Search Btn
canvas health logo, Minnesota mental health clinics, ccbhc Minnesota

Canvas Health is hiring in all areas! Check out our career opportunities here.

Cathleen Harvieux, Canvas Health’s substance use manager, recently spoke with The Phoenix Spirit Recovery Newspaper about the ways in which Canvas Health has adapted during the pandemic to helping people who struggle with addiction. In the article, Harvieux explained how Canvas Health transitioned quickly to the virtual treatment model and has worked very hard to make treatment accessible for everyone. Canvas Health is currently offering telehealth options for adults, adolescents, and families concerned about drug and alcohol use.

woman wearing mask - substance use treatment

Canvas Health also is offering treatment in its jail programs in Chisago County and Washington County. Jail patients meet with the provider in a group setting while wearing masks. Canvas Health also provides laptop rental to clients who need one in order to participate in virtual meetings. If an inmate has to be quarantined after leaving the jail for, say, a court appearance, the inmate is provided with an iPad so they can join the Zoom meeting during the quarantine period.

Socially Distant Sober Support Systems

All members of Canvas Health’s chemical health staff are licensed alcohol and drug counselors, and are available to evaluate and help manage substance use problems via telehealth, and using social distancing in some cases. Canvas Health’s caring licensed alcohol and drug counselors, chemical health assessors, and psychotherapists, work together to get clients and families the help they need. Staff performs Rule 25 assessments, a type of assessment mandated by the state of Minnesota, and use them to develop care management plans for adults, adolescents, and their families. Our staff also worked with clients who have co-occurring disorders in which a person is struggling with mental health and substance use issues.

In the The Phoenix Spirit article, Harvieux acknowledged the challenges of building a sober support system during the pandemic. She said her staff encourages clients to get together using social distancing to support one another. Canvas Health also has a peer recovery support specialist on its team who contacts individuals to meet them at socially distant 12-Step meetings with their families, helping them to build that sober community support as well.

Learn more about Canvas Health’s substance use program and make an appointment for a chemical health assessment or chemical health treatment.

To read the full Phoenix Spirit article click here.

Telehealth Addiction Treatment Expands During Pandemic

Cathleen Harvieux recently spoke with The Phoenix Spirit about the ways in which Canvas Health has adapted during the pandemic to helping people who struggle with addiction.

Read Article

It was the conversation I was dreading and had been rehearsing for days. “Mom, I can’t wait to play Pokemon with my friend at recess.” What he didn’t yet know was that his friend was assigned to a different hybrid learning schedule from him. When I had to break the news to him, he was understandably crushed, and I was too. Lots of tears ensued and more questions were asked. I know we are not alone in these tough conversations as we face an unprecedented school year ahead. When parenting feels overwhelming, sometimes it’s helpful to go back to the basics. Here are some tips:

school hallway - back to school pandemic tips

Name those big feelings

Dr. Dan Siegel termed the phrase “Name it to tame it” in one of his bestselling books, “The Whole Brain Child”. This is a term that has stuck with me throughout all of the parenting challenges myself and my clients have faced. When our children are having meltdowns and big emotions, the best thing we can do is to name their feelings and validate that they are real for them. We don’t have to be the problem-fixers (as much as we wish we could be), which takes a big load off our shoulders. By simply stating, “I hear you, I know this is hard/scary/frustrating, ” while offering comfort and staying present with our children, we will help them to calm and they will be more receptive to moving forward. Some children have difficulty naming their feelings and may instead act out their feelings through arguments, aggression, tantrums, defiance, and other challenging behaviors. In those instances if we can name what we think they may be feeling, it helps them to learn the skill to later name it on their own. Phrases such as “I’m wondering if this is really about being scared to go back to school rather than you not finding your favorite pair of socks?”. Sometimes they will correct us, and sometimes the light bulb will go off and they will reach their “aha moment”. Staying with them, being present, and naming the emotions will go far in taming the challenging moments.

