Behavioral Health Services Meet Growing Needs

Over the past year, MRHC has expanded its behavioral health services to address the #1 community health need affecting the region: mental health. Through an integrated, team-based approach, MRHC is ensuring that individuals and families across all stages of life have access to compassionate, professional, and personalized care close to home.

“The expanded services now include a network of therapists and counselors, as well as specialized support for the Recovery Center’s substance abuse treatment and education programs,” shared CNO, Michelle Andersen, RN, BSN. “This integration allows patients to receive coordinated care that addresses the full spectrum of behavioral health needs, from early intervention and counseling to long-term therapy and medication management.”

MRHC’s behavioral health services extend across the lifespan. For children ages five and older, early childhood interventions and play therapy help identify developmental and emotional concerns before they escalate. For seniors ages 65+, MRHC’s Senior Life Solutions program offers counseling, group support, and therapeutic resources designed to help individuals manage life changes, grief, depression, and anxiety. Together, these efforts ensure that every patient, regardless of age or circumstance, has access to the care and support they need.

Throughout the past year, MRHC has seen a steady increase in behavioral health service usage, reflecting both rising awareness and growing trust in the care being provided. This continued demand underscores the importance of MRHC’s commitment to expanding mental health resources and adapting services to meet the evolving needs of our communities.

eHospitalist Program Launches Successfully

The eHospitalist program has been an invaluable addition to MRHC, providing essential support to both inpatient and emergency department teams. As a rural, critical access hospital, MRHC serves patients across a wide range of medical needs, often with limited on-site specialty resources. “The eHospitalist program bridges that gap by offering immediate access to experienced hospitalists and specialists through virtual collaboration, enhancing quality of care, clinical confidence, and patient outcomes while keeping care local,” shared CEO Shannon Black.

This support has been especially beneficial in the emergency department, where situations often evolve rapidly and decisions must be made in seconds. Having access to an eHospitalist during complex or high-acuity cases allows our emergency providers to consult in real time with a skilled specialist who can help assess diagnostic information, guide treatment decisions, and coordinate next steps for patient stabilization or admission. This not only improves care quality but also helps reduce unnecessary transfers to larger facilities.

“While MRHC providers are highly capable of managing a broad spectrum of medical issues, most are not frequently exposed to the more complex or uncommon cases,” shared Black. “In those moments, having a board-certified specialist ‘in the room’ virtually offers vital expertise and reassurance for both the provider and the patient.”

For example, during a recent cardiac emergency in the ER, our attending provider was able to connect immediately with an eHospitalist. Within minutes, the virtual hospitalist helped confirm the diagnosis, and guide the next steps in care. That collaboration allowed the team to act swiftly and confidently, ensuring the patient received advanced-level care right here at MRHC without delay or transfer.

The eHospitalist program exemplifies how technology can strengthen rural healthcare – connecting local providers with expert support to deliver high-quality, timely, and compassionate care close to home.