ATLANTA, Ga. – CareSource, a nonprofit organization, has announced the launch of a new mobile mental health clinic aimed at delivering critical support to new and expecting mothers across Georgia. This initiative seeks to address the growing need for accessible mental health care for maternal populations throughout the state.
Joanne Patterson, founder of Nurse Practitioners on Wheels, introduced the mobile unit, which is designed to create a soothing and supportive environment for mental health care. The clinic is equipped with features such as aromatherapy, calming music, and a clean, cozy atmosphere. Patterson emphasized the importance of a comfortable approach to mental health services. “Care isn’t as scary as you think it is in terms of mental health. Cozy mental health care is what I am offering,” Patterson said. “I really want people to understand that there are providers who are willing and able to make sure that they’re getting the treatment and the care that they need. And it’s not just about the illness, but it’s about the whole person holistically.”
According to Mental Health America of Georgia, perinatal mood disorders affect one in seven mothers in the state. Additionally, data from the Atlanta-based Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveals that four out of five maternal deaths in Georgia are preventable, with mental health disorders contributing to 23% of these cases.
Patterson, who specializes in maternal and pediatric mental health, is focused on addressing the needs of individuals aged 6 to 55. “I don’t think people really understand what it’s like to be a child and having lots of challenges in life, and there’s a lack of providers that specialize in those two areas, and those are my niches,” Patterson noted. “Perinatal mood disorders are actually the number-one complication of the postpartum period, affecting conditions such as postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety, and OCD.”
The mobile clinic is part of the Wellness on Wheels (WOW) network, supported by CareSource, and will begin operating this month in regions with limited access to mental health care services. The unit, staffed by a psychiatric nurse practitioner, aims to reach CareSource members in underserved areas.
Dr. Minh Nguyen, medical director for CareSource Georgia, highlighted the broader need for mental health services in the state. “Approximately a third of Georgians report experiencing a mental health concern such as anxiety or depression, which aligns with national figures. However, nearly five million people in our state live in areas lacking sufficient mental health care services to meet this demand,” Dr. Nguyen said.
The introduction of this mobile clinic represents a significant step toward improving access to mental health care for Georgia’s maternal population, offering essential support and services to those in need.
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