Why is it that we tell everyone when we struggle with a cold, but hesitate to tell anyone when we struggle with depression? At HealthPartners and Park Nicollet, we know that mental health is just as important as physical health. We’re working to remove the stigma around mental health conditions and clear the way for honest conversations. Only then can we fully support one another and make treatment more accessible for everyone.

We take an integrated approach to treating mental health. Using the skills and experience of both our primary care doctors and mental and behavioral health specialists, we’re able to provide treatment for a broad range of mental health issues, from the common to the more complex.

If you or someone you know is looking for help, you’re in the right place. Our team of mental and behavioral health experts can provide the compassionate support and treatment you need.

Symptoms may differ from person to person. People with a mental health condition may experience mood changes, muscle tension, fatigue and insomnia (trouble sleeping), feeling “on edge” or tense, or difficulty concentrating. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it might be a good idea to schedule an appointment with one of our primary care doctors. Our primary care doctors are experts in diagnosing hundreds of conditions and can help you get started.

Anytime you have new or unusual symptoms that you are concerned about or are worsening, you should call your doctor’s office to decide on next steps. 

To make a diagnosis, our doctors, therapists, physician assistants or nurse practitioners first talk with you about how you’ve been feeling and take note of all symptoms, both mental and physical. They will ask questions to make a diagnosis and begin discussing treatment options.

A variety of methods can be used to treat mental health conditions. The most common treatments include talk therapy, medication and lifestyle changes. Often a combination of all three is best for improving symptoms long-term. We will work with you to develop a treatment plan you’re comfortable with.

Talk therapy, also called psychotherapy or therapy, involves meeting with a therapist for a series of sessions. An important part of talk therapy is the professional relationship between patient and therapist. This relationship exists for the purpose of improving your mental health, making it easier to discuss your feelings without fear of judgement or consequences to your job, school or personal relationships.

Therapists are specially trained to ask questions that help them understand and determine the best way to help. Through talk therapy, you can find a comfortable outlet for expressing your feelings and learn valuable new ways to manage your symptoms.

Medication can be another effective treatment option, and it’s often recommended in combination with talk therapy. Some medicines are meant for short-term use, while others are prescribed for a longer period. Common medications include antidepressants, antianxiety medications, mood stabilizers, stimulants and others.

We will help you understand if medication is a good fit for you. If you’re seeing a psychiatrist, we also have a team of psychiatric nurses available by phone to help you manage your medications.

While it may sound simple, another common treatment for mental health conditions involves making healthy lifestyle changes. Sometimes we don’t realize how our basic daily routine may be affecting our health. Combined with therapy or medication, specific changes to your sleep schedule, diet and/or exercise can improve your daily mental and physical health.

We may also recommend quitting smoking and cutting back on substances like caffeine and alcohol, which can make conditions worse. But you won’t be asked to make these changes alone. We’re here to offer guidance and support so lifestyle changes are easier to adopt and sustain long-term.

Our mental and behavioral health team includes the following specialists:

Our primary care doctors, physician assistants and nurse practitioners can diagnose and treat anxiety and depression, and can also refer patients to one of our specialists if needed.

Psychiatrists are medical doctors who train for 8 to 10 years to deeply understand the ties between physical and mental health. Psychiatrists can provide a variety of treatments – including prescribing medications – and usually see patients with more complex mental conditions like severe depression, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.

Psychologists have a doctoral degree in psychology and are experts on the human mind. Psychologists focus on talk therapies, and work with psychiatrists to prescribe medication when needed. Psychologists tend to focus on helping people with things like anxiety, learning challenges and behavioral disorders.

Therapists are mental health specialists who work with patients to diagnose and relieve disorders, such as anxiety or compulsive behaviors, through a variety of psychological treatments. Therapists vary by type of educational degree or practicing license. Examples include marriage and family therapists, clinical social workers and licensed professional counselors.