Create a predictable routine

Does the end of the Summer break have you feeling like you’re going a little nutty? Children often feel that way too. We thrive on a healthy dose of routines, predictability, and schedules; when we know what to expect and there are few surprises, our minds and bodies feel more relaxed. Whether your child is doing distance learning, in-school learning, or a combination, helping to create a routine will feel better for everyone. Plan for a consistent bed time, wake up time, and meal/snack times. Determine what works best for the morning hours and afternoon hours, and have a designated area as free from distractions as possible. Children often thrive on a calendar and visual schedule that they can see, along with timers; make it a fun family project by having them help create and decorate their daily schedule (and bonus, it help you get their buy-in!). Scheduling in routine breaks throughout the day will be important for both you and your child to handle the stress that comes your way.

Monitor electronic time

Do you notice your child reaching for their phone throughout their work time? We all get distracted easily from time to time and children have even more difficulty in managing those impulses. Establishing expectations and consequences from the beginning around screen time and cell phone use will eventually help to decrease limit-testing and decreased motivation as a result of distractions.

Reward positive behavior

Speaking of electronic time, use it to your advantage! If your child is motivated by screen time, you can use it as a reward for completing a task and other positive behaviors. By making clear guidelines such as “if you can show me you’re working hard for the next 20 minutes, you can have 10 minutes of screen time when the timer goes off”. Other children may be more motivated by games, stickers, or free play, and that is great too.

Ask for help

We were not meant to go on this road alone. Parenting a child is hard, even more so when our worlds’ have been turned upside down with this pandemic. Be kind to yourself, and allow yourself the grace to make mistakes. Gather your tribe of supports, whether that be family, neighbors, friends, or school staff. If you have concerns that your child is struggling with the adjustment of a new school year, do not be afraid to ask for help. The earlier we can help support a family or child that is struggling, the easier it often is to get them feeling better.

-Mindy Johnson, LICSW,  Canvas Health School-based Mental Health Therapist 

If you are looking for additional help for your child, family, or for yourself, please contact Canvas Health to make an appointment at (651) 777-5222.

Therapist shares parent tips for helping kids go back to school during the pandemic

When parenting feels overwhelming, sometimes it’s helpful to go back to the basics: Name those big feelings, create a predictable routine.

Read Article

Is someone in your life drinking too much? Are you concerned about drug use with someone you care about? Are you worried about your personal drug or alcohol use?

inspirational quote it won't be easy but it'll be worth it - chemical health assessments

Substance Abuse Behaviors

Substance abuse behaviors to look for include:

  • Drinking and driving / DUI, DWI
  • Increased use of alcohol or drugs
  • Becoming secretive or withdrawn about drinking and drug use
  • Struggling with day-to-day activities at home and/or work
  • Spending more time with friends who drink or use drugs than with family members
  • Having money problems
  • Borrowing  money or running up charges on credit cards,
  • Committing an alcohol or drug-related crime or crimes.

Canvas Health’s experienced staff are open for chemical health assessments via telehealth on your schedule. We handle all types of referrals, including court-ordered substance abuse assessments in Minnesota. If you don’t have insurance to cover your substance abuse assessment or substance abuse treatment, we can help with that as well.

Call us at (651) 777-5222 or request a substance abuse assessment.

Chemical Health Assessments in Minnesota Available Now

Is someone in your life drinking too much? Are you concerned about drug use with someone you care about? Are you worried about your personal drug or alcohol use?

Read Article

Canvas Health’s staff is grieving the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis. Our city’s cries of pain, particularly from communities of color and Native peoples, have risen louder throughout this past week, demanding that we listen and examine how we can do better as an agency, as clinicians, and as humans.

i can't breathe
Photo credit: Scott Streble

As a community mental health agency, we are deeply committed to helping people attend to the wounds of anxiety, depression, grief, and trauma. We see in the wake of George Floyd’s death, as we have before, that grief and trauma are often inflicted through great social and racial inequities. That must change.

