Live Well Oregon

12/14/2024

Live Well Oregon is under going many big changes.

We are excited to introduce Dixie as the newest member of our staff.

Here is little about her:

Dixie is a Clinical Social Work Associate (CSWA) and a Trauma Centered Trauma Informed Yoga Facilitator (TCTSY-F). She has training and experience providing therapy to individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, grief and loss, religious/spiritual trauma, body image and self-esteem issues, individuals in recovery from eating disorders and disordered eating, caregiver stress, and individuals that have experienced childhood trauma including physical, sexual, and emotional abuse. She is available for in-person or online sessions and has both daytime and evening availability.

Her goal is to provide trauma-informed, affirming, and you-focused care. As a therapist, she believes her role is to walk with you through the ups and downs of life and support you in developing healthy ways to cope with the complexity of today’s world. In sessions, as you focus on your goals and the ways you feel held back or stuck. Her hope is to hold space so you can heal from past trauma and explore what you want for your life. We will work to connect your mind and body in a way that feels safe and secure to you. Dixie incorporates relational/attachment therapy, trauma-informed yoga, and other therapeutic techniques to help you process emotions as they come up for you in the moment. Dixie believes long-term healing comes when we are connected to our felt sense in our bodies and are able to stay present with emotions as they move through us.

You are the expert on your life and we will work together to identify the ways you would like to grow.

Dixie sees private pay clients virtually and in-person Monday - Friday

Book time with her here: https://pam-barela4511.clientsecure.me/request/clinician

12/12/2024

Attached is a letter sent out to our clients today via the portal in response to changes in insurance reimbursements by CareOregon. We received notification of changes on 12/9 which went into effect on 12/1 and drastically impacted the services we are able to provide and that our clients will be able to receive by associate level therapists. This change has left DOZENS of clients scheduled for new intakes this month abandoned.

For clarification: Associate level therapists are THERAPISTS. Associates have earned a Masters Degree in either Mental Health Counseling, Marriage and Family Therapy, or Social Work. They are now completing THOUSANDS of hours working with clients providing THERAPY to their clients. The process takes YEARS to accrue enough hours for FULL licensure.

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Dear Valued Client,

I am writing to express my sincerest gratitude for YOU.

Recent changes in insurance reimbursements have had a profound effect on our business. These changes have impacted us significantly in the following ways:

On 12/1/2024 CareOregon (OHP) issued a letter which we received on 12/9/2024 notifying us that: 1) Effective 12/1 Associate therapists can no longer accept any new clients. 2) Oregon Health Plan will no longer provide payment for provisionally licensed therapists or drug and alcohol counselors in private practice after 7/30/2025.

Live Well Oregon employs one fully licensed therapist (Pam), four provisionally licensed associate level therapists (Hala, August, Dixie, and Hala), and one drug and alcohol counselor (Angela).

These significant changes meant layoffs each of these AMAZING and TALENTED clinicians. OHP clients make up the majority of our caseloads, which means this change has been devastating for our office.

Given the significance of these directives I have had to make the difficult decision to close our physical office location. The last day for in-person services will be Friday, January 10th, 2025.

What this means for you:

Angela, August, Dixie and Hala will not be accepting any new OHP clients and will begin making immediate transition plans for current clients.

Private pay clients currently seen by Angela, August, Dixie and Hala may continue working with their provider virtually.

OHP clients currently seen by Pam may continue to see Pam, but will be transferred to virtual appointments. Private pay clients will begin transitioning to virtual appointments.

Our entire office is grieving these changes and trying to find some workable solution. Please reach out with questions and concerns.

Pam’s schedule is currently fully booked with current clients, but please connect with her at [email protected] if you would like to be placed on the waitlist for future openings.

10/02/2024

Mental Health Statistics
· 1 in 5 U.S. adults experiences mental illness each year
· 1 in 20 U.S. adults experiences serious mental illness each year
· 1 in 6 U.S. youth aged 6-17 experiences a mental health condition each year
· In 2023, 53.9% of U.S. adults with mental illness received treatment

October 2024
· Mental Illness Awareness Week (Oct. 6-12)
· National Depression Screening Day (Oct. 7)
· World Mental Health Day (Oct. 10)

Let's Fight TOGETHER to fight stigma and explore ways to expand access to care worldwide. You can help by participating in Mental Health Awareness week, National Depression Screening Day and World Mental Health Day.

Check out these resources:
To further promote MH Awareness: NAMI_Mental-IlIlness-Awareness-Week_Toolkit_2024.pdf
To self-screen for depression: https://screening.mhanational.org/screening-tools/
To find help locally: call 988 988 Frequently Asked Questions | SAMHSA

Online screening is one of the quickest and easiest ways to determine whether you are experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition.

09/18/2024

Inclement Weather Statement:

From time to time we experience foul weather days. This morning as I was sitting in my office preparing for a zoom meeting, the power went out. It was a good reminder to me that this probably will not be the last time this happens.

With the cold, windy, icy, and rainy season upon us I wanted to send out a quick message about my office policies related to weather.

If local schools (Warrenton, Seaside, and Astoria) are cancelled, my office will also be closed to in-person visits. I am happy to offer telehealth services on these days. Should you wish to post-pone or reschedule your appointment on inclement weather days, you will not be charged a late cancellation charge.

Should power be out in Gearhart, appointments will also be rescheduled without a late cancellation fee.

Please be safe.

Thank you for being here with me!

Pam

08/05/2024

We are excited to offer online Relapse Prevention groups!

Call or text our office at (503) 741-9736 to sign up today!

www.livewelloregon.org

07/16/2024

How do you choose a therapist???