Elkins, WV – May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and Davis Health System is proud to shine a spotlight on the critical importance of mental health and the invaluable role that behavioral health providers play in supporting individuals and communities.
Throughout the month of May, Davis Health System behavioral health providers are committed to raising awareness, reducing stigma, and advocating for access to high-quality mental health care.
From psychiatrists and psychologists to social workers and counselors, Davis Health offers a wide range of services to address the diverse needs of patients and families.
Senior Life Solutions is an outpatient behavioral health program offered at Broaddus Hospital in Philippi, and at Webster Memorial Hospital in Webster Springs. The unique needs of adults (typically 65 and older) are addressed in a supportive and encouraging group therapy setting. Therapy is geared to age-related mental health challenges including symptoms of depression and anxiety. Visit https://www.davishealthsystem.org/medical-services/behavioral-health for information.
Laurel Place at Davis Medical Center in Elkins is a short-stay inpatient therapy program designed to treat and improve the lives of people ages 55 and older who are suffering from depression, anxiety, sleep disturbances, social withdrawal, interpersonal conflicts and a wide range of other psychiatric conditions. The care team includes experienced and board-certified psychiatrists, therapists, nurses and therapeutic support staff.
Dr. Lauren DeMarco is a board-certified psychiatrist and serves as Medical Director of Laurel Place, and the Senior Life Solutions programs. Dr. Demarco is trained to treat individuals across the life-span specializing in psychiatric evaluations, and the initiation and monitoring of psychopharmacological treatments.
Jennifer Abel, PMHNP, Brenda Mason, APRN, DNP, FNP-BC, Teresa Black, DNP, APRN-BC, FNP, and Melissa Bragg, PMHNP provide support to DHS behavioral health programs in both inpatient and outpatient care settings. The providers are specially trained and experienced in treating children, adolescents, adults, and seniors with a wide range of behavioral health illnesses.
“Behavioral health providers are essential members of our healthcare team, and their care makes a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and families affected by mental illness,” said Catherine Chua Catherine M Chua, DO, MS, FAAFP, Chief Medical Officer for Davis Health System.
Throughout Mental Health Awareness Month, Davis Health System is highlighting the following ways in which behavioral health providers can support mental health awareness and advocacy:
Promoting Education and Awareness: Behavioral health providers can play a key role in educating the community about mental health issues, raising awareness about available resources and services, and reducing stigma surrounding mental illness.
Providing Comprehensive Care: Behavioral health providers offer a range of services, including assessment, diagnosis, counseling, therapy, and medication management, to support individuals with mental health conditions in achieving recovery and wellness.
Advocating for Access to Care: Behavioral health providers can advocate for policies and initiatives that promote access to affordable, high-quality mental health care for all individuals, regardless of background or circumstance.
Offering Support and Empowerment: Behavioral health providers can offer emotional support, guidance, and empowerment to individuals and families affected by mental illness, helping them navigate challenges, build resilience, and pursue meaningful recovery.
Collaborating with Multidisciplinary Teams: Behavioral health providers collaborate closely with primary care providers, specialists, and community organizations to ensure coordinated, holistic care for individuals with mental health needs.
For more information about behavioral health services through Davis Health System facilities, please visit https://www.davishealthsystem.org/medical-services/behavioral-health.
