Pine Rest Mission Statement
Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services is called to express the healing ministry of Jesus Christ by providing behavioral health services with professional excellence, Christian integrity and compassion.

Eight Pine Rest Clinics to Host National Depression Screening Day

By Jesse Aukeman

Eight Pine Rest outpatient clinics will host free confidential screenings for National Depression Screening Day on Thursday, October 11.

Services offered will include a free confidential screening and a one-on-one assessment with a trained mental health professional. Educational materials will also be available for those interested in helping themselves or family members who may be suffering from depression.

Screening locations and times are: Campus Clinic in Cutlerville from 3 to 5 p.m., Northeast Clinic in Grand Rapids from 1 to 7 p.m., Northwest Clinic in Walker from 1 to 7 p.m., Rockford Office in Rockford from 1 to 5 p.m., Traverse City Clinic in Traverse City from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wyoming Clinic in Wyoming from 2 to 5 p.m., and Zeeland Clinic, at Zeeland Community Hospital DeWitt Building, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 4 to 6 p.m. The Kalamazoo Clinic will have educational materials available, however, screenings will not be offered.

National Depression Screening Day began seventeen years ago as the first nationwide, community-based mental health screening program. Today, it is the largest provider of mental health screening services in the country through its partnership with thousands of screening sites. National Depression Screening Day offers both in-person and online screenings for four of the most common mental disorders: depression, bipolar disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

For more information, call Pine Rest Marketing Department at 616/455-6500.

ECT Misconceptions Skew Understanding of Successful Treatment

When electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is used for the appropriate medical indication, it can be 80-90% effective. According to Donna Ecklesdafer, RN, Manager of Pine Rest’s ECT Clinic, it is the best treatment option for some people suffering from major depression, bipolar and schizoaffective disorders. Still, it cannot shake its bad reputation.

When people think of ECT, they think of the olden days," says Ecklesdafer. "They think of ‘One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest,’ of ECT the way it was 50 years ago."

Ecklesdafer stresses that, like all areas of medicine, psychiatry—including ECT—has evolved since its development and early use.

Today, ECT patients receive a short-acting anesthetic that provides sedation during the procedure.  A muscle relaxant is also given. The muscle relaxant prevents the patient from exhibiting the motor movements associated with the induced seizure during ECT. Because the muscles are not affected by the induced seizure, and the patient is asleep, the patient experiences no pain as a result of the treatment.
"When observing a treatment session, nursing students unfamiliar with ECT typically ask, ‘Is that it?’" says Ecklesdafer.  "They’re expecting something traumatic, but their expectations are shaped by movies and TV, which falsely present ECT as a violent procedure."

ECT can cause some mild, temporary side-effects, including headaches, nausea, confusion, and—in some cases—short- or long-term memory loss. If there is memory loss, the memories lost are usually from around the time of treatment, and, sometimes, these lost memories return after treatment stops.
Still, many of the myths of ECT persist.

Ecklesdafer stresses that regardless of the treatment received, the safety of the patient under care at Pine Rest is of utmost concern.  As such, a full medical treatment team, including two doctors and a specially trained nurse, is present during the ECT procedure.

"Fear of mental illness, and fear of ECT, is the fear of the unknown," says Ecklesdafer.  "The brain is so complex, and we can’t be certain what causes mental illness.  We don’t even specifically know why ECT works.  But we know it does work and helps people get better.  That’s the important thing."

Pine Rest Announcements

Laura Nagy, LPC, MA
By Matt Philpott

Laura Nagy, LPC, MA, has joined the staff of the Pine Rest Traverse City Clinic. She is an Intake Specialist, specializing in working with children and adolescents.

With a bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University, and a master’s degree in Agency Counseling from the University of Detroit-Mercy, Nagy has been involved with mental healthcare since 1991.

"Working with children has been a real treat," says Nagy. "My faith has been very important to me, and I use it to help support children and their families."

Those interested in contacting Laura Nagy should call the Pine Rest Traverse City Clinic at 231/947-2255.

René Beyette, LPC, MA, NCC
By Matt Philpott

René Beyette, LPC, MA, NCC, joined the staff of Pine Rest’s Traverse City Clinic. Beyette is the early childhood consultant for the Northwest Michigan Keep Early Education Positive (NW KEEP) program, and is certified through University of Michigan’s School of Social Work as an Infant Mental Health Specialist. She serves on the Michigan Association of Infant Mental Health Board and specializes in attachment work.

“As an Early Childhood Consultant, my goal is to identify interventions that help parents, providers and others better understand the purpose of a child’s challenging behaviors. By doing so we can better support the child’s needs and make early intervention, which hopefully will prevent the need for later mental health services,” says Beyette.

A graduate of Western Michigan University, Beyette has been working with young children and their families for over 25 years. She comes to Pine Rest with previous experience working in the federally-funded Head Start program, a program designed to serve the child development needs of high risk preschool children and their families.

