Connectus Health Recognizes Mental Health Month
Connectus Health is encouraging Nashvillians to tune into their mental health as National Mental Health Awareness Month begins on May 1. The community health center offers behavioral health consultations and services by telehealth and in person through its two Nashville clinics — often for a much lower cost than other health care providers, and to people who are under- or uninsured.
According to a poll from the nonprofit Kaiser Family Foundation, overall, about one in two Americans — 51 percent of the public — said their mental health has deteriorated because of the pandemic.
“Life in our world is incredibly difficult right now,” Hanna Kleiner, LPC-MHSP, director of Behavioral Health Services for Connectus Health, said. “Middle Tennesseans have been hit especially hard this past year with tornadoes and flooding in addition to the pandemic. Understandably so, many people have sought mental health support for the first time over the last year.”
In 2020, Connectus saw a 12 percent increase in behavioral health patients from 2019. Its team of behavioral health providers includes both licensed and pre-licensed clinical mental health providers who treat any mental health concerns that may arise for patients throughout their care. The Connectus Behavioral Health team regularly provides support to patients with behavioral health concerns like substance use, anger, anxiety, depression, diabetes, grief and loss, stress, postpartum depression and panic.
They also work with patients and the medical team to address any behavioral or mental health barriers to the management of common health conditions like asthma, chronic pain, COPD, high blood pressure, obesity, and sleep disturbance. Several of Connectus’ behavioral health team members also specialize in gender-affirming care, to ensure that the gender expansive patient population at Connectus has access to competent, affirming, and inclusive care.
Connectus practices integrated, comprehensive care, meaning that behavioral health services are part of each patient’s holistic care plan. A Behavioral Health Consultation is available to anyone who is a patient of the Connectus primary care, women’s health, pediatric, midwifery or transgender health service lines.
Appointments for behavioral health visits, wellness check-ups or sick visits can be made by calling 615.292.9770. No insurance is required, though the Connectus staff includes Enrollment and Financial Counselors who can assist with insurance enrollment. A sliding fee discount is also available for those who are uninsured, which is based on the patient’s income.
“We want the community to know we are here for them, and that there is hope,” Kleiner said. “There are so many people struggling and in pain right now – our team is dedicated to helping our patients access their strengths by providing the support needed throughout the healing process. Sometimes that looks like connecting patients to crucial resources in the community. Other times that could look like regular behavioral health consultation to address the stress that may be chipping away at daily functioning. Whatever the case, we will always do whatever we possibly can to help our patients access the care that they need. It is our job to help elevate the health of our individual patients, and we know that healthy individuals and families create healthy communities. We urge anyone who may be struggling to reach out. You don’t have to suffer in silence - we are here, without judgment, to help”.