The Center for Counseling & Consultation is taking its services to a higher level by expanding its Care Coordination Services (CCS) that zero in on the needs of the whole person.
“We are undergoing a big expansion of our many services,” said John Pohl, lead care coordinator. “For example, we have enhanced healthcare coordination for both mental and physical concerns for all outpatient clients.
“Our emphasis is on the whole person,” he continued. “This includes access to primary care. We keep in contact with social workers and discharge planners at hospitals, clinics and emergency rooms.”
But services don’t end there. The Center, 5815 Broadway, offers guidance about social services, housing, employment and nutrition to its clients.
“We also help with questions about Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security,” Pohl noted. “People can be overwhelmed about these issues and not even know who to call first after getting a letter in the mail.
“These letters can be very confusing but I can help people wade through the legal verbiage. Clients can bring me the letter and we will go over it together.”
Everyone at The Center is available to make life a little easier for clients – no matter what their needs, Pohl emphasized.
“Many clients do a really good job of taking care of day-to-day business,” he added. “But when new challenges come along, they can use some guidance with issues such as healthcare, insurance, making appointments and finding transportation.
“When they struggle with access to healthcare or other community resources, we offer practical, step-by-step advice. We want to ensure they get everything they need to enhance their well-being and quality of life.”
Pohl has a master’s degree in guidance and counseling from Eastern Illinois University. Previous positions at The Center include adult case manager, targeted case manager for children and care coordinator.
He has served clients at The Center for a total of 14 nonconsecutive years.
Julie Kramp, executive director, said “John brings a wealth of knowledge, experience and talent to his new role as lead care coordinator. He has a natural ability to communicate in ways that help make complex processes understandable to the layman.
“John is able to help remove barriers and connect people with the resources they need.”
Kramp also emphasized that CCS is “central to our work as a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic. The Center recently received its pre-certification as a CCBHC, which is a multi-dimensional program that cares for the whole person.
The Center for Counseling & Consultation is a Community Mental Health Center serving Barton, Pawnee, Rice and Stafford counties. Professionally trained personnel offer: individual and group therapy; marriage and family counseling; community-support services; community-based services; psychosocial rehabilitation; peer support; and medication management. The confidential 24/7 crisis hotline number is 800-875-2544.
