Sponsored: RKM has multiple treatment options and resources for patients from all walks of life

Mar. 12—Editor's Note

This article is brought to you by RKM Primary Care.

With individualized approaches that can include both therapy and medication, RKM Primary Care is helping people overcome mental health problems and return to their daily activities.

When someone first reaches out to RKM Primary Care, a social worker completes a biopsychosocial assessment. This includes background information about the person's mental health, substance use and family history, as well as support systems. From there, the social worker develops a treatment plan specific to that person. A psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner conducts further assessment if it is determined that the person would benefit from medication. In some cases, a patient may only need medication, while others may need therapy. RKM Primary Care offers individual, family and group therapy.

"All of the studies tell us that the best outcomes come from a combination of medication and therapy," said Gary Chaney, DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC and RKM's director of behavioral health services. "Some people may have mild depression or anxiety, so they see a therapist and learn coping skills and never need medication. Some people only take medication. You can't make people do something they don't want to do, but our social workers do make recommendations that they believe will benefit the person the most."

Chaney said the length of treatment varies and depends on each person's individual circumstances.

"If a patient is dealing with an acute situation, like the death of a loved one, those treatments tend to be shorter," he said. "But oftentimes, especially with therapy, it's a commitment that can last several months depending on how deep-seated the person's issues are."

Chaney said other factors can also contribute to the length of someone's treatment, including their exact diagnosis and how much effort someone puts into their treatment, such as keeping scheduled appointments, taking medication as prescribed and completing assignments as outlined by their therapist. With some newer medications, patients may see relief in two to six weeks.

Chaney said RKM treats people from all backgrounds, demographics and age ranges. Some of their most common mental health challenges include depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. Some patients had longstanding conditions that have been exacerbated by the events of the last few years, including the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdowns, economic uncertainty and natural disasters. However, Chaney said other people have begun experiencing these challenges for the first time.

"Sometimes people might recognize on their own that things don't feel right," Chaney said. "We usually don't see people until they realize that their daily lives are being affected. When people realize they are isolating themselves and are not able to participate in life the way they are used to, that's usually when they realize something needs to be done. Sometimes, it might be someone else who notices these changes. A lot of times, family members, friends or co-workers can see it before the patient does. They recognize that someone is acting differently and become concerned."

RKM Primary Care has locations in Baton Rouge, Clinton, Jackson, Livingston, Loranger, Port Allen, Slaughter and Springfield. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit www.rkmcare.org or call 844-RKM-4YOU.

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