Grant Regional | aspire to live well | Winter 2022

B E HAV I OR A L H E A LT H S E R V I C E S A focus on mental health Last July, we introduced outpatient counseling in response to findings from our Community Health Needs Assessment. Coupled with the ongoing pandemic, the assessment has brought to light the importance of offering services that help our patients’ mental health and well-being. Our goal is to help patients identify stressors, reduce stress and conflict within their lives, and improve essential coping skills while strengthening decision-making abilities. Some areas of focus include: Take the first step toward healing Because of stigmas, some people think that those who visit counselors are in some way “less than” people who do not require this type of treatment. But counseling can actually be beneficial for everyone. Four reasons to try counseling Speak your mind. Counselors act as a support system that allows you to speak in whatever way you need in order to find healing. Gain validity and clarity . Sometimes sifting through your emotions is hard to do on your own. A professional can help you feel entitled to your emotions, regardless of how irratio- nal you think they may be. Get answers and explanations. Regardless of your situ- ation, counselors have the training to explain what you are feeling and why you are feeling it. Find care and compassion. Counselors are here to help you in any way you need and, more important, they care deeply about helping you improve yourself. It is important to realize that counseling and mental health treatment is a healthy action for everybody. A little counsel- ing can help everyone improve in their everyday life. Meet our counselor Brittney Stelpflug, MSW, CAPSW Outpatient counseling After completing her bachelor’s degree in May 2014 and her master’s degree in August 2020, Stelpflug returned to Lancaster to live and work where she grew up. She wanted to return home to be able to provide important services in her hometown for her family, friends and neighbors. Stelpflug was thrilled to continue her career at Grant Regional and be able to assist patients as they transition from hospital care to their home or a nursing home. She is committed to the important work of ensuring that patients receive the highest level of care, and she is proud to assist patients and families during times of need. Stelpflug will divide her time at Grant Regional between so- cial work in the hospital and outpatient counseling in the clinic. Her caring nature and professional expertise allow her to help others make positive changes in their lives. REACH OUT! WE’RE HERE TO HELP. Individual evaluation and treatment with a counseling professional is a good place to start. For an appointment, call 608-723-2131 or visit grantregional.com . If you need immediate emotional support, text “HOPELINE” to 741741 to reach Wisconsin Hopeline, or call the National Hopeline Network at 1-800-SUICIDE ( 784-2433 ) or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK ( 8255 ). ● Anxiety ● Trauma ● Depression ● Grief and loss ● Life transitions ● Low self-esteem ● Assistance with develop- ing coping skills to manage stress ● Coping with life stressors/chronic health conditions 2 WINTER 2022