Samantha Eslinger
Speaker1: [00:00:00] Correct. So just start with an introduction then. You're a director of operations for any clinic. And then you can either talk about just yourself.
[00:00:11] Like I'm from Iowa originally or.
Speaker1: [00:00:16] Whatever you want to say.
Speaker2: [00:00:18] A couple of months. All right. Sounds good. Okay. My name is Samantha Esslinger and I am the director of operations for any more clinic. I have been with this company for four and a half years now. My job duties include working directly with the providers, assisting in the setup of our state expansion and working with patients to make sure that their needs are provided for. Awesome. Tell us a little.
Speaker1: [00:00:52] Bit about you. I enjoy this and that or whatever. You're from Iowa?
Speaker2: [00:00:58] Yeah. Yeah. Well, I was a cyclone, though. Oh, really? Yeah. Iowa State.
Speaker1: [00:01:12] Were you an agriculture background or. No.
Speaker2: [00:01:14] No. Yeah.
Speaker1: [00:01:16] No. I have a buddy that went to Iowa State and it's like.
Speaker2: [00:01:18] It's just. It is agriculture. Yeah. Now, I know. I know. I did business, and they. Yeah, everyone there was anyways. Yeah. Maybe he should sit there. So a little bit about myself. I grew up in Iowa. I moved to Vegas when I was 23 years old. I went to Iowa State University for business, and I just fell into this. And absolutely. I don't know what to say.
Speaker1: [00:01:59] No. Good, good, good, good, good. And you can't you can't mess up like like it's not possible. We'll edit everything. And if you feel like saying something good. But I messed up. Yeah. Stop. Take a breath and just back up a line and do it again because we're.
[00:02:13] Going to edit it. All right.
Speaker1: [00:02:19] Tell me a little bit about why this field excites you. Working in mental health, has it been fulfilling? What do you enjoy about it?
Speaker2: [00:02:27] Yeah, so I absolutely enjoy working for mental health and assisting the communities. While in college, I actually studied psychology and psychiatry courses as well, and I think that's where it kind of really went hand in hand. And with business and psychology, this was just an absolutely great fit. I love helping grow not only the community and our patients and mental health, but on the business aspect side, just really building the company from where we were four and a half years ago with just one office to now expanding into six plus additional states. That was.
Speaker1: [00:03:06] Awesome. Um, tell me you've been managing this team for a while. What makes you proud of the team? How do they shine? What are their strengths? What have you seen in our team?
Speaker2: [00:03:16] Yeah. So our team is absolutely wonderful. And I believe that when we start the hiring process, we look for the qualities that we want to see not only in ourselves and our community, but people who can really open up and assist the patients and give that loving and caring aspect to then join our family. So I think everyone in our company does have the qualities to really shine in different aspects and areas. But with our company, everyone has time out.
Speaker1: [00:03:55] That's fine. Instead of company, let's say clinic.
Speaker2: [00:03:58] Clinic. Well, anywhere.
Speaker1: [00:04:04] Let me let me keep guiding you. You're doing great. What do we look for in a candidate when we hire someone on our team?
Speaker2: [00:04:12] When we're hiring candidate and we're looking for someone for our team, we're really looking for those compassionate, understanding, reliable people who can just really show up for the patients, for other staff members, and again, people who can join our family in a sense.
Speaker1: [00:04:36] How about something along the lines of. We're looking for people who are genuinely compassionate and loving. Peace, love. We can teach you everything about mental health, but if you're someone who really cares about people, come join our team.
Speaker2: [00:04:51] Yeah, it was really good. Okay. So.
Speaker1: [00:05:03] That's What type of person are we looking for? What are the unique qualities? We pull it out a little bit. Take a deep breath. You're doing it. Yeah. There you go.
Speaker2: [00:05:19] So when we're hiring new candidates, the main things that we look for is those loving, compassionate people who really join this field for the reason of helping others. You can't teach love. And with that being said, if you are a loving and compassionate person who enjoys this field of work, we would absolutely love for you to come and join our team.
Speaker1: [00:05:47] That was awesome. Whoa. Good job. You've worked with a lot of patients directly and. Could we start with something like Care starts with our call team? When we reach out, we understand that. We want to make sure we're compassionate. We're patient. We're attentive and make you feel comfortable and secure in seeking support. Something like that. Right. Just when you see people like, you know, anybody struggling. So how do we have to be for them? How are we how do we show up for these people? Just trying to get that understanding of.
Speaker2: [00:06:24] The way that we show up for our patients is starting really from the ground level with our phone team. The phone team is the initial interaction that you're going to have when coming to our clinic. And so we really pride ourselves on having every aspect down to.
Speaker1: [00:06:47] Deep breath and then pick up where you left.
Speaker2: [00:06:54] So we really pride now.
Speaker1: [00:06:57] Starts with the quality care starts with the quality. We know if you're reaching out, probably going through something, we want to be competitive. First impression is super important.
Speaker2: [00:07:07] So CARE starts with our phone team. We know that initial interactions are extremely important and we want you to feel comfortable when reaching out to us and able to open up to us and feel that we are there to support you through your journey. Awesome.
