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 throughout this past week, demanding that we listen and examine how we can do better as an agency, as clinicians, and as humans.

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

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

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.

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

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 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

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.

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:

• Rep. Tony Albright – from Prior Lake and Jordan
• Rep. Deb Kiel – from East Grand Forks and Crookston
• Rep. Anne Neu – from North Branch and Chisago Lake Township

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

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

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

As an Essential Community Provider in the State of Minnesota, Canvas Health clinics are 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.

Our recall plan as of July 1, 2021:

Precautions and masking:

Canvas Health continues to strongly encourage staff and clients to use known precautions to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Please do not attend an in-person appointment or meet with your community-based provider if you are having symptoms such as fever, chills, cough, muscle soreness, or shortness of breath, or if you have been in close contact with someone confirmed positive or currently being evaluated for COVID-19.

All clients and staff who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 are no longer required to mask or wear face coverings; however, both are strongly encouraged to do so. Clients and staff who are not fully vaccinated against COVID-19 shall continue to wear a mask or face covering.

Telehealth:

Some services will continue to have a telehealth option, which allows clients to meet with their providers through an app and the camera on their computer, tablet, or smartphone. Please check with your service provider and/or insurance for more details.

COVID Preparedness and Recall Plan: 

Click here for the Canvas Health COVID Preparedness and Recall Plan.

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.

COVID-19 Details and Recall Plan

Canvas Health launches program at Chisago County Jail

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

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

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!

Immediate appointments available – request online

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

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 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

Canvas Health recently welcomed Allison Fredrickson as a new member of its Board of Directors.

As a member of the Board of Directors, Fredrickson will work to maintain awareness of the current challenges and opportunities facing the organization, and will provide support for the organization’s strategic plan and development initiatives.

Meet Allison Fredrickson

Fredrickson is an attorney in Eckberg Lammers, P.C.’s Family Law group and a Qualified Neutral with the State of Minnesota. With over thirteen years of experience as a practicing attorney in the family law field, she has dealt with highly emotional and personal legal issues facing families in times of change, including cases that require mediation and courtroom settings. She also handles municipal prosecution for several counties in the metro area, where she is able to use her knowledge of substance and mental health issues to provide just results.

Aside from her focus in Family Law, Fredrickson also has experience in Criminal Law. Prior to joining Eckberg Lammers, she was an attorney with Dudley & Smith, P.A. in St. Paul, MN.

Fredrickson is an active member of Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers, a non-profit organization that educates the public, lawyers, judges and law students in the areas of addiction and mental health. This knowledge and work in the community helps her deal with the issues facing many of her clients.

Committed to Her Community

Fredrickson is committed to community service and outreach, particularly in areas of juvenile and youth services. She is a mentor to youth in the Boy Scouts of America organization and is also actively involved in the Minnesota State Bar Association’s Mock Trial program.

“My affinity for Canvas Health’s mission arises from having witnessed first-hand the unmet need for affordable, accessible mental health services in Minnesota. We are fortunate here to have a wide, well-developed safety net for vulnerable citizens and it is our duty to maintain and enhance it for future generations,” said Fredrickson.

Canvas Health Welcomes Allison Fredrickson as New Board of Directors Member

In 2018 Canvas Health launched a pilot for telehealth—a new way for clients to meet with their providers through an app and the camera on their computer, tablet, or smartphone.

After an assessment and initial appointment at a Canvas Health clinic offering telehealth, the clinician and the client can determine whether telehealth would be helpful and desired.

Why Use Telehealth?

There are a lot of reasons why clients are using telehealth. Clients or kids are sick. The roads are icy. Medical issues prevent them from making their appointment.  They moved further away, but want to keep their therapist. They really need to talk to someone immediately.

By far the most common, say Canvas Health clinicians like Megan Chaffee, are ongoing transportation issues. “It’s convenient for clients,” Chaffee says. “And many have challenges getting to the office. They don’t have a car or a convenient bus route or they have health problems, which makes getting around difficult.”

It takes staff a few sessions to get used to providing services this way. They have to get comfortable with the technology and how to explain and coach the app to clients. Plus, it can be harder to read nonverbal cues and it’s awkward at times—especially at the beginning—but a lot of clients like it and, most importantly, it keeps sessions consistent. A 45 minute appointment can take two hours when factoring drive time to and from a clinic. Telehealth saves time and often increases clients’ willingness to commit to therapy.

For Liliana Freire-Bebeau, a Canvas Health psychotherapist in Cottage Grove and Bloomington, it’s given her the flexibility to meet her clients when and where they need her. “It’s like an extra office,” she says. “You still have to do some things face-to-face. I never want to get rid of that…but it does help get clients treatment and keeps them consistent.”

Jay Theisen, Canvas Health’s Director of Outpatient Clinics, has seen this buy-in from other providers once they experience their clients really benefiting. He’d like for all service providers to be able to offer it as a secondary option for those not able to make it into the office. “I hope that clients will soon seek us out because we provide telehealth and can use it to engage more effectively in their recovery.”

Providing Flexibility to Clients & Clinicians

As for the future, Canvas Health is still figuring that out. Their providers started using telehealth to provide treatment plan updates and are looking at assessment updates, too. Substance Use Services is starting to use it to provide increased access for clients at schools.

Chaffee is excited about what comes next. “I hope it continues to provide flexibility to clients and clinicians to meet clients where and when they need it. It’d be great if that helps us reach more clients.”

For more information, talk with your Canvas Health therapist or call (651) 777-5222.

Can’t make it to the clinic? Try telehealth!