Spectrum is a leading whole health provider in Prescott and Verde Valley for more than 65 years, offering integrated healthcare and outpatient counseling for families, couples and individuals. During these unusual times, their mental healthcare services have been a beacon for so many in Yavapai County. They have six locations throughout the county that are open and seeing patients, but they also offer Telehealth services for those who are uncomfortable or not able to meet providers in person.
“We know sometimes it’s hard to ask for help. These are extraordinary times we’re all finding ourselves in. We believe in acknowledging the many complex emotions, including fear and anxiety that this pandemic evokes. There’s some comfort in knowing that we’re in this together, but everyone has their own experience they are going through. Physical and social distancing were foreign concepts to most of us until recently. We are being asked to alter our entire way of life right now, and for many, it’s mentally very difficult,” stated April Rhodes, CEO of Spectrum Healthcare.
How you are responding to the pandemic can depend on your background, the things that make you different from others, and the stress level you are under. People who have chronic diseases or mental health conditions and those on the front lines, like our healthcare workers, may respond more strongly to the stress of the crisis. But no one is immune to feeling emotionally strained. Here are few tips that can help during these times to relieve some stress:
- Take breaks from watching, reading or listening to the news
- Eat healthy meals
- Take deep breaths and consider meditation
- Exercise or take walks to get some air
- Avoid alcohol and drugs
- Connect with others and share what you are feeling
To encourage openness in sharing, Rhodes also suggests the High Low Game, where you can share with family or friends the high and low parts of your day. “Communication is a key part of mental well-being, even if it’s done virtually,” stated Rhodes.
In addition to their primary care and behavioral health services, Spectrum Healthcare has The Spectrum Healthcare Mobile Crisis Team, an urgent response team aimed at addressing mental health issues as they arise in the community. The purpose of the team is to give community members immediate support and care to resolve whatever issues they may be facing, and to connect them with outpatient services such as counseling, psychiatry and primary care when needed. The crisis team partners with local first responders and hospitals to reduce stigma and incarceration. “This service is helping to relieve pressure on our healthcare system by doing risk assessments and offering crisis counseling on the spot. We’re available with staff 24/7/365. It’s an impressive organization that is helping those in need of urgent mental support throughout our communities,” Rhodes explained.
If you or someone you know needs behavioral help assistance, please contact Spectrum Healthcare at one of their six campus locations: Cottonwood: 8 East Cottonwood Street and 651 W. Mingus Ave; Prescott: 3633 Crossings Drive and 990 Willow Creek Road, Camp Verde: 452 Finnie Flat Rd and Sedona: 2880 Hopi Drive. They can be reached at 928.778.0330 or 928.634.2236 and online at spectrumhealthcare-group.com.