Mental health professionals adjust to serving patients

“We felt it was important to operate as normally as possible,” said Abby Harnett, the Regional Director for Western Montana Mental Health Center (WMMHC). She oversees the mental health centers in Sanders, Flathead, Lake, Lincoln and Mineral counties. For 10 years she has worked at WMMHC. Born and raised in Sanders County, she worked as a social worker before moving to WMMHC. She wants locals to know that WMMHC is still assisting clients as well as taking on new ones who need help during this difficult time. “This time (the COVID-19 quarantine) can increase people’s anxiety and depression,” explained. “We have an awesome staff in Sanders County who have stepped up like you wouldn’t believe.”

The Sanders County branch serves around 275 clients and has 10 employees, including school services. Anyone who is interested can reach out and seek help from WMMHC. Currently they have been adapting their services to work under social distancing guidelines by implementing tele-health platforms into their programs. They can also communicate with their patients via video-call or email, or in whatever format is most comfortable to their customers. They also still provide outpatient therapy, substance abuse therapy and psychiatric services during the quarantine.

“Working with these new platforms increases access,” said Harnett. She went on to explain how these new programs and services can be provided to individuals from the comfort of their own home and makes it easier for patients to receive service. This is especially true for those who have a long distance to travel. Harnett says these implementations are something they plan to continue using, even after normalcy returns.

WMMHC is a community based mental healthcare center and offers behavioral services as well as Substance abuse treatment services to anyone who needs it. The two local offices for Sanders County residents are on Preston Avenue in Thompson Falls and on Railroad Avenue in Plains. Their offices can be called at (406) 532-9190. All necessary paperwork can be filled out on their website, wmmhc.org.