It’s a good time to recognize those in our community who care for your mental health.

Too often people don’t talk about mental health care until there is a crisis. The National Institute for Mental Health (NIMH) reports that nearly one in five U.S. adults live with a mental illness that ranges in varying degrees of severity from mild to moderate to severe. Since 1971, the Clark Center has met the mental health care needs of the residents of Barry, Lawrence, and Dade counties. Working in conjunction with the Department of Mental Health, the 135 Clark Center employees provide a variety of services to the community.

After being funded by grants, the Clark Center is now part of the Show Me Hope program. With the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic being declared a national disaster by President Trump, funds were made available for staff members like Sarah Johnson, Show Me Hope Program Manager, to reach into the community to connect and offer services that assist residents in dealing with COVID stress.

Johnson, a licensed professional counselor, has worked for 20 years in mental healthcare and was on disaster teams providing care for those affected by the Joplin tornado and the Duck Boat tragedy in Branson. Johnson said that their first goal is to let the community know about the program and the services available.

Jeremy Schmidt, care coordinator, attends staff meetings and virtually visits with clients by way of confidential Zoom video connection from the safety of his backyard. 

“Anybody can call the Show Me Hope helpline (800-985-5990) to direct you to the help team in your area. It’s all free, paid for by a grant,” said Johnson.

“There’s no one who’s not touched by COVID,” Johnson said. The Show Me Hope program has begun contacting and offering services to factory workers and nursing homes, including the staff, residents, and families of residents. The goal is to assess needs and direct individuals to resources in the community as well as the Clark Center to aid in overcoming COVID stress. Johnson and her co-workers have delivered food to families who are required to quarantine by the health departments.

In May 2019, the Clark Center formally opened a newly renovated office in Cassville. Senator David Sater, board members, and a host of others were present for the ceremonial ribbon cutting.

The question Show Me Hope staffers are asking is, how can we help?

“We’re being present, meeting them where they’re at,” said Johnson. “There’s always somebody out there who’s able to help, serve, connect with you. You’re not alone in this no matter how alone you feel. If anyone’s willing to reach out, we’re glad to help them, we’re privileged to help them.”

Johnson observed that everyone is going through something right now. Whether it’s disagreements about wearing masks or not knowing if you can believe what’s in the news, everyone is affected in some way by COVID stress. This includes people of all ages. Johnson is working with the Barry Lawrence Regional Library to provide videos that coach people in how to manage stress. The library website has posted a video for children on relaxation and mindfulness.

“It’s a great time to be kind to your common man. Take a deep breath, and know that things will change,” Johnson said. “There are opportunities in this to be better, to do more. If you want to see the strength of the human character, look to disaster. You find it in ordinary, amazing people.”

During these unusual times, the Clark Center has adapted services to meet the needs of residents from a distance. Brad Ridenour, Clark Center CEO, said that they are currently doing 90 percent telehealth and telephone services. Yet also making it happen for those who need face-to-face interaction too.

Walk-in services are available at the Clark Center with COVID screening measures. “Coming in to the Clark Center is very easy, open access model. If today is the day that you determine that you need to talk to someone, you don’t need to make an appointment, you just walk in,” said Ridenour. He also encouraged residents to call for assistance if they aren’t able to come to an office.

When describing the services provided by the Clark Center, Ridenour said, “We primarily work in behavioral health treatment—mental health and substance use disorders.” They serve clients struggling with all levels of mental health challenges from mild anxiety to more severe psychiatric disorders.

The staff includes a psychiatrist who serves as medical director and six psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners. To better reach the community, one of the mental health nurse practitioners speaks Spanish. The staff also consists of licensed counselors, psychologists, and care coordinators.

Ridenour addressed the challenges of meeting mental health needs in our area. “There is a higher level of stigma in rural settings. One of the goals of the Clark Center is to educate the community. In our communities we do a great job of meeting physical health needs. We are taught to take care of the least, the last in our communities. Yet, when it comes to an individual with mental health problems, we tend to see these people and pass by. It’s not that we don’t have a caring community, it’s that community members have a lack of understanding on what to do for the many individuals who struggle with these problems.”

To directly address this lack of information, the Clark Center team has adopted a program to teach locals mental health first aid. Just as individuals are trained to help with a medical crisis, they are trained to help in a mental health crisis. Clark Center staff members are trained to teach the eight-hour course. For any groups or organizations that would like information on this training, they are encouraged to contact the Clark Center for more information.

Ridenour said that the Clark Center’s purpose is to provide mental health care for people so that they don’t have to drive to Joplin or Springfield for quality care. “We take Medicaid, Medicare and a large number of other third-party insurances. Sliding scales are available for those who are uninsured,” Ridenour said. “We are a private non-profit with contracts with the Department of Mental Health to provide services to the three counties.”

“If any individual in this area finds themselves having any kind of difficulties with mental health or substance use issues, there should be no shame in reaching out to us. In fact, it’s courageous when an individual recognizes that assistance is needed,” Ridenour said.

The Clark Center is ready to share the Show Me Hope program with residents of Dade, Lawrence and Barry counties in both English and Spanish.