Access to mental health care is a top health concern of our community, according Winneshiek Medical Center’s Community Health Needs Assessment (2019). To address this need, the Winneshiek Medical Center Behavioral Health team has created additional access to mental health care for patients by increasing options for group therapy at Decorah Clinic.
Claire Haedike, Psy. D., Mayo Clinic Health System psychologist, says, “Group therapy is another way to meet patient needs in our community. Group therapy may be recommended in addition to individual therapy, or it may be a good stand-alone option. Our goal is to help patients manage their mental illness through teaching appropriate skills and providing support at the level they need.”
DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) Essentials – led by Kara Crain, LMHC
12-week session
Patients will learn core DBT skills to be mindful in the present moment, improve their communication, and handle tough emotions in healthy ways. This is a classroom setting and is meant to be an introduction to DBT.
Chronic Pain Management – led by Claire Haedike, Psy.D.
9-week session
Patients who suffer from chronic pain will learn to manage their pain in ways other than medication. Patients who experience chronic pain and have a stress-related condition (fibromyalgia, headaches, back pain, chronic fatigue syndrome, etc.) and are struggling to manage pain in their daily lives will benefit from this group.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) – led by Claire Haedike, Psy.D.
5-week session
Insomnia is a sleep disorder that can make it hard to fall asleep, hard to stay asleep or cause you to wake up too early and not be able to get back to sleep. People who experience an ongoing lack of sleep are at increased risk for health conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes and chronic pain. CBT-I group sessions include strategies to change thoughts and behaviors associated with sleep, lifestyle habits that improve sleep and relaxation techniques.
Schedule a Consult
Group therapy sessions will be held as often as needed to meet patient demand. To be considered for group therapy, patients must first schedule a consult to ensure appropriateness for the group. Group therapy is a covered benefit under most insurance plans; check with your insurance carrier to find out your individual coverage options.
To schedule a group therapy consult, call 563-382-2911 and ask to speak with Behavioral Health.
