Life Center Outpatient Mental Health
The Life Center, Stevens Community Medical Center's mental health program, has been serving mental health needs in the community since 1985.  We are part of a complete medical care facility treating the physical, psychological, social and spiritual needs of our patients and families.  Our strong team of therapists, physicians, counselors, and mental health practitioners are available to provide assistance for a wide range of mental health needs.

Our Services
Life Center services are provided at Stevens Community Medical Center, Wheaton, Montevideo, and Ortonville Area Health Services.  When symptoms of mental illness are creating problems in your day-to-day functioning, we are available to assist you. 

We offer the following services

• Family Therapy
• Individual Therapy
• Couples or martial counseling
• Medical psychological consultation
• Diagnostic assessments
• Psychological testing
• Psychiatric assessment
• Medication management
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Special Programs (Click on a program to learn more)

Community Support Programs (CSP)

Outreach and other support services for adults with serious and persistent mental illness. This program is for residents of Stevens County.

Family Community Support Services (FCSS)

Support services for children or adolescents with severe emotional disturbances. This program includes families, and is for residents of Stevens and Grant Counties.

Children’s Therapeutic Support Services (CTSS)

Services are provided to emotionally disturbed and severely emotionally disturbed youth (0-18 yrs.) in Stevens County.

Psychiatric Services

The Behavioral Medicine Department contracts with a female and male psychiatrist to do psychiatric assessments and medication management. An initial one hour appointment is completed by the psychiatrist followed by twenty minute follow-up medication management sessions. Care is coordinated by your psychiatrist and primary care physician with your approval.

Social Work

Offers support for patients and the families, provides information and education concerning advance directives and financial needs and assists with crisis situations.

Bereavement Support Group

Referrals
You may be referred to the Life center by

• Self
• Physician
• Clergy
• School
• Chemical Dependency Counselors
• Social Workers
• Employers

What to Expect
When you call or visit the Life Center, you will be treated with courtesy, patience, and respect.  We will ask some initial questions to identify your needs and then guide you to the best resources available.  We may suggest doing an initial assessment and will provide you with the forms necessary to gather the appropriate information. 

Confidentiality
Privacy and confidentiality are of the highest concern at the Life Center.  All registration is done directly at Behavioral Medicine, so there is no need to go to the front desk.  Therapy records are kept separate from all other medical records. 

Payment
Life Center accepts payment from private insurance, Prime West, Minnesota Health Care programs, Medicare, Blue Cross / Blue Shield, Medica, Champus, UCare, Dakota Care, Preferred One, Behavioral Healthcare and others.  We are able to bill most insurance companies directly if a release form is signed by the patient. 

If you are without insurance, have a high deductible, or have special circumstances, you may qualify for a reduced rate based on family size and income. 

Our Staff
Our team of professionals include: physicians, psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, Master and Bachelor prepared counselors, and licensed independent clinical social workers.

Director of Behavioral Medicine James Pew, LADC Administrative Support Cindy Thielke Kathy Berres Community Based Practitioners Fran Cin, BS Nicole Frank, BA Patsy Shannon, MS Kris Hanson, BA

Psychiatrists Gwen Stein, MD Kathy Tysdal, RN,C Psychologists and Counselors Mary Ellen Matthews, PH.D., LP Michael Backman, MS,LP June Meyerhoff, Psy.D., LP Rondi Lillehaug, MSW, LICSW Sharon Jensen, MSW, LGSW Karla Sundheim, M.A., LMFT Jane Jost, M.A., LAMFT

 

Contact Information and Office Hours

For appointments or information (320) 589-7625 CRISIS LINE (24/7) (800) 568-5955

Toll Free Appointments (800) 993-SCMC (7262), ask for ext. 625

 

Hours of Operation
8:00am – 4:30pm (Evening appointments by arrangement.)