Canvas Health works to honor each individual’s life experience. But we must do better. We must do better as we work against systemic racism. We will act within our mission of hope, healing, and recovery – for every individual.

Canvas Health grieves the murder of George Floyd

Canvas Health’s staff is grieving the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis. Our city’s cries of pain, particularly from communities of color and Native peoples, have risen louder.

Read Article

Ryan, a Canvas Health Telehealth Client, tells his story of how he feels grateful to do his therapy via telehealth:

man on typing on computer - therapy telehealth

I am certainly appreciative of the opportunity to employ telehealth video visits during this time of the COVID-19 crisis.

Without that opportunity, I would not easily be able to reach out to my therapist to keep my weekly visits going forward. I have some underlying health issues that have prevented me from being able to go directly to the mental health clinic during the pandemic and undoubtedly, this would have halted my chance to meet and talk with my therapist completely. The telehealth application has allowed a seamless transition to being able to do my weekly check-ins and talk therapy from the comfort of my home during this crucial time of crisis. Without it, my mental health needs would have been left in a not so positive state. I am still able to maintain an acceptable level of confidentiality and privacy with using the app as well and it has worked great over the past 3 weeks now. It is so easy I may continue to employ it even after the crisis is eased as life allows. Thank you for allowing patient clients to use this medium for a very viable option to live face-to-face visits.

Learn more about Canvas Health’s mental health and substance use telehealth appointments.

Continuing Care During COVID-19: Client grateful for telehealth

Ryan, a Canvas Health client, tells his story of how he feels grateful to do his therapy via telehealth.

Read Article

I wasn’t living in a positive state of mind when I began my substance use treatment at Canvas Health. However, about two hours into my first group I decided to change my thought and embrace the group and be as open as I could be. From then on I started to get to know the group, get to know the staff at Canvas Health, and truly begin my outpatient treatment as an individual who wanted to gain the knowledge and tools to take ownership back into my life.

person reading - Canvas Health Substance Use

My Biggest Lesson in Substance Abuse Treatment

Bob Jones has been a great counselor and was always very helpful, honest, and allowed my different views on some of the curriculum to be heard. I never felt that I was being pushed or forced to think the way Bob did. Instead, I felt that I was always the boss of what I was going to get out of my treatment, and went every week to my group to learn and help others see that a sober life can still be fun and worth living for. I know for a fact that my biggest lesson I have gotten out of treatment has been to love myself and have confidence in all areas of my life, something I had never done before.

From the front desk staff, Lindsay, Bob, and to all the other counselors I have met along the way I can say without a doubt in my mind that they truly care for each and every one who walks through those doors. I would highly recommend Canvas as a place to seek help if needed, or assistance in their journey to recovery. –Canvas Health Client

If you or someone you care about is struggling with drugs or alcohol, learn about Canvas Health’s substance abuse treatment (available by telehealth) here, or by calling (651) 777-5222.

“I took back ownership of my life.” – A Canvas Health Substance Use Client Shares Their Story

I wasn’t living in a positive state of mind when I began my substance use treatment at Canvas Health. However, about two hours into my first group I decided to change my thought and embrace the group and be as open as I could be. From then on I started to get to know the […]

Read Article

Canvas Heath’s Early Childhood Assistance Program (ECBA) has immediate openings for children ages 0-5.

boy on playground - early childhood mental health services

If your toddler or preschooler is struggling with behaviors like increased tantrums, regression in development, difficulty sleeping, increased anxiety, and/or frequent biting or hitting, we can help.

“A young child’s response to the COVID-19 environment and a change in routine may manifest in different ways than an older child or adult, but that doesn’t make them any less concerning or serious,” said Katherine Zacharias, ECBA supervisor. “Early childhood mental health services can help address these behaviors through work directly with children and parents.”

