Community Hospital introduces local behavioral health services

McCOOK, Neb. -- Community Hospital has introduced a structured outpatient behavioral health program offering medication management and senior services to people age 55 and older. Called Generational Guidance, the program was launched to help seniors cope with life transitions, management of medications, and issues like depression, anxiety, loss and grief.

Nurse Practitioner

Medication management is offered by Pam Awe, MSN, NP-C, Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. “Medication can make a world of difference in your mental outlook, but maybe you’ve had a bad experience in the past or just aren’t sure medication is right for you,” she said. “I can provide information and talk you through the process until you are comfortable making an informed decision.”

Medication services include:

• Specifically selecting meds to target patient symptoms.

• Using meds when needed to help treat depression, anxiety, ADHD/ADD, bipolar, panic disorder, insomnia, psychotic disorders and other conditions.

• Considering the patient’s physical health and other medications in the decision-making process.

• Educating on the benefits, risks, side effects and how to take the medication.

• Building a relationship with the patient based on trust, confidentiality, respect and dignity.

Mental Health Practitioner

Darian Krysl, PLMHP, Provisional Licensed Mental Health Practitioner/Counselor will provide counseling to seniors in individual and group therapy, as well as serve as program coordinator. “Sometimes the empty nest, end of a career or loss of a loved one can make these years seem anything but golden,” Krysl said. “We anticipate the freedom of retirement, but sometimes physical complications may keep us from enjoying it to the fullest,” she added.

Senior services include:

• Improving daily living skills.

• Alleviating symptoms that limit the ability to function.

• Supporting the integrity of the family.

• Maximizing independence.

Behavioral Health Technician

To help support the Generational Guidance program, Taylor Dauwen, CMA, CNA, Behavioral Health Technician, will manage scheduling and referrals, provide patient orientation and assistance, and coordinate office duties.

“It is fitting the program was introduced during this season where COVID-19 may be causing seniors to feel lonely and isolated,” Krysl said. While the group therapy is not currently offered due to the need for social distancing, individuals can still meet for individual therapy. Telehealth sessions are also available. The team of providers at Generational Guidance ask those who may be struggling to contact them for assistance. “Our goal is to help you put the joy back in life,” they said.

Services are covered by many insurance plans, Medicare, and many supplemental and secondary policies. For more information or to schedule a free clinical assessment call, 308-344-8280. The new service is located at Community Hospital, 1301 East H Street, in McCook, Nebraska.

Meet the Staff

Pam Awe grew up in Alabama and recently relocated to McCook. She served in the US Navy in Florida and Spain from 1987 to 1993 as a Cryptology Administrator. Following the Navy, she lived in California for more than 22 years and Colorado Springs for four years. She has extensive mental health experience as a nurse practitioner, including to offenders at several correctional facilities; and primary and psychiatric care to veterans, active duty military personnel, and their family members. She received her Master of Science degree in Nursing from California State University in Fresno, California in 2001.

Darian Krysl grew up in McCook, graduating from Chadron State College with a Bachelor’s in Social Work. She completed an internship with Chadron Hospital, Home Health and Hospice. In 2017, she worked as a Residential Treatment Counselor at the Black Hills Children's Home, Rapid City, South Dakota. She completed her Master’s in Social Work at the University of Nevada at Reno in 2019, and completed her Master’s internship at Rapid City Regional Emergency Room doing psychiatric assessments. She also spent part of her internship working with group therapy at the psychiatric inpatient facility. During that school time Darian worked as a social worker at Regional Hospital. In July 2019, she began working as a social services director at Avantara Mountain View Nursing Home in Rapid City prior to accepting the Generational Guidance position in McCook in January.

Taylor Dauwen was born and raised in Rapid City, South Dakota. She graduated from Cambridge High School after her family relocated to Nebraska. She has been in the area for 11 years. Taylor has worked in several areas of healthcare including long term care, skilled nursing and rehab, physical therapy, oncology and orthopedic inpatient care and outpatient clinics. She also has experience in office management, Health Information Management, and patient accounting. She recently returned to school and is working on finishing her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology through Fort Hays State University in Hays, Kansas.