Organizations have successful partnership to meet the needs of county residents
January 2020 (Jefferson County) – The Jefferson County Health Department and Provident Behavioral Health are pleased to announce they have added Brittany Casnar to their team of therapists. The two organizations began a partnership in 2018 to address the mental health needs of county residents through shared offices in High Ridge and Hillsboro as well as through their Mobile Wellness Van. The partnership is funded by the Jefferson Foundation.
Ms. Casnar is a Jefferson County resident who was in private practice before joining the team. She will provide direct counseling to adult and youth clients in individual, family and group settings.
“We have our own regional subculture in Jefferson County, and while the financial burden of mental health care is not unique, our obstacles, experiences, and attitudes are,” said Casnar. “I understand how even entertaining the idea that you could benefit from therapy can be just as difficult as taking the next step and reaching out for help. There are a lot of reasons why accepting help can be difficult, but cost or lack of access should not be one them. I’m proud to be working with two organizations that not only understand those barriers, but are actively working to remove them.”
“Research has consistently shown the overwhelming need for mental healthcare in Jefferson County. Our department’s partnership with Provident has allowed us to offer professional services that are conveniently located and affordable. We’re helping our friends and neighbors see the positive impact that caring for their mental health can have on almost every area of their lives,” said Kelley Vollmar, Director of Jefferson County Health Department.
An assessment conducted by the Jefferson Foundation in 2005 found that 59% of area providers identified mental health and psychiatric services as either a “high” or a crisis-level” priority. The 2017 Jefferson County Behavioral Health Profile found, “In Eastern (excluding St. Louis) Missouri, 17.3% of those 18 and older had a mental illness in the past year; 6.7% of those ages 18+ had at least one major depressive episode in the past year; and county students in 6th-12th grades reported 13.7% had considered suicide in the last year, 9.1% made a plan, and 1.2% actually attempted, resulting in an injury. In 2014, 48 Jefferson County residents died by suicide.”
Residents can schedule an appointment by calling Provident’s Information and First Appointment number at 314-533-8200 or Ms. Casnar at 314-657-7224.
“Our team works every day to improve lives through exceptional behavioral health. We’re honored to continue partnering with the Jefferson County Health Department to make a difference in this region,” said Lindsay Jeffries, LPC, CRC, CFTP, Director of Clinical Services with Provident.