ECBA Assessments & Treatments

  • General Mental Health Assessments, Neuropsychological Evaluations, Psychiatric Evaluations
  • Play Therapy, Individual Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Parent/Child Psychotherapy, Family Therapy
  • Staff are trained in evidence-based interventions that include: Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), Trauma Informed-Child Parent Psychotherapy (TI-CPP), Trauma Focused CBT

Who is Eligible

  • Children five and under who experience attachment, social, emotional and behavioral challenges at home, at daycare, or in other settings.
  • These early childhood services are available throughout the Twin Cities metro area.

To have a conversation about your concerns, or to make an appointment, call Chantel Gramenz at (651) 251-5191

Immediate Openings: Mental Health For Ages 0-5

Canvas Heath’s Early Childhood Assistance Program (ECBA) has immediate openings for children ages 0-5. If your toddler or preschooler is struggling with behaviors like increased tantrums, regression in development, difficulty sleeping, increased anxiety, and/or frequent biting or hitting, we can help. “A young child’s response to the COVID-19 environment and a change in routine may […]

Read Article

As Minnesota moves forward with social distancing, it is imperative that mental health providers have the flexibility to continue safely providing mental health services including telemedicine.

Telemedicine - Support SF 4200

That’s why it was so disappointing that the legislature was unable to pass SF 4200.

This legislation allows the commissioner of human services the authority to temporarily waive or modify regulatory, administrative, and program requirements in order to preserve access to crucial health services during Governor Walz’s declaration of emergency for COVID-19.

The most important change for the mental health community would be additional flexibility to provide services via telemedicine instead of face-to-face contact, as well as temporarily waiving the Medical Assistance coverage limit of three telemedicine visits per week. Also included is flexibility in the timelines for processing MA renewals, where face-to-face contact was required, people working across programs, number of absent days from a program and more.

Please contact your legislators today and share this important message:

My name is ____________ and I am a supporter of Canvas Health, a community mental health provider, and your constituent from ________. I’m contacting you today to urge the legislature to reconvene immediately and pass SF 4200. (Briefly share your story about mental illness and why access is so important). Mental health providers will need more flexibility to continue offering needed mental health services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the expanded use of telemedicine.

(Due to office closures, we recommend that you email and not call your legislator)

While it is important for everyone to contact your legislators in the House and Senate, there are a few members in the House that need to hear from Canvas Health supporters about this issue:

It is also important that every Canvas Health supporter contact Speaker Hortman and Majority Leader Gazelka to ask that the legislature reconvene this week to pass SF 4200.

Thank you for your advocacy! Mental health providers need more flexibility to support people with mental illnesses during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Find out who represents you here.

Source: NAMI-Minnesota

Immediate Action Needed: Support SF 4200

Mental health providers need more flexibility to support people with mental illnesses during COVID-19. Email your legislators and ask that they support SF 4200.

Read Article

Canvas Health wants to be here for you in every way possible during this time of crisis. Please click on the link below for a list of resources that may help during this time. We’ll keep adding to it as the days progress and new information becomes available.
COVID-19 Resources

 

COVID-19 Resources for You and Your Family

COVID-19 resources, mental health, substance use, canvas health

Read Article

Canvas Health is committed to you and your well-being, especially as the COVID-19 illness is becoming more prevalent in our community.

As an Essential Community Provider in the State of Minnesota, Canvas Health clinics continue to be open and providing services to individuals in our clinics and in the community. Our clinic- and community-based clinicians are following CDC recommendations for cleaning as well as following recommended precautions regarding coming to work.

You may want to consider online therapy sessions using our telehealth system, which allows clients to meet with their providers through an app and the camera on their computer, tablet, or smartphone. Please let us know if you would like additional information on telehealth. At this time, group therapy sessions will continue to be held, using appropriate social distancing measures.

Please do not attend your in-person appointment or meet with your community-based provider if you are having symptoms such as fever, cough, or shortness of breath, have traveled to a high-risk area for transmission of COVID-19 in the last 14 days, or if you have been in close contact with someone confirmed positive or currently being evaluated for COVID-19.

