Clinical Component

Navigating the Clinical Component

The mental health program in Jackson, WY, has been providing comprehensive Child and Adolescent (C&A) services for the past five years, managing a caseload of 14 patients daily. This program has demonstrated considerable success, establishing a strong foundation for expanding services to adult patients. The addition of a full-time adult psychiatrist aims to enhance the existing outpatient services, offering continuity of care within the community. The role is entirely outpatient with no responsibilities for inpatient care, no weekend services and no call responsibilities.

The facility has a 72-hour hold capability for patients in acute crisis, ensuring immediate safety and stabilization. Currently, patients requiring more intensive psychiatric care are referred to the local counseling center. In cases where specialized or long-term care is needed, patients are sent to state facilities located 3-5 hours away or to Idaho Falls, which is approximately 90 minutes away. This new position will help mitigate the need for such extensive travel, offering more immediate and accessible care within the community.

The current behavioral health team at the facility includes highly qualified professionals dedicated to providing excellent mental health care. The team comprises:

Nils Westfall, a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist
Julia Goldensohn, a Psychologist
Lindsay Long, MSW, who serves as the Behavioral Health Manager.

These professionals work collaboratively to address the diverse mental health needs of the community.

St. John’s Health offers comprehensive mental health treatment through its outpatient clinics. For treatment initiation, patients are encouraged to contact their primary care provider at St. John’s Health. The counseling services team includes:

Lauren Furtney, LCSW, who works with primary care providers at Urgent Care and Family Medicine
Nancy Waldrop, LPC, who provides support to postpartum parents and works directly with patients in the Connections Program
Avery Bell, PPC, who collaborates with internal medicine doctors at Internal Medicine – Jackson and Internal Medicine – Wilson.

Additionally, the Mental Health & Recovery Services of Jackson Hole provides a wide range of services, including adult therapy, child and family therapy, substance abuse treatment, and in-house therapeutic outreach. These services ensure comprehensive support for the mental health needs of the Jackson community, addressing various aspects of mental health and recovery.