Two new staff hired
Sarah Channing
In response to the increased demand for behavioral health
services in its community, Wood River Health Services (WRHS) has expanded its
team of behavioral health providers by hiring Vicki Carter, PSYD and Tegwyn
Lacz, LMFT. Behavioral health services are available to current WRHS medical or
dental patients as part of their integrated care that reflects the whole of
each individual’s unique health needs.Tegwyn Lacz
WRHS’ behavioral health services offers integrated
counseling and psychiatric services to WRHS patients experiencing issues such
as chronic health conditions, anxiety, depression, life changes, relationship
issues, grief and loss, substance use and medication management.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has severely impacted the behavioral
health of our community members,” stated WRHS’ President & CEO Alison Croke,
MHA. “Expanding our behavioral health team in Hope Valley and Westerly means
more of our patients will be connected with the tools and support they require
to improve their quality of life.”
Vicki Carter, PSYD and Tegwyn Lacz, LMFT have recently
accepted positions as Behavioral Health Clinicians at WRHS. They have joined a
collaborative team of doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners and behavioral
health clinicians who work in partnership with patients, providing them with
evidence-based tools and support to help them achieve their individualized
recovery plans. Vicki Carter
To better serve its behavioral health patients, WRHS
recently launched a Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) program, an
evidence-based method of treatment that aids individuals in managing their
substance use. MAT is one of the safest and most effective options available
for individuals living with Substance Use Disorders (SUDs). Program costs are
covered by Medicaid and most private insurance companies.
“Our MAT program offers an effective approach that includes
counseling and medications that focus on managing symptoms, feelings and
behaviors associated with substance use,” shared WRHS’ Director of Behavioral
Health Amanda Brycki, LMHC, LPC. “We provide individualized support to help our
patients believe they can be successful and achieve their personal treatment
goals.”
WRHS is also a partner in the Zero Suicide Program, which is
funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and
administered by a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist. For information about
WRHS’ behavioral health programs or Medication Assisted Treatment, call (401)
539-2461.
About Wood River Health Services
Since 1976, Wood River Health Services (WRHS) has provided
high-quality affordable medical, dental and social services to the communities
of southwestern Rhode Island and southeastern Connecticut. A private,
non-profit Community Health Center, WRHS is devoted to providing quality
patient care to more than 8,000 patients. It is recognized by the National
Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) as a Patient-Centered Medical Home. WRHS
is a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), a community-based health care
provider that receives funds from the HRSA Health Center Program to provide
primary care services in underserved areas. FQHCs must adhere to a stringent
set of requirements including providing care on a sliding fee scale based on
the ability to pay and operating under a governing board that includes at least
51% patient-members. For information about its programs and services, visit
WRHSRI.org.