MRHC Welcomes Mental Health Therapist, Tiffany Johnson

Tiffany Johnson

Tiffany JohnsonManning Regional Healthcare Center (MRHC) is pleased to welcome Mental Health Therapist, Tiffany Johnson, T-LMHC, as the newest addition to the mental health team starting in September. With a strong background in community service, a passion for helping others, and specialized training, Tiffany brings a compassionate and insightful approach to supporting the mental health needs of all ages.

“Bringing Tiffany on board is a great step in expanding mental health support at MRHC,” said CEO Shannon Black. “Having an additional therapist available helps ensure that more individuals and families in our area can access the counseling services they need, when they need them most.”

Tiffany’s professional experience includes years of ministry and youth counseling at Trinity Lutheran Church and Zion Lutheran Church. It was during this time that she became deeply aware of the growing mental health crisis, especially among adolescents. That awareness ultimately inspired her to pursue a career in mental health counseling.

“I believe mental health care is essential for everyone,” Tiffany shared. “We have seen a spike in mental illness since the pandemic, and there is such a need for counselors at the moment. I believe coping mechanisms need to be learned more broadly and that there should never be a stigma surrounding mental health. In so many ways, mental illness is much like a physical illness; however, it needs to be talked about more.”

Counseling Services

Tiffany is trained in Trauma-Informed Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and SMART Stepfamily Therapy. She has a particular interest in grief counseling, helping those impacted by spiritual abuse, and is committed to tailoring therapy methods to each client’s individual needs. While she will work with individuals of all ages, Tiffany brings valuable experience working with pre-teens, teenagers, and young adults.

In her new role at MRHC, Tiffany is excited to continue her mission of serving her neighbors with professional, empathetic care.

“My goal has always been to work in my community and serve the people I know and care about,” Tiffany said. “I want to be able to professionally help those in my community and the surrounding areas, as mental health not only affects the individual, but the entire community. My late husband and I served these communities in the best way we knew how. Now, my ability to serve just looks a little different.”

Tiffany is currently pursuing her Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling from Concordia University-Irvine and is set to graduate in August 2025. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and a Master of Arts in Deaconess Studies.

Tiffany will begin seeing patients in September. To schedule an appointment or learn more about mental health services at MRHC, please call 712-655-2072.

MRHC Welcomes Maribeth Christensen as Senior Life Solutions Therapist

Maribeth Christensen

Maribeth ChristensenManning Regional Healthcare Center (MRHC) is pleased to welcome Maribeth Christensen, BSW, MA, MSW, LMSW, CADC, as the therapist for the Senior Life Solutions program. With a rich background in mental health and social work, Christensen brings a wealth of experience and compassion to the role as she provides care and support to seniors in the Manning community.

Originally from Toronto, Canada, Christensen earned her Bachelor of Social Work, Master of Arts, and Master of Social Work degrees before beginning her career providing group, individual, and family therapy at a women’s center, supporting clients dealing with domestic violence, trauma, and addiction. She later led programs for victims and vulnerable persons.

Christensen moved to Manning with her husband in 2022. Since arriving in Iowa, she has served as a mental health therapist and clinical director at St. Gregory’s Recovery Center in Bayard and held leadership roles at Ivory Plains Recovery Center in Adair. Most recently, she worked as the Senior Life Solutions Therapist at CHI in Corning before the opportunity arose to work locally in Manning.

“While I loved the role and my patients, my heart was in Manning,” Christensen shared. “I’m excited to continue working with the Senior Life Solutions program and in my ‘adopted hometown’, giving back directly to the community that has been so welcoming of me and my family.”

At MRHC, Christensen provides individual and group therapy to older adults through the Senior Life Solutions program. Group sessions are held up to three days per week, where participants receive education on topics like depression, anxiety, and grief, as well as evidence-based coping strategies. She also provides individual therapy sessions for a more personalized and in-depth opportunity for healing. Family therapy is also available based on the needs or desires of the individual.

“Mental health is such an important part of overall health,” said Christensen. “Your mental health has the potential to not only improve your physical health, but also your overall quality of life. Having been in mental health recovery myself for over 20 years, I truly believe in prioritizing your mental health and caring for yourself in order to care for others and live a healthy life.”

Seniors, providers, or concerned family members noticing signs of withdrawal, mood changes, or difficulty with daily activities are encouraged to contact Senior Life Solutions. While reaching out can be difficult, especially due to stigma or the symptoms themselves, Christensen emphasizes that support is available and effective. To learn more or make a referral, call (712) 655-8262. Family members, physicians, or other health professionals can refer individuals to the Senior Life Solutions program.

About Senior Life Solutions

MRHC’s Senior Life Solutions program is designed to meet the unique needs of older adults over the age of 65 struggling with depression and anxiety, often related to aging. The program can be helpful for those who have recently experienced a traumatic event or lost a spouse or close family member and have noticed physical and mental effects like changes in appetite, no energy, difficulty sleeping, loss of interest in activities, or intense feelings of sadness and grief.

Senior Life Solutions Awarded 2022 Training Site and Program Finalist of the Year

Senior Life Solutions awards

MRHC is pleased to announce that the hospital’s Senior Life Solutions program has received the 2022 Training Site and Program Finalist of the Year awards. Senior Life Solutions Program Director, Janet Brus, RN; Program Therapist Amy Hull, LISW; and Office and Patient Coordinator, Cathy Dammann were surprised and presented with these awards on Thursday, March 16th. Senior Life Solutions awards

Senior Life Solutions is managed by Psychiatric Medical Care (PMC), which partners with more than 100 facilities nationwide to provide behavioral healthcare management services. Top-performing employees and Senior Life Solutions programs from around the country are recognized annually based on their excellence in demonstrating the program’s values of care, compliance, and community. Award recipients demonstrate outstanding patient care, excellent comprehension and execution of compliance regulations, and strong community engagement.

“This is truly an honor,” said Senior Life Solutions Program Director, Janet Brus. “We work hard to provide a quality service for the hospital and our patients. They are the reason we are here. We love what we do.”

Senior Life Solutions is a program designed to meet the unique needs of individuals, 65 and older, experiencing symptoms of age-related depression or anxiety, dealing with difficult life transitions, a recent health diagnosis, or the loss of a loved one. MRHC’s Senior Life Solutions program staff includes a board-certified psychiatrist, a nurse practitioner, a licensed therapist, a registered nurse, and other trained professionals dedicated to the well-being of seniors and that each patient receives the best possible care.

The Senior Life Solutions area at MRHC was recently renovated and expanded to include a dedicated group therapy meeting room with state-of-the-art audio-visual capabilities that allow for patients to join remotely. Dedicated offices are also available for the therapist and psychiatrist to meet one-on-one with patients.

Families, friends, community members, physicians, self-referrals, or other health professionals can refer people to the program. For more information, education, or to discuss support, please call 712-655-8262.

Psychiatric Medical Care

MRHC’s Senior Life Solutions program is managed by Psychiatric Medical Care (PMC). Founded in 2003, PMC is a leading behavioral healthcare management company. Focused on addressing the needs of rural and underserved communities, PMC manages inpatient behavioral health units, intensive outpatient programs, and telehealth services in more than 30 states. The company’s services provide evaluation and treatment for patients suffering from depression, anxiety, mood disorders, memory problems, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other behavioral health problems. For more information, visit www.seniorlifesolutions.com.