Cooperative Care Now Offering Mental Health & Recovery Services

Cooperative Care, a new community Behavioral Health facility in Rio Grande, now offers mental health and drug & alcohol recovery services on an out patient basis. They are a State Licensed facility through the Division of Addiction Services. Cooperative Care was established due to the recognition by Shanna Learn, Patti Fellows, Victoria Wells-Manlandro and Ann Maskell of a great need in the Community for advanced treatment techniques. Associates Diane Richardson, LCSW, and Juana Zegarra, LCSW, have also since joined the Cooperative Care team.
Patti Fellows, APRN, BC, describes the mission of Cooperative Care as a “synthesis of ideas” of a number of women who had seen the ins and outs of the mental health field. Cooperative Care’s client base is extremely varied, explains Shanna Learn, LPC, BC. Cooperative Care can be considered a truly client-centered practice with the staff taking an active interest in the well-being of patients.
It is most important to note that Cooperative Care uses the evidence-based approach to treatment, meaning that their methods have been proven effective through scholarly research and studies.
Cooperative Care uses the evidence-based approach of motivational interviewing which helps to assess treatment and needs of the client throughout the process of recovery. We are not focusing just on the disease of addiction but are looking to help with a total lifestyle change to promote success. Our clients leave treatment with a plan and set goals upon discharge. Periodic follow-ups are done to assure the client’s success or areas that need to be addressed further explains Wells-Manlandro, LCSW, LCADC, BCETS.
Cooperative Care remains focused on improving the mental and emotional state of at-risk children. Again utilizing the evidence-based approach counselors provide PCIT, or parent-child interaction training, in which parents are taught crucial communication skills, play skills and proper time out skills. Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, which is evidence based, is used to help children and parents work through abuse that has been experienced by the child.
Cooperative Care is also a major proponent of the holistic approach to recovery. Rather than frequently prescribing medication that may help patients cope for the short-term, Cooperative Care remains focused on healing the mind and body naturally, explains Learn. Patti Fellows elaborated stating, “You can see a marked change in the way that treatment facilities are treating patients. They are steering away from narcotics and toward holistic methods such as acupuncture and other modalities.” Cooperative Care is no exception to this progressive treatment trend. Of course, there will be some cases that require medication along with other forms of treatment.
Ever community-conscious, Cooperative Care will offer free group sessions monthly to assist individuals who may be emotionally or mentally struggling. The second Tuesday of each month they will host a Post-Partum Depression support group and the fourth Tuesday of each month will feature a support group for siblings of children on the autistic spectrum. Other groups in the planning stages are Victims of Domestic Violence & a family support group who deal with the disease of addiction.