Tag: Barbour Behavioral Health

Recognizing Mental Health Awareness Month

Recognizing Mental Health Awareness Month

This May, the Barbour Community Health Association (BCHA) recognizes National Mental Health Awareness Month. Mental health is a particularly important topic all year round for our patients, families, caregivers, and staff. Preventing and treating mental health issues such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), depression, substance misuse, sleep problems, pain management, or stress and anxiety are key components of the person-centered care provided at BCHA. Our psychologists, counselors and caseworkers strive to provide the resources and treatment needed for our patients, family members and staff to feel and function at their best. Please see the following mental health services and programs provided at BCHA:

Offering

  • Individual Therapy
  • Psychological Assesment
  • RehaCom Cognitive Rehabilitation Therapy
  • Parent-Child Interactive Therapy
  • Couples Therapy
  • Family Services
  • Outpatient Alcohol and other Drug Addiction Services

Caring for

  • Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
  • Trauma | Anxiety Disorders
  • Depression | Mood Disorders
  • Addiction | Developmental Disorders
  • Neurocognitive Disorders
  • Eating Disorders

Licensed Mental Health Professional – Full-Time, Barbour County

Licensed Mental Health Professional – Full-Time, Barbour County

LICSW, Licensed Psychologist (preferably doctoral-level) or LPC for FQHC Behavioral Health and Primary Medical Care Organization

Job Description

Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker, Licensed Psychologist (preferably doctoral-level) or Licensed Professional Counselor: Barbour Community Health Association in Barbour County, WV is an organization with a history of commitment to meeting the health needs of the community. We are looking for a highly motivated, dynamic licensed psychologist, LICSW or LPC to provide high-quality services primarily to adolescents in a school-based clinic. This clinician would also see adults in our other clinic settings.

As we continue to grow, we look forward to hearing from applicants that have an interest in helping to grow our integrated behavioral health and primary care program. The ideal candidate would have experience working with people across the lifespan, an interest in neurofeedback (EEG biofeedback), a desire to assist with student training, and a willingness to work as a part of a multidisciplinary team of professionals. Experience and training with adolescents and trauma is a plus.

If you are that person, we offer; a competitive salary and benefits package; paid medical insurance; potential loan repayment options (NHSC site), a successful 403B retirement plan; a team of similarly motivated professionals, professional development, and a supportive community.

How To Apply

Please reply with your resume, cover letter and three references to awilliams@barbourhealth.org or by mail to:

Aaron Williams, Psy.D., Director of Behavioral Health, 70 N Sturmer Street, Belington, WV 26250

Could Your Family Benefit From Parent-Child Interaction Therapy?

Could Your Family Benefit From Parent-Child Interaction Therapy?

The expansion of the BCHA Behavioral Health program includes the initiation of the Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) Center located at the Belington Medical Clinic. To support the new program is new hire Robert W. Kiser, a Licensed Professional Counselor from Buckhannon. Kiser sat down with us to answer some questions on the new program and share his thoughts on how offering PCIT will impact the Barbour community for the better.

Q. What is the difference between therapy and PCIT?

Kiser: Unlike traditional psychotherapies, PCIT focuses on parent-child relational strengthening using a “live” approach, where the therapist is able to easily assist the parent in gaining the skills and confidence necessary to effect positive and lasting behavioral changes. These skills may be continued routinely and integrated into the child’s daily routine which makes PCIT so effective.

Q. How does PCIT work?

Kiser: Prior to starting treatment, a child is first evaluated to identify specific parent concerns. When PCIT is recommended as the treatment of choice, an initial meeting is scheduled with the parents where a clinician orients them to the treatment model. A diverse range of families participate in PCIT services, including: grandparents, divorced, single, two-parent households, foster and adoptive families.

The first phase of treatment focuses on Child-Directed Interaction (CDI), which involves increasing positive engagement and offering praise in order to strengthen the parent-child relationship and reinforce appropriate behaviors. Parents are also taught to use selective attention to encourage pro-social behaviors while diminishing more problematic ones. After parents have learned the basics of CDI, they practice these skills with their child, while the therapist observes from behind a one-way mirror. The therapist helps parents succeed by unobtrusively coaching them via a small earpiece.

