Well-Being, Done Well

We provide a wide range of behavioral health and medical services for individuals and families in Southeast Nebraska. We now also provide services at Henderson Health Care Specialty Clinic.  Our services are confidential, professional and discreet.

 

Mental Wellness is an outpatient mental health clinic that specializes in medication management for most mental health conditions for ages 6 and up through our experienced nurse practitioner. We promote an environment of hope and healing.

 

We perform 60 minute initial psychiatric evaluations to determine if your mental health symptoms could benefit from medication capable of affecting the mind, emotions, and behavior. If medications are prescribed, patients will he seen for 30 minutes every 1 to 3 months for continued medication management and ongoing evaluation. We are also a Spravato treatment center and facilitate treatment with Spravato for treatment-resistant depression.

 

Diagnostic Evaluations

Whether it is an initial consultation or an expert opinion, I will work with you to help formulate a diagnosis and treatment plan. I utilize psychological assessment tools, detailed clinical interviews, and other resources to identify your needs and resources.

 

DNA Psychogenetic Testing

Medications which have beneficial effects may also have side effects, ranging from slightly bothersome to very serious. Often times it is our (your)opinion that a medication has no effect at all. As each person is different and may have individual reactions to medications, a psychogenetic (DNA) test may be very beneficial to assist in prescribing a better alternative or altering doses to provide increased therapeutic results.

 

Medication

Whether you are suffering from a substance use disorder, anxiety or depression, bipolar disorder or ADHD, I work with you to find the best medication for your specific concerns through a thorough medication evaluation.

 

Initial medication evaluations generally last about one hour; however, additional appointments may be needed to clarify the diagnosis and best treatment approach. I ask that you come prepared with a list of mental health in the past (antidepressants, mood stabilizers, etc.), I ask that you provide that information as well. There is no "cookie cutter" approach to medications; I attempt to tailor the medication treatment to the individual patient. The more I know about you and your health history, the better I can advise you about medication options.

 

Medication follow-up appointments are usually 20 to 30 minutes. We focus on your current symptoms, the medication's effectiveness, and any negative affects you may be experiencing. We will set a follow-up schedule to maximize your treatment.

 

Opioid Dependence

One very serious form of substance abuse has been the recent growth in the addiction of opiates. The country has seen a massive increase in the number of individuals who have experienced some form of this epidemic. Opioids produce a sense of wellbeing or euphoria that can be addictive to some people. Opioids are legitimately used for treating pain. When used for pain relief, many people develop tolerance, meaning they need more and more to get the same effects. Some people go on to develop an addiction to opioids. In general, opiates are very powerful and extremely addictive, which has understandably led to their abuse, including the consumption and abuse of legitimate prescriptions given by doctors and healthcare providers. The withdrawal symptoms are very hard to overcome, which is usually why users have such a difficult time breaking the addiction.

 

The way that opioids work is that they block pain signals, so when someone is prescribed opiates, they tend to experience a vast reduction of their pain, or no pain at all. Opioids attach themselves to types of proteins in the body which are called "opioid receptors, which gather in the regions of the brain, one's spinal cord and other regions. They ultimately help eliminate the pain and the perceptions of experiencing pain. You can see that is can be a desirable effect for those looking to escape either physical or mental pain in their lives, and the path to abuse is not always one of intent.

 

For those struggling with opioid dependence, recovery can be difficult without the help and guidance of a strong substance abuse program. Medication treatment for opioid use disorder is a proven effective treatment. It has been shown to increase treatment retention, and to reduce opioid use opioid overdoses, risk behaviors and death. To be fully effective, medication treatment incorporates a multi-pronged approach that can include counseling, psychosocial therapy, family support, and building connections to a community resources. utilizing the opioid dependence program at Mental Wellness can help make a significant difference in the lives of those who are struggling with this type of addiction.

 

Drug Screen

The misuse of prescription drugs presents a significant problem for health care providers. It is our policy to collect a urine sample to send into Aegis Labs, inc. at every initial new patient visit and randomly thereafter. Drug testing provides an objective measure of a patient's history and pattern of drug use. Consequently, it is an important component of patient assessment and may aid in identifying risk for addiction or substance misuse disorders Please be prepared to provide a urine specimen each and every visit.