Brookyn Center Mental Health Facility Expands Capabilities
As the COVID-19 pandemic surges to the new record case levels, health experts say mental and emotional health issues have spiked.
“Our world right now is really unpredictable and really stressful in terms of economy as well,” said Terri Clayton, with Headway Emotional Health Services in Brooklyn Center. “So people’s abilities to cope and manage those things have been really pushed.”
Headway is a therapy nonprofit that serves mental and emotional health needs. Clayton said more families are identifying stress related to the pandemic.
“When you think anxiety disorders and what not, that’s all about being out of control,” explained Clayton. “And so much, I think, is not in our power right now that there’s a lot of mental health issues arising as a result of that.”
With mental health care in demand, Headway has tripled its capability at its new Brooklyn Center location. It includes outpatient services and day treatment for middle and high school students. The facility also offers case management and testing and assessments.
Clients also have the option to move their in-person appointments to telehealth.
“We’re kind of doing a hybrid model, but we’re very client focused,” said Teri. “So right now at this point, if a client calls and wants to be seen in person, we find a way to see them in person.”
Clayton said Headway makes mental health care easy to access by working with every insurance provider in Minnesota. The organization also offers a sliding-scale payment option for those uninsured or underinsured. In addition, the nonprofit operates in dozens of schools.
Clayton encourages those in need to reach out, especially during these times of uncertainty.
“So at least you’ll have your essential workers that will be there for you,” she said. “You can reach out to them and have somebody as a support system.”
