Behavioral Health Services
The term “behavioral health” is used to emphasize the broad applicability of integrated health services in medical care. Behavioral health encompasses behavioral factors in chronic illness care, care of physical symptoms associated with stress rather than diseases, and health behaviors, as well as mental health and substance abuse conditions and diagnoses.
At Riverwood Healthcare, the need for integrating behavioral health into primary care has been recognized as a priority. Many patients present to primary care seeking relief for physical symptoms that are related to mental, behavioral, and/or psychosocial problems. Alternatively, illness can lead to depression, stress, or other behavioral health issues. Evidence has found physical, mental, and social challenges are often interrelated. Improving the communication between behavioral health and primary care providers will improve care coordination and patient outcomes. Good healthcare, at its best, should be inclusive of behavioral health.
Mental Illnesses are among the most common health conditions in the United States. More than 50 percent of the population will be diagnosed with a mental illness at some time in their lives. One in five Americans will experience a mental illness each year, according to Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
Meet our Behavioral Health team
As a team, we are committed to patient-centered collaborative care based upon medical necessity and best practices. To serve our behavioral health patients, we have in-depth knowledge in the treatment and etiology of serious and persistent mental illness, developmental and cognitive disorder, as well as substance abuse disorders.
OUR PROVIDERS
At Riverwood, our behavioral health providers are dual-certified in both family practice and psychiatry and bring a combination of 30 years of experience. Using dual certification allows for provision of a holistic approach to patient care with consideration of symptomology, current and past mental and physical illnesses, and social situations with the neurochemistry affecting their mental health.
In the treatment of mental illness, our providers integrate assessment, pharmacological treatment, diagnostic testing and therapy with consideration of preconception, childhood, adulthood, as well as end of life. Treatment may often include referral to psychotherapy, neuropsychological testing, CD evaluations and treatment, physical therapy, care management, and /or connection to community resources and if/when needed emergency stabilization.
Janet Larson, PhD, CFNP, PMHNP
Janet received her master’s degree in Nursing/Family Practice at the College of St. Scholastica in Duluth and completed post-graduate psychiatric mental health training at the College of St. Scholastica. She obtained a doctorate degree in Nursing Education from the University of North Dakota. Her experience includes rural primary care, outpatient mental health, dual diagnosis, and acute inpatient psychiatry.
Liz Thompson, CFNP, PMHNP
Liz received her master’s degree in Nursing in Family Practice through the University of Cincinnati and completed a psychiatric mental health post-graduate program through the University of Winona. As a nurse practitioner, she brings a wide variety of experience including outpatient, internal medicine, and urgent care.
OUR THERAPISTS
Kirstiane Bilyeu, LICSW
As a behavioral health therapist, Kirstiane assesses, diagnoses, and provides psychotherapy to individuals, ages 10 and older. Kirstiane uses a client-centered and strengths-based approach to help individuals achieve their goals. Kirstiane is trained in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and play techniques. She earned a master’s degree in Social Work at the University of Minnesota, Duluth, and a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Social Work at the University of North Dakota.
Tim Markgraf, LICSW
As a behavioral health therapist, Tim assesses, diagnoses, and provides psychotherapy to individuals, ages 6 and older. Tim uses a client-centered and strengths-based approach to help individuals achieve their goals. Tim is trained in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and play techniques. He earned a master’s degree in Social Work at the University of St. Thomas/St. Catherine University.
OTHER TEAM MEMBERS
Our behavioral health provider team is supported by Matt McCormick, licensed practical nurse; Lacie Hietalati, medical assistant; Erin Manley, patient access; and Kari Carlson, registered nurse.
Matthew McCormick gives injections of medications to patients as directed and handles other duties related to patient visits.
Lacie Hietalati handles patient phone calls, gives injections of medications to patients as directed and handles other duties related to patient visits.
Erin Manley answers the phone and is the first point of contact for scheduling an appointment with our behavioral health providers. She greets patients upon their arrival for an appointment. She also facilitates processing of new behavioral health referrals and provides needed information about our services offered.
Kari Carlson serves as the Behavioral Health Coordinator, assisting patients in care management of their mental health needs. She is a liaison between the patients and the healthcare system and enjoys a culture where patients come first, helping them become engaged in their care while educating and connecting them to resources. Kari has been a nurse for 20 years and brings a wide variety of experience to the behavioral health team.
CARE HOURS AND LOCATIONS
Our Behavioral Health team provides care at its main location in Aitkin at 601 Bunker Hill Drive as well as at Riverwood Garrison and McGregor clinics. Appointments are available in person, via virtual video, or by phone, between 8:00-4:30 PM. Other times are also available on a as needed basis. Call 218-394-2490 to schedule or cancel appointments.
Frequently Asked Questions