Speaker1: [00:07:27] We know if you're reaching out, you're probably going through something and we want to be compassionate.
[00:07:33] And patient there to make you feel comfortable. Come.
Speaker2: [00:07:38] We do know now. Hey, you keep saying deep breaths. I'm doing it.
Speaker1: [00:07:46] Like when I was. It really does help.
Speaker2: [00:07:50] All right, So we know that when you're reaching out, you are. We know when you're reaching out, you are most likely going through something in your life that you're needing assistance with. And we want you to feel that care and compassion and comfortable with what you're going through and knowing that it is okay to ask for that help. Yeah.
Speaker1: [00:08:22] You know, wiggle and get loose and. Hmm. Tell me about is it fulfilling for you when people reach out and you're able to comfort them? You pick up the phone, you could tell they're stressed out. They're going through it. You finish the call and you realize like they're a little bit comforted. Talk about that fulfillment, the strength that you bring to the table. How that is enriching for you, too.
Speaker2: [00:08:47] It is extremely fulfilling when I speak to a patient and I can tell that they are having a hard day or going through some things and I'm able to talk to them. And by the end of the phone call, knowing that I made a difference and not even just their lives but their day. And I can tell when getting off that call that they're feeling a little bit better. And that's the first step. And that's why we really care for all of our patients. From the point you contact us to seeing our providers to even following up, It's extremely fulfilling to see the process and the journey and really seeing people grow.
Speaker1: [00:09:34] Yeah. All right. One of the things that we pride ourselves on is that we take care of our team. I want to talk about culture. Like the culture of our practice. Our clinic is that patients come first. We want to be there for them, primarily. The team comes second. We want to make sure our team is happy. If our staff and providers aren't happy, they can't provide good care and the business comes.
[00:09:56] Last like our mantra. Do you want to share that a little bit?
Speaker2: [00:10:08] So the culture of our team is really like that. The culture of our clinic is putting the patients first no matter what. Being a family here at Qom clinic that includes our patients and with our staff especially, we really want to put them second so they can provide the services that are needed in a fulfilling and beneficial way to the patients. Third comes business we really enjoy. I don't know about that one.
Speaker1: [00:10:46] Third comes the business taking care of our patients and our team.
[00:10:50] We're not worried about the bottom line. Patients come first, second. And that's.
Speaker1: [00:10:56] The culture that we're really proud.
Speaker2: [00:10:57] Of. Can you say that again.
Speaker1: [00:11:01] However you want.
Speaker2: [00:11:01] To say? I don't know.
Speaker1: [00:11:04] I'm really proud of our culture here. Our patients come first. We do everything for them. But a close second is our team.
[00:11:10] Staff and our providers are so important to us.
Speaker1: [00:11:16] Yeah, I guess the question is, what are your priorities here at the clinic?
[00:11:20] I like that. Um.
Speaker2: [00:11:30] We are very proud of the culture here. Our clinic, our patients, of course, come first. Close second is always our providers as well. And lastly, is is business. We want to specifically highlight that with the patients coming first, that is our main priority. We do care and with the business now I want to word.
Speaker1: [00:11:56] It and then say the business comes to the third. Right. Cuz then it's.
Speaker2: [00:12:01] Just like, yeah, yeah, yeah.
[00:12:03] Seconds of business comes last.
Speaker2: [00:12:15] Just like how you word it and then I forget about it.
Speaker1: [00:12:20] I'm really proud of the culture of our clinic at any clinic.
Speaker2: [00:12:24] Patients come first. Let's start with that. I'm really proud of the culture of our team here at the clinic. Anywhere. Clinic Our patients come first. Business comes last.
Speaker1: [00:12:43] Up to here in any more clinic. Patients come first.
Speaker2: [00:12:48] Can I just say that here? Anywhere? Clinic Our patients come first.
Speaker1: [00:12:56] Our team comes second. We want to make sure that our providers and our staff are happy.
Speaker2: [00:13:00] Every day at work so that they can be their best. Yeah, let's stick with Just give me one sentence at a time. Can I go?
Speaker1: [00:13:06] I'm sick. You want to make sure our staff and providers are happy taking care of so that they can show up.
[00:13:13] And be there for their patients. Okay.
Speaker2: [00:13:19] Our staff comes second. We want to be sure that they are don't like. I'm sorry.
Speaker1: [00:13:27] Make sure we take care of each other. We can deviate. We've got a few of those doing. One more thing. It's fine. I'm going to skip. Tell me this. Did you think 40 years ago you'd still be working with this company when you started?
Speaker2: [00:13:55] I've always saw the potential in this company, and I've always felt that I did want to be here for long term. And it's really been my goal to continue working for the clinic. Anyone who joins the company.
Speaker1: [00:14:13] In comparison to other mental health clinics, why this one.
Speaker2: [00:14:18] In comparison to other mental health facilities? The reason that this one really stands out and I enjoy and love working here is again, it's not just about business. Our patients come first and then then our providers come second. We want to make sure that everyone is well taken care of, not just with ourselves and the community, but our providers to make sure that they're able to really assist in your journey. And that starts with making sure their mental health and needs are fulfilled as well.
