Back-to-School Mental Health Tips

back to school tips

As children will soon transition from their summer schedules and head back to school, MRHC shares tips to ensure they are mentally ready and prepared to adjust well to their new routines.

To make the transition back to school easier, Hollie Schechinger, LMSW, a designated mental health counselor at MRHC, recommends starting children’s morning routine a week or so before school starts. She also stresses that communication is a big part of helping children with anxiety and other mental health problems. Hollie Schechinger

“Talk with them about their fears and worries so that you can reassure them that they will be okay,” Schechinger said. “Once school starts, ask them how their day was. Make sure they know that you are a safe person they can talk to. If they look upset or their behavior changes, then have a conversation with them. Just check in with them. Keep that line of communication open with your children. Allow them to feel their emotions, cry, and express themselves.”

Warning signs that a child is not adjusting well or that they are struggling mentally can appear physically or mentally.

“In children, a lot of their anxiety symptoms come out as stomach aches or headaches,” said Schechinger. “If they are complaining of them consistently after school, they may not be adjusting well. If they are sleeping immediately after school for a long period of time or just not having very good behaviors after school these could be signs that they are struggling.”

If you notice these changes in your children and intervention methods you have tried with your child do not seem to be helping, Schechinger offers counseling services in Manning three days a week for individuals 12 and older.

“I provide mental health therapy by using a wide variety of interventions and therapy models,” Schechinger said. “I will sit down with your child and complete an assessment and engage them in conversations. I will then schedule follow-ups to help with coping skills and other interventions to help your child cope with their mental health. Counseling is a safe place for them to share what they are feeling and what is happening in their life. It is also a place where they can share their feelings or learn what their feelings are. Counseling helps people learn how to cope with their mental health concerns so they can live a productive life.”

For parents with children younger than 12 who appear to be struggling, Schechinger recommends taking them for a walk or sitting down and playing with them, so they feel more comfortable talking. She stresses that keeping communication open with your child and making sure they know they can speak with you is important in helping them with their mental health concerns. There are also some child mental health therapists in the area that Schechinger can put parents into contact with if needed.

To schedule a counseling appointment with Schechinger at MRHC, call (712) 655-8100. Referrals are not needed. If you need additional mental health information, education, or would like to discuss support for your child, please contact their primary care physician at (712) 655-2072.

MRHC Welcomes Dedicated Mental Health Provider, Hollie Schechinger

Hollie Schechinger

Hollie SchechingerTo address one of the primary health concerns affecting our rural communities, MRHC is expanding mental health services. Hollie Schechinger, a counselor in the Recovery Center at MRHC, will now be a designated mental health provider offering services in Manning three days a week for those 12 and older starting July 1st, 2023.

“My new position will help expand the availability of mental health services for everyone,” said Schechinger, LMSW. “I will be able to help people in Manning and surrounding communities get the help they need. Mental health services in this area are difficult to get as there are long waiting lists so people struggle to get appointments. My hope is to provide support for people who are just waiting for help.”

In addition to providing mental health services for the general community, Schechinger will also continue working with Recovery Center inpatient clients two days a week.

“I will be providing mental health therapy by using a wide variety of interventions and therapy models,” Schechinger said. “I am very excited about this opportunity and building the availability of mental health services in Manning. I hope we can spread awareness of mental health and the importance of not hiding it. I want to bring more access to mental health services so that those who are staying quiet about their mental health problems can speak out about them.”

Mental health care has always been important to Schechinger, and she is hopeful that her new role will help those in need and change the stigma surrounding mental health.

“I have always wanted to work in healthcare in some way. During high school when we took those career quizzes, I always got therapist. I just have a passion for helping people,” Schechinger shared. “I found that social work would be a great way to help others in the healthcare setting, so after getting my social work feet wet working with troubled youth at Quakerdale in Manning, I really realized how important mental health is. Many people still see mental health as being taboo, but I want people to understand that mental health impacts everyone in multiple ways. That is when I realized I wanted to focus on helping others in mental health.”

A 2009 Coon Rapids-Bayard graduate, Schechinger received a social work degree from Briar Cliff University in 2013. After working at Quakerdale, she worked in the Recovery Center for almost five years before going into Home Health with Carroll Area Nursing Services. She then returned to school to get her master’s in social work with a focus in mental health and trauma from the University of Denver.

“After finishing my degree, I realized I really missed providing therapy, so when a position opened at the Recovery Center, I decided to take it,” said Schechinger. “I spoke with the Director, Taya Vonnahme, about wanting to improve access to mental health services in this community, and she ran with the idea. The amazing administration team at MRHC came together and we came up with the plan of adding a full-time mental health therapist. Having an administration that will help us achieve our career goals is amazing. They really care and want you to succeed. I wanted to expand mental health services, and now less than a year later I am already working on making that goal reality.”

“Hollie is very passionate about helping our community in more ways than we already do,” said Vonnahme, MSN, RN, ARNP, CADC. “She has been working with the Recovery Center in Manning for years, and when she came back, she made it clear that as much as she loves substance abuse that she wanted to do more. I knew we had a great opportunity to provide additional services to our patients and community, so we are very excited to expand mental health services here in Manning.”

In addition to feeling supported in her career goals, Schechinger shares that working at MRHC is fulfilling in other ways as well.