We understand that this is a challenging time for everyone, and may be especially concerning for those struggling with mental illness, substance use issues, abuse and crisis situations. Please reach out to Canvas Health for an appointment if you are experiencing increased anxiety, depression, substance use concerns or other issues.

We encourage those in crisis to use the following 24/7 emergency phone numbers below: 

  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
  • Crisis Text Line: Text MN to 741741 for free confidential help

Lastly, if you are able, please consider donating to Canvas Health so we can continue to provide life-saving services in this time of crisis.

We will continue to provide updates regarding our services as we have them visit CanvasHealth.org and our Facebook page for the latest news. Please call us at (651) 777-5222 or email intake@canvashealth.org for scheduling questions.

We’re here to help you through this unprecedented time,
Matt Eastwood, CEO, and Canvas Health Staff

Canvas Health COVID-19 Response

Canvas Health is committed to you and your well-being, especially as the COVID-19 illness is becoming more prevalent in our community. As an Essential Community Provider in the State of Minnesota, Canvas Health clinics continue to be open and providing services to individuals in our clinics and in the community. Our clinic- and community-based clinicians are following CDC recommendations for cleaning as well as following recommended precautions regarding […]

Read Article

After receiving funding through the Medica Foundation this fall, Canvas Health hit the ground running at the Chisago County Jail with a program designed to provide judicial clients with strategies that will prevent relapsing into problematic alcohol and drug use and criminal conduct.

Treating Substance Use & Criminal Thinking

Staff, who are embedded at the Chisago County Public Safety Center, strive to provide judicial clients with the strategies, concepts and skills to bring meaning and responsibility into all facets of their lives.

The 12-week program is based on a cognitive-behavioral model treating both substance use and criminal thinking simultaneously.

Continuing Care Plan

One of the primary focuses of the program, in addition to the educational element, is to afford clients the best possible opportunities post-release, through a formal continuing care plan as they transition back into the community.

After release, a client’s transition plan can include continuing his or her treatment on an outpatient basis at Canvas Health’s Forest Lake, North Branch, Stillwater, Cottage Grove, or Oakdale clinic.

Program staff work closely with the jail’s staff, probation officers, county attorneys, and public defenders. The program is currently at capacity with clients and is seeing great success.

Learn more about Canvas Health’s substance use disorder services here.
chisago county public safety center - substance use program

Canvas Health launches program at Chisago County Jail

After receiving funding through the Medica Foundation this fall, Canvas Health hit the ground running at the Chisago County Jail with a program designed to provide judicial clients with strategies that will prevent relapsing into problematic alcohol and drug use and criminal conduct. Treating Substance Use & Criminal Thinking Staff, who are embedded at the […]

Read Article

Sue Sperber, Canvas Health’s Senior Development Officer, is pictured here with her father, Denis Bakke. Here’s her Canvas Health story:

Sue Sperber with her father Denis Bakke - canvas health

Supporting Canvas Health

My parents, Denis and Phyllis, began supporting Canvas Health’s senior programs back in 1996. When my mom’s health was failing after a couple of strokes, Canvas Health stepped in and assisted our family with its services. My dad has continued to financially support Canvas Health and through example and encouragement, the rest of our family got involved and began supporting Canvas Health as well.

I started volunteering on the Valley Vine & Harvest Throwdown event committee in 2011, and in 2014, I joined the staff as Canvas Health’s Development Officer. I am so proud of our agency’s mission, and I love telling others about our essential programs and services, as well as the great people who passionately work within these programs. Daily I am in awe of the many ways we meet our client’s critical needs, both in our clinics as well as in the community.

Sue loves meeting with people who want to learn more about Canvas Health. Email her at ssperber@canvashealth.org or call (651) 492-7477.

