Behavioral Health & the Rutland Community Collaborative

Mental health services are essential for anyone struggling with mental health or addiction.

The Rutland Community Collaborative (RCC) is a network of clinical and non-clinical staff from many healthcare and public service organizations in Rutland.

We wanted to introduce the Behavioral Health Subcommittee, which is part of the RCC. This subgroup consists of staff from Bradford Associates, Community Care Network (Rutland Mental Health Services), Community Health Behavioral Health, Community Health Pediatrics, Vermont Department of Health, and the Hogencamp Practice. Additionally, Rutland Regional Medical Center is represented by participants from the following departments: Community Health Improvement; Psychiatric Services Inpatient Unit; Social Work; Rutland Regional Behavioral Health; and West Ridge Center.

The goal of the RCC is to collaborate on reducing barriers that patients experience when accessing mental health, substance use, and resources. Our priorities are to raise awareness about mental health, reduce stigma, and promote support for those struggling with mental health conditions.

Depression and anxiety have been identified as the most common types of mental health conditions diagnosed from agencies in the RCC subcommittee. It is important to know that depression and anxiety are medical conditions that can be treated. People may feel hesitation in seeking out support, however asking for help is not a sign of weakness. Psychotherapy and other beneficial resources can help provide tools and skills that can help manage symptoms. Not everyone needs the same level of care and resources, allowing the care to be tailored to your needs. Meeting with a qualified mental health professional is recommended to evaluate your symptoms and together develop a healthy plan to improve the quality of your life. This is especially important as depression and anxiety can have severe impairments on daily life.

Mental health services are essential for anyone struggling with mental health or addiction. Seeking the appropriate services provides support, recovery, enhances stability, and promotes overall wellbeing. Mental Health is important at every age. Ask a health care provider for more information and resources today. Remember, you are not alone.

If you or someone you care about feels overwhelmed with emotions like sadness, depression or anxiety, or you want to harm yourself or others, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988. Local resources include Rutland Mental Health Crisis Line by calling 802-775-1000 or text 802-214-2553, VT Crisis Text Line: Text "VT" to 741741, or call 911. For resources for substance use visit the Vermont Help Link at https://vthelplink.org/