . ever What can parents do? If you see your child struggling, talk to them frankly. Ask if they’re thinking about suicide. Asking doesn’t increase the risk of suicide; it’s the first step to getting help. If you think your child is in danger of suicide, reach out to their doctor, a mental health counselor or the emergency department. Help is here. Average monthly outpatient psychiatric visits by children under 18 July 2019–March 2020: 4.1 April–June 2020: 12.7 July–September 2020: 15.6 Ages 13 and younger July 2019–March 2020: 1 April–September 2020: 7 Suicide attempts by children under 18 Ages 14–17 July 2019–March 2020: 2 April–September 2020: 5