Over the past year, Clara Barton Medical Clinic has been focused on treating the whole body through the introduction of mental and behavioral health therapy. Offering mental health services in the clinic setting has made it possible for patients to be treated for both their medical and mental health needs all in one convenient location. Licensed Master Social Worker, Pam Middleton, has been with CBMC since the introduction of mental health services to the clinic, providing help to patients with anxiety, ADHD, school troubles, everyday life issues, stress, and other mental health needs. During her time at Clara Barton, Middleton has also been working toward her addiction counseling license in hopes to better serve those with substance abuse and other addictions. Clara Barton Medical Clinic is excited to announce that Middleton has officially attained her Master’s Addiction Counselor License and will now be providing therapy for those struggling with addiction.
Middleton graduated with her Bachelors in Social Work in 1996 from Fort Hays State University and received her Masters from the University of Kansas in 2016. She has over 20 years of experience in the Social Work profession ranging from working with the Department for Children & Families (DCF) to Foster Care Case Management, Family Preservation and In-Home Family Services.
“Addiction has always been a part of my work over the years when I worked with families at DCF and did investigations,” said Middleton. “There is a huge population that struggles with addiction and it ties in with abuse, neglect, domestic violence, trauma, and unhealthy coping skills.”
Having her Addiction Counselor License will allow Middleton to accommodate a wide variety of patients struggling with alcohol, drug, and other substance abuse and addictions. Signs of addiction can be identified by changes in social interaction, hiding/lying about drug or alcohol use, loss of control and constant thoughts of using, disregard for physical or mental harm that may come to themselves or others, and neglecting obligations like work, family, or school.
Clara Barton Medical Clinic implemented mental health services in their clinic after identifying the need for mental health resources in the community. Recent studies have shown a correlation between a variety of chronic illnesses and childhood experiences. The research referred to as Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) demonstrates that childhood events can have lasting effects on an individual’s health, behavior and potential for success. More negative experiences mean there is an increased chance for negative health and well-being outcomes.
“The need for mental healthcare and substance abuse counseling is widespread in our community and offering integrated services at our medical clinic is crucial,” said Middleton. “There are several older patients that are struggling with chronic illnesses like depression, anxiety, diabetes, congestive heart failure, COPD and it correlates with their adverse childhood experiences of abuse and neglect. It all connects to what we’re seeing on both sides of healthcare.”
The providers at Clara Barton Medical Clinic work directly with Middleton to ensure that patients can receive quality integrated services. No physician referral is needed to make an appointment and patients do not have to be an established patient at Clara Barton Medical Clinic to receive mental therapy services.
Middleton provides mental health therapy for patients at all three Clara Barton Medical Clinic locations in Hoisington, Great Bend and Russell. Appointments are available Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday at Clara Barton Medical Clinic in Hoisington, including late-night appointments on Mondays and Thursdays until 6 p.m. Middleton also sees patients on Wednesday afternoons at Russell Family Medical Care in Russell and on Friday afternoons at Clara Barton Medical Clinic in Great Bend.
To schedule an appointment or for more information about how these services could benefit you, call the Clara Barton Medical Clinic at 620-653-2386.
