OHHS Recognizes Mental Health Month

May is Mental Health Month and Ohio Hills Health Services (OHHS) is proud to offer Behavioral Health Counseling Services at the Barnesville Family Health Center and the Quaker City Family Health Center. Telehealth counseling sessions are also available for all OHHS patients who are unable to attend an in-person session or who due to COVID-19 feel safer receiving counseling services at home.  Behavioral Health Services provide therapeutic interventions for children, adolescents, adults, families and also offers relationship counseling.

Behavioral Health Counseling Services are available to all community members. Clients do not need to visit an OHHS health care provider to take advantage of Behavioral Health Services.

“OHHS began providing Behavioral Health Counseling one year ago,” said Jeff Britton, CEO, OHHS. “We understand the importance of treating the person as a whole and know that at some point in their life an individual may experience grief, anxiety or depression. The COVID-19 pandemic has made Behavioral Health Counseling more important than ever for our community. Our mental health counselors are here to help.”

The COVID-19 pandemic is a source of stress, fear, or anxiety for many area residents. Nearly half of Americans report the coronavirus crisis is harming their mental health, according to a Kaiser Family Foundation poll. During these uncertain times, if you’re scared, depressed, struggling to sleep through the night, or just on edge, you’re not alone. It is important to know that help is available.

“Counseling can help us to examine what is truly meaningful in our lives,” said Melissa Huff, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, OHHS “I am here to help people discover their best selves.”

One of the main reasons people do not pursue counseling services is they worry they cannot afford counseling. OHHS accepts Medicaid as well as most insurances and also offers a sliding fee scale for those who qualify. People seek counseling for many different reasons and often counseling is short term, providing clients with the support and coping strategies they need.

“Mental Health Month is a great time to bring awareness to the fact that it is OK to seek help. Treating our mental health is as important as treating our physical health. We need to look at healing the person as a whole,” said Penny Shepherd, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, OHHS. “There are practical tools and skills everyone can use to improve their mental health and to build resiliency.  A counselor can help you to gradually make small changes and to build on those successes. It is important to recognize and own your feelings, to look for the positive, to connect with others and to create healthy routines. We are here to help you to navigate this course.”

Mental Health Month provides a great opportunity to educate the community regarding the need and availably of counseling services. OHHS has two Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors, Melissa Huff, LPCC-S and Penny, Shepherd, LPCC-S. To schedule an appointment for Behavioral Health Counseling Services or to request additional information please call 740-239-OHHS.

Photo: Penny Shepherd, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, OHHS

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