“Working at MRHC is almost like having another family,” Schechinger shared. “I believe it speaks volumes that I worked here for 4.5 years and eventually decided to come back. We are very team-oriented, close with one another, and help each other out. Everyone is very encouraging and helpful in many ways even if they don’t work in the same department. We are all here to work together to help ensure patient safety and needs are met.”

To schedule a mental health appointment, call (712) 655-8100. Referrals are not needed. If you need additional mental health information, education, or would like to discuss support, please contact your primary care physician at (712) 655-2072. For those 65 and older, call Senior Life Solutions at (712) 655-8262. Or call the Manning Recovery Center at (712) 655-2300 and talk to a professional.

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.

MRHC Helps Individuals Live at Home Longer with Occupational Therapy

aging in place

90% of older adults want to stay in their homes as they age. Occupational therapy at MRHC can help promote aging in place to help individuals live, work, and play more independently.

“As an Occupational Therapist, I want to help make that a reality for individuals,” said Amanda Arneson, MOTR/L, MRHC Occupational Therapist. “Our therapy treatments can help with aging in place by promoting independence and safety to make activities of daily living more doable.” Occupational therapist, Amanda Arneson

Aging in place refers to an individual making a conscious decision to live in the residence of their choice for as long as they can with the comforts that are important to them. As they age, adding supplementary services to facilitate their living conditions and maintain their quality of life may be necessary. These could include assistance with personal care, household chores, making meals, money management, or health care.

Family members should consider the following questions when determining the best course of action for an aging adult:

  • What is the ideal way for them to spend their retired years?
  • What type of home environment do you see them living in – individual, community, assisted?
  • What special health care requirements are needed or anticipated?
  • What other types of supplementary services are needed?
  • What options are available in case of emergencies, life changing events, accidents, etc.?

“Aging in place does not mean that you need to do everything yourself,” Arneson explained. “You can choose to do as little or as much as you want, can, and are capable of.”

Occupational therapy at MRHC is available for people of all ages who need specialized assistance to lead independent, productive, and satisfying lives. Services can promote independence and aging in place by assisting with the following:

  • Getting around (adaptive devices: cane, walker, wheelchair)
  • Safety concerns and fall prevention
  • Home modifications (grab bars, lighting, and toilet risers)
  • Cooking
  • Laundry
  • Showering
  • Shopping
  • Medications
  • Cognition and memory
  • Muscle strengthening
  • Balance.

A doctor’s referral is required to be seen by an occupational therapist.

In addition to occupational therapy, MRHC provides a variety of other services to help community members live at home longer. Physical therapy is beneficial for those who are suffering from an injury, recovering from surgery, or dealing with any sort of acute or chronic pain. Senior Life Solutions offers an outpatient group counseling program to meet unique needs of adults over 65 struggling with depression and anxiety, often related to aging. Residential and outpatient medical care, behavioral therapy, and social support to enable a healthy lifestyle free from drugs and alcohol is available through the Recovery Center.

If you or a loved one would benefit from services that enable you to live at home longer, schedule an appointment with your primary care provider at MRHC by calling (712) 655-8100. To learn more about occupational therapy services contact Amanda Arneson at (712) 655-8298 or by email at amanda.arneson@mrhcia.com.

MRHC Welcomes New Occupational Therapist

Occupational therapist, Amanda Arneson

The therapy department at Manning Regional Healthcare Center is excited to welcome a new Occupational Therapist, Amanda Arneson, MOTR/L, to the therapy team. Arneson is now offering a wide range of occupational therapy services at MRHC for people of all ages who, because of illness, injury, developmental, or psychological impairment, need specialized assistance to lead independent, productive, and satisfying lives. Occupational therapist, Amanda Arneson

“I am thrilled to be joining the team as an Occupational Therapist here at MRHC,” shared Arneson. “I fell in love with occupational therapy when I observed in Carroll at the hospital. I knew immediately that I wanted to help people of all ages get back to doing all the things they want to do independently. I am looking forward to growing the Occupational Therapy department here at MRHC and I have a big vision for the future,” Arneson said.

Therapy Director, Taylor Nelson, PT, DPT, is excited for Arneson to join the team and looks forward to being able to offer occupational therapy services full time at MRHC.

“Amanda is a great asset to add to the Rehab Department and has experience treating a wide range of diagnoses,” said Nelson. “Occupational therapy can be beneficial for many different individuals ranging from children with developmental issues to people recovering from stroke. OT’s wheelhouse focuses on treating not just the diagnosis but treating the person as a whole in order to reach their functional goals.”

Arneson will offer occupational therapy services for adults who have difficulties with routine care such as brushing their teeth, getting dressed, feeding themselves breakfast, or driving to work. She will also provide pediatric care which consists of ensuring that children are meeting developmental milestones and progressing as they should. Pediatric services can include helping with handwriting and behavioral and mental health.

“My passions are in mental health and pediatrics,” Arneson shared. “I hope to explore more and bring skilled therapy here locally, so we don’t have to drive so far outside of town with our little kiddos.”

Geriatric services will be available as well. Arneson has experience working in local nursing homes and brings a wealth of knowledge when it comes to geriatric care. She will work to get elderly people stronger and back home to be able to live independently.

After graduating from Audubon High School in 2012, Arneson received her master’s in Occupational Therapy at College of Saint Mary in Omaha, Nebraska. Arneson and her husband live in Audubon with their two children. She enjoys spending time with family as well as doing anything outdoors.

To schedule an occupational therapy appointment, call (712) 655-8298.