Those interested in contacting René Beyette should call the Pine Rest Traverse City Clinic at 231/947-2255.

Kristen Kish, PhD
by Jesse Aukeman

Kristen Kish, PhD, has joined Pine Rest as a psychologist at the Traverse City Clinic. She serves in the clinic’s Neuropsychological & Psychological Evaluation Center, which provides a comprehensive continuum of neuropsychological and psychological evaluation services to children and adults with a wide range of cognitive and/or behavioral challenges.

Dr. Kish provides diagnostic clarification for a wide variety of disorders. Dr. Kish also provides individual, couple, and family therapy to a diverse client population. Her areas of expertise include treating depression, anxiety, severe mental illness, sexual trauma, and families with substance use disorders.

Dr. Kish earned a PhD from Michigan State University in counseling psychology and a master of education degree from Colorado State University in counseling and career development. She completed her pre-doctoral internship at Pine Rest in Grand Rapids, including rotations in outpatient, adolescent residential, geriatric, and hospital based services. Her prior clinical experience also includes work at Eaton County Counseling Center in Charlotte, Community Care Clinic in Lansing, and the Michigan State University Counseling Center.

To schedule an appointment with Kristen Kish, PhD, call the Traverse City Clinic at 231/947-2255.

September 15, 22, 29
Pine Rest Family Institute "Secrets for Successful Marriage"
Pre-marital workshop taught by experienced marriage professionals for couples who want to grow their relationship in preparation for marriage. Because it is skill-based, it is a valuable addition to traditional pastoral or professional premarital counseling. 9 a.m. to noon. Cost: $95/couple. Call 616/455-5279 for more information.
Additional information is available on the Pine Rest Website.

General Events

September 15
Recovery Fest!
Celebrate the positive impact of recovery. Join us at Kollen Park in Holland, Michigan for free food and free fun! Click here for a PDF brochure with more information, or call Jude Vereyken at 616/820-3780. Additional information is available on the Pine Rest Website.

Support Groups

September 10 and 24
Pine Rest Family Connections Support Group
The Family Connection is a bi-monthly group for families who have a member with a diagnosed mental illness. Helps spouses, parents, siblings, and other caregivers more effectively deal with stress created by symptoms and behaviors. 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. at Pine Rest's Southwest Clinic, 4211 Parkway Place, Suite 100, Grandville. Cost: Free. Facilitated by Jim Vander May, LMSW. Call 616/222-3700, ext. 4 for more information.
Additional information is available on the Pine Rest Website.

September 6, 13, 20, 27
Eating Disorders Educational Support Group
Ongoing confidential group geared for persons with diagnosed eating disorders who are also receiving treatment from a health professional. 5:30 - 7 p.m. at Pine Rest Northeast Clinic, 1700 East Beltline, NE, Suite 240. Cost: $10/week. Facilitated by Michelle Muenzenmeyer, MA, LLP. An assessment or referral is required prior to joining the group. To schedule an assessment or for more information, call 616/364-1500.
Additional information is available on the Pine Rest Website.

Workshops and Classes

September 6, 13, 20, 27
Anger Management Classes for Adults
Led by Jim Bottenhorn, MA, LLP, Director of Pine Rest’s Hospital Admissions. 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the Administration building on Pine Rest's main campus, 300 68th Street, SE, Grand Rapids. Open to adults and older teens. Registration is required. Cost: $65/individual or $95/two family members. Class fee due at first class. Call 616/493-6033 for more information and to register.
Additional information is available on the Pine Rest Website.

September 11, 18, 25, October 2
Anger Management Classes for Teens
Led by Ryan LaRue, MSW, LMSW, ACSW, outpatient therapist at Pine Rest Campus Clinic. 4:15 -5:30 p.m. in the Van Andel Center on Pine Rest's main campus, 300 68th Street, SE, Grand Rapids. Open to male and female teens ages 12-17. Cost: $75/person. Those interested in these classes do not have to be patients of Pine Rest. Space may be limited and early registration is recommended. For more information and to register, call 616/222-4584 or email ryan.larue@pinerest.org.
Additional information is available on the Pine Rest Website.

September 22
PREP Couples Communication Workshop
To help couples overcome common problems in miscommunication, Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services is hosting the Prevention and Relationship Enhancement Program (PREP).

Three separate workshop sessions will be held at the outpatient & administration building on Pine Rest’s main campus, 300 68th Street SE, Cutlerville. Session dates are September 22 from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m., October 27 from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m., and December 1 from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sessions will be facilitated by Remi Rakipi, LMSW, clinician with Pine Rest Campus Clinic.

Cost is $100 per couple and must be submitted with registration prior to the date of the workshop. To register, or for more information, interested persons should call 616/281-6450, or email: remi.rakipi@pinerest.org
Additional information is available on the Pine Rest Website.

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Disclaimer

Copyright © 2007, Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services. All rights reserved. The contents of Mental Health News & Information are for informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It cannot and should not be used as a basis for diagnosis or choice of treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical or mental health condition.