Pillar Health and Kenosha Community Health Center Respond to Critical Mental Health Needs in Wisconsin Counties

KENOSHA, WI – January 31, 2024 – Pillar Health and Kenosha Community Health Center are stepping up to provide vital mental health services in response to the alarming increase in mental health issues among teenagers in Kenosha, Racine, and Walworth Counties, Wisconsin. A recent report from the Wisconsin Office of Children’s Mental Health has highlighted the urgent need for accessible mental health care for the youth in our communities.

In 2021, startling statistics showed that one in ten teenagers attempted suicide, over a third of high school students felt persistent sadness or hopelessness, and half of the youth were diagnosed with conditions like depression, anxiety, or other behavioral problems. The report also revealed that 50% of children aged 3 to 17 with mental health problems were not receiving treatment, a situation more acute among LGBTQ+ youth.

“Sadly, this issue isn’t new to our team. We’ve been actively expanding our behavioral health staff and incorporating telehealth services to extend our reach to youth in Wisconsin,” said CEO Mary Ouimet, DNP, RN. “At Pillar Health and Kenosha Community Health Center, we are deeply committed to offering affordable, quality healthcare services to individuals and families in Kenosha, Racine, and Walworth Counties. Our mission is clear: to provide patient-centered, integrated health care with excellence in access, quality, and service for everyone.”

Pillar Health and Kenosha Community Health Center are addressing these challenges by offering comprehensive pediatric and adolescent behavioral health services, including dedicated psychiatry services for evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment. The centers cater to patients aged 6 and older, with a team of experienced psychiatric providers including Dr. Codie Vassar and Family and Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Deshawntae Griffin. 

Additionally, psychotherapy services are available, led by a team of seven skilled psychotherapists including five (Javier Luna-Blanco, Cassie Gillen, Kari DeBerg, Amanda Martinez, and Erica Moreno), who work with patients as young as 11 years old. These services are focused on improving overall functioning and alleviating symptoms of various mental health challenges and conditions. 

Committing to the wellbeing of the community’s youth, Pillar Health and Kenosha Community Health Center ensure that their services are affordable and accessible. Bilingual providers are available to serve Spanish speaking children and families in their native language. Accepting Medicaid, Medicare, and numerous private insurance plans, they also offer a Sliding Fee Discount Program for uninsured individuals.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, please contact Pillar Health and Kenosha Community Health Center at 262-656-0044.

About Pillar Health and Kenosha Community Health Center:
Pillar Health and Kenosha Community Health Center are dedicated to providing comprehensive and affordable mental health care services to the youth of Kenosha, Racine, and Walworth Counties, Wisconsin. With a focus on personalized care and treatment, they aim to address the growing mental health needs of the community.