Speaker1: [00:14:58] How are we there for our providers? What are we offer as far as herbs to nourish their mental health and nurse? Like free in-house therapy.
[00:15:08] Regular education or always there for each other and. Okay. So. For each of our team members we offer.
Speaker1: [00:15:26] Therapy.
[00:15:27] Continuing education. We're always there for each other. Come.
Speaker2: [00:15:42] Anywhere. Clinic We really stand out by being able to provide with and for our providers. Things that we do continue to offer is free and health therapy. We offer services so they can continue their learning and growth experience as well.
Speaker1: [00:16:03] Tell me, do you think it's hard for some people to reach out to a mental health specialist for the first time?
Speaker2: [00:16:10] Yeah, absolutely. I think it's extremely difficult for people to reach out to a mental health specialist for the first time. Some people may have grown up in a household where they don't believe in that. Mental health is extremely, of course, a non seen component. And with that being said, some people just kind of put it on the back burner until they they don't know where to go or how to handle their emotions or seek help. And and we would like to be able to help them reach out and feel comfortable in that process.
Speaker1: [00:16:48] That's good. How do we make it easy and comfortable for. Reach out and get connected.
Speaker2: [00:16:54] Well, don't we already kind of discussed that? Sure.
Speaker1: [00:16:56] So how easy is telemedicine for patients to be.
Speaker2: [00:17:02] Able to access care? Yeah. So one of the ways that we make it easy to reach out and, you know, get started with your mental health journey is with our telehealth process. And with that, you don't have to go into the office for every appointment. You are able to see our providers over your computer or phone and in the comfort of your own home. And I think that really sets us apart and allows you to feel comfortable with reaching out. Awesome.
Speaker1: [00:17:33] How about a call to action if you're struggling with your mental health? We know it's not easy. Give us a call on our website. We'll get you seen.
Speaker2: [00:17:41] Within a week. If you are struggling with your mental health. Nope. So if you are struggling with your mental health, give us a call. If you are struggling with your mental health, why do I keep saying.
Speaker1: [00:17:59] God damn it?
Speaker2: [00:18:02] If you are struggling with your mental health, reach out. Give us a call. We will be able to see you within one week and offer that care that is needed. Awesome.
Speaker1: [00:18:14] Let's talk a little bit about ketamine.
Speaker2: [00:18:16] What time is.
Speaker1: [00:18:17] It? 250. You have 3:00, right? Yep. We'll wrap in like five. So what have you seen as far as how ketamine is helping people?
Speaker2: [00:18:29] Yeah. Ketamine is assisting people. Ketamine is assisting people in our clinic in the way that a lot of medications or how I want to wear this ketamine, if you're.
Speaker1: [00:18:47] Comfortable, just from your own experience.
Speaker2: [00:18:54] Okay. Ketamine is. Nope. Don't like that tone. You can tell I'm starting to get anxious about my 3:00. You got some.
Speaker1: [00:19:06] Good you got some great stuff so far. So in comparison, in comparison to the other treatments that you offer, why does ketamine stand out?
Speaker2: [00:19:14] Ketamine stands out. Yeah, ketamine stands out because people who have been seeking treatment for years, this is a new treatment that is offered for anxiety, depression, and it's really beneficial in areas that people may not have known that are even available. Awesome.
Speaker1: [00:19:40] Are you comfortable talking about your experience with ketamine therapy?
Speaker2: [00:19:44] Yeah. What you want me to talk about?
Speaker1: [00:19:47] Like, how did it impact you? What did you notice? What did you think about ketamine before you heard it was even the treatment?
Speaker2: [00:19:55] Prior to me knowing that ketamine was a treatment, my first thought was, is this even a thing? You know, most people would probably paint it in a negative sense when they first hear it. I believe it's used as a was used as a horse tranquilizer, which is where most people's mind may go. But it's far from. And ketamine is an amazing treatment that really stands apart from other aspects that.
Speaker1: [00:20:42] How have you noticed it has helped you?
Speaker2: [00:20:45] Yeah. I don't really do ketamine a lot.
Speaker1: [00:20:47] So how have you noticed it's helped your patients?
[00:20:54] For example, the it's.
Speaker1: [00:21:00] Do they? Huh? Do they even like it?
Speaker2: [00:21:04] I think so. Oh, sorry.
Speaker3: [00:21:08] Yeah.
Speaker2: [00:21:15] I'm sorry. What's the question?
Speaker1: [00:21:18] That was good. What have you.
Speaker2: [00:21:19] Noticed? Ketamine is helping people overcome that depression, that anxiety, that part of your brain, that the chatter doesn't shut off the the part that you've been holding on to or covering up for years. And with ketamine, opening the neural pathways of your brain and being able to not erase, but essentially help move on from past traumatic experiences. That's one of the biggest things I've seen in patients have improved on. Oh, awesome.
Speaker1: [00:22:02] Let's see.
[00:22:04] Did everything. Give me a.
Speaker1: [00:22:09] Mental health care any time, anywhