Mental health care expands at Winneshiek Medical Center

Posted: November 26, 2019

November 26, 2019

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Mary Marx, Director of Marketing & Communications

563-387-3020 ●marxm@winmedical.org

Mental health care expands at Winneshiek Medical Center

Mental health resources and support is one of the top community health needs identified in Winneshiek Medical Center’s Community Health Needs Assessment (June 2019).  To continue to improve regional outpatient access to specialists, Kara Crain, LMHC, has joined the Behavioral Health team at Winneshiek Medical Center.  She joins Ronald Hougen, Ph.D., Bridgette Hensley, Psy, D., Claire Haedike, Psy, D., Hannah Schroeher, LISW, Karen Nielsen, LMSW, and Health Unit Coordinators Rhonda Wyatt and Jessie Corwin.

Crain, a licensed mental health counselor, received her Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology and community sociology from Wartburg College and her Master of Science in clinical-counseling psychology from Illinois State University.  Originally from Ridgeway, Iowa, Kara has spent the majority of her professional career in the Twin Cities before relocating to Decorah this fall.  She specializes in the treatment of PTSD, personality disorders, mood disorders, and in caring for patients with multiple diagnoses.

Speaking of her practice, Crain says, “Over the years, I have worked with diverse populations using an evidenced-based therapy called Dialectical Behavior Therapy, or DBT. The skills patients learn in DBT help them cope with – and make significant changes to – difficult emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. The overall goal in DBT is to ‘build a life worth living.’  I look forward to offering this type of therapy to people in our region. It can be life-changing, and life-saving.”

Winneshiek Medical Center behavioral health professionals are dedicated to improving the quality of life for all patients. They are available to counsel people of all ages, with different types of mental health problems. Common problems that psychiatrists, psychologists, and independent social workers can help with include stress, lack of self-esteem, anxiety attacks, depression, and family issues. Patients can come in with the comfort of knowing that all counseling sessions are done with privacy and respect.

To make an appointment with a member of Winneshiek Medical Center’s behavioral health team, please call 563-382-2911.

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Cutline: WMC Behavioral Health professionals are dedicated to improving the quality of life for patients.

Seated: Claire Haedike, Psy.D., Ronald Hougen, Ph.D., and Bridgette Hensley, Psy.D.

Back Row: Rhonda Wyatt, Kara Crain, LMHC, Karen Nielsen, LMSW, Hannah Schroeher, LISW, and Jessica Corwin.