Regional Psychology Clinic Networks to Enhance Mental Health Access in Northern Minnesota

DULUTH, Minn.– Regional psychologists spent the day networking and collaborating to broaden their resources.

The event was held in response to what mental health professionals are calling a “pressing need for improved mental health services”

Twin cities based Mental Health Systems partnered with H.P. Psychological Associates from Hermantown to gain insight to services like telehealth.

The “Dialectical Behavior Therapy” training highlights access and quality care for patients, especially in rural areas.

This event also helps build relationships among providers.

“It comes down to the client. It comes down to being able to provide as many comprehensive services as we can. And just being able to provide the best service all around,” explained Dr. Kimberly Overlie, owner and licensed psychologist at H.P. Psychological Associates. “We both have DBT, state certified programs. and I expect that our DBT program will probably expand a little bit. And just in terms of referrals back and forth it is nice to have another referral source in the cities.”

“What I find is these trainings, it becomes an opportunity for providers to get to know one another, each other’s services, and how they can complement each other’s services. So that we can close gaps and access and coverage for people. And really be able to work together as providers to get people the type of help they need,” explained Dr. Lane Pederson, a psychologist and co-owner of Mental Health Systems in the twin cities.

The collaboration process has been in the works for a couple of months.

But they officially began the partnership on December 9th.