The second phase of treatment focuses on Parent-Directed Interaction (PDI), which entails teaching parents how to follow-through and increase consistency and predictability when giving their child directions. After learning this second phase of the treatment, parents practice PDI and CDI skills simultaneously while their therapist observes and coaches them from behind the one-way mirror. This involves having the parent practice giving clear and effective instructions as well as setting appropriate limits to noncompliance while reinforcing positive interactions via the use of their CDI skills.

Q. How long does it take to complete PCIT?

Kiser: While treatment duration is always focused on the particular needs of every parent and child, on average, many participants complete treatment within 16 weeks when attending sessions and following therapist recommendations on a regular and consistent weekly basis.

Because PCIT treatment is tailored to each child it plays a key role in successfully alleviating behavior issues and gives parents the effective tools necessary to address problems as they arise in the home.

“PCIT is a powerful intervention for families struggling to find harmony in their home and allows parents to regain confidence in their ability to positively and effectively parent their child,” Kiser states.

The program is expected to help Barbour County families learn effective communication and behavior management practices within families while strengthening positive social skills and self-esteem in children. For more information on the PCIT Center contact the Belington Medical Clinic at 304-823-4000.

Partnership Eases Student Access to Behavioral Health Services

Partnership Eases Student Access to Behavioral Health Services

Barbour Community Health Association benefits from its new partnership with the WVU School of Medicine Telepsychiatry Program. Through collaboration with the Brandon Wellness Center at Phillip Barbour High School, students will now have the opportunity to receive telepsychiatry health services.

This partnership allows WVU’s Telepsychiatry Program to implement its new initiative called the West Virginia Children’s Access Network at the Brandon Wellness Center where psychiatric and pediatric specialists can connect with students via teleconference. By allowing this vital interaction, medical professionals can screen, consult and treat patients efficiently and successfully at the Brandon Wellness Center, bridging the gap between rural settings and specialized health care services.

Secure and independent, the West Virginia Children’s Access Network ensures timely care for students in Barbour County, where access to specialized health care is limited. The program’s other focuses include early detection of students at high risk for obesity, diabetes, asthma and oral health problems. Educational and administrative video-conferencing services are also provided.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call the Brandon Wellness Center at 304-457-4000.

5 Tips for Managing Holiday Stress

5 Tips for Managing Holiday Stress

The holidays bring with them their very own set of unique stressors including increased spending, socialization and travel. However, for some, holiday stress can be confused with Seasonal Affective Disorder, a form of depression also known as SAD. While holiday stress can result in frayed nerves and short tempers, SAD spans months and has different enabling factors such as decreased daylight hours and colder temperatures. SAD can result in minor to disabling depression that can last the entire winter season.

What is SAD?

Typically experienced during the winter months, SAD usually dissipates with the onset of spring. The severity of symptoms varies for those with SAD but often will interfere with personal relationships and daily activities. Symptoms include feelings of hopelessness, fatigue, loss of interest, weight gain, a change in sleeping patterns and in severe cases suicidal thoughts. SAD is a form of depression with the only major difference being the seasonal pattern of symptoms.  If you have experienced a seasonal pattern of one or more of these symptoms you could have SAD.

Thankfully, there are ways to manage seasonal affective disorder and get through the winter. Consider the tips below to manage SAD.  If you find your depression too difficult to manage on your own remember that Barbour Community Health Association has behavioral and mental health professionals that specialize in helping patients struggling with depression and SAD.

1. Eat a balanced diet – Balance is important. Remember to include plenty of fruits and vegetables into your diet this time of the year and keep sugar, unhealthy fats and excess carbohydrates to a minimum. Your body will thank you and so will your mental health.

2. Socialize – You may not feel like being social while experiencing some SAD symptoms, but spending time with your friends, family and even pets can help elevate your mood. Playing board games, going out to dinner or having a family movie night are several ways you can engage in social activities. Try to discuss your feelings with those who care about you so they can better understand SAD and how it affects you.

3. Be active – Exercise and physical activity can lessen the impact SAD symptoms. Try to participate in group fitness classes at the Belington Wellness Center or make a walking pact with your friends. It is easy to confine yourself to your home all winter so try to spend time outdoors when the weather permits.

4. Spend time in the daylight – Sitting next to a sunny window or by walking outside it is important to experience the daylight. Sunlight exposure is essential and it is the lack of exposure that can cause SAD or worsen your symptoms.

5. Make an appointment – At Barbour Community Health Association we have an experienced team of behavioral health professionals that can help you manage your SAD symptoms and how best to treat your specific situation. Call 304-823-4000 to schedule an appointment.