Canvas Health’s Senior Development Officer carries on her family’s spirit of giving.

Sue Sperber, Canvas Health’s Senior Development Officer, is pictured here with her father, Denis Bakke, loves meeting with people who want to learn more about Canvas Health. Here’s her Canvas Health story:

Read Article

Many of Canvas Health’s mental health and substance use programs have immediate openings! You can request an appointment online or call (651) 777-5222 to schedule an appointment.

Can’t make it to one of our clinic locations? Ask about telehealth!

typing on laptop - telehealth - schedule an appointment

Immediate appointments available – request online

Many of Canvas Health’s mental health and substance use programs have immediate openings! You also can request an appointment online.  You also can call 651-777-5222 to schedule an appointment.

Read Article

When people experience mental and substance use disorders, healing is important not just for the client, but for everyone affected – particularly family and significant others, who often experience significant stress around the suffering of their family member.

On Nov. 1, Canvas Health and the Wilder Foundation will host Hope and Recovery in Suicide Care: Clinical work to resolve suicide risk, featuring Dr. Jeffrey Sung at the Wilder Auditorium in St. Paul. Hope and Recovery in Suicide Care presents an overview of clinical interventions for suicide risk with a focus on treatment strategies for ongoing psychotherapy. Improvements in the standardization of suicide risk assessment and management provide clinicians with strategies to manage an acute suicide crisis, but after these initial interventions are completed, clinicians are not always clear on the next steps for effective intervention. This conference will establish a foundation for current best practices in suicide risk assessment and management by reviewing recommendations from national oversight agencies.

*Pre-approved CEUs will be available.

Register here!

Participants will gain abilities to:

1. Assess suicide risk by identifying risk and protective factors.

2. Manage suicide risk by developing a plan that includes fostering connectedness, addressing co-occurring mental health and substance use conditions, reducing access to lethal means and developing a safety plan.

3. Treat suicide risk by identifying direct drivers of suicide and using treatment strategies to resolve these.

Earn CEUs at Hope and Recovery in Suicide Care Clinical Conference

When people experience mental and substance use disorders, healing is important not just for the client, but for everyone affected – particularly family and significant others, who often experience significant stress around the suffering of their family member. On Nov. 1, Canvas Health and the Wilder Foundation will host Hope and Recovery in Suicide Care: […]

Read Article

In collaboration with Northeast Metro 916 Intermediate School District, Canvas Health is excited to announce Sunflower Learning Center, an early childhood program that serves students ages 3-5 who are struggling to be successful in their current preschool or childcare setting due to their mental health symptoms and behaviors.

child with sunflower - early childhood program

Co-Regulate Emotions and Behaviors

Early childhood therapists empower students with the skills they need to co-regulate emotions and behaviors; and find success in school, at home and in their communities.

The program operates with the belief that early intervention helps students learn in their neighborhood schools among their peers for the vast majority of their school careers.

Students and families experience an innovative school program where they:

  • Experience both early childhood educational instruction and mental health treatment in an integrated/shared manner.
  • Attend family therapy in the school, at a Canvas Health location, or in the home setting during the day or evening hours that encourages lasting positive change.
  • Receive assistance in navigating a sometimes confusing array of school and community-based services.

Location:
Sunflower Learning Center
2482 E County Rd F
White Bear Lake, MN 55110

Contact:
Dan Porter
dporter@916schools.org
651-415-5451

Students served:
Ages 3-5 with mental health or behavioral needs

School year hours:
Monday – Friday
8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Summer hours:
Monday – Thursday
8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Canvas Health Collaborates with District 916 on Early Childhood Program

In collaboration with Northeast Metro 916 Intermediate School District, Canvas Health is excited to announce Sunflower Learning Center, an early childhood program that serves students ages 3-5 who are struggling to be successful in their current preschool or childcare setting due to their mental health symptoms and behaviors. Co-Regulate Emotions and Behaviors Early childhood therapists […]

Read Article