Clinic Will Help Meet Community’s Growing Mental Health Needs
Amarillo, TX—In an effort to meet the area’s growing need for mental health services, the FMC Health Network (FMC) and BSA Health System (BSA) have opened the BSA Behavioral Health Clinic at 2701 S. Georgia.
“Texas’ mental health workforce is simply insufficient to meet our needs, and that is particularly true in rural areas like the Panhandle,” Shaina Neely, APRN, MSN, FNP-BC,PMHNP-BC, said. “Our goal is to change that and make sure local people have a place to get mental health help when needed.”
It’s estimated that nearly one in five U.S. adults lives with a mental illness, but it’s not just an adult issue. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, it’s estimated that as many as one in six children in the U.S. between the ages of 6 and 17 has a treatable mental health disorder such as depression, anxiety, or attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder.
Currently, it can take months to see a mental health provider in our area. Pediatric patients often have to travel to Lubbock for treatment.
“At the BSA Behavioral Health Clinic, we are scheduling patients within a week of them calling us, and we will treat anyone over the age of six,” Neely added. “We know that time is critical, and we want to get treatment started as soon as possible.”
The clinic offers treatment for a range of conditions, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, and ADHD. A full list can be found at bsabehavioralhealth.com. The clinic also accepts most major private insurances and has the ability to see patients virtually, allowing anyone from the Panhandle area access to mental health care.
“We know the negative impact mental health illnesses have on our quality of life, relationships, and overall health,” Neely explained. “That’s why it’s important to seek treatment and for patients to know that there is hope and these conditions can be successfully treated.”
Anyone looking for more information can contact the clinic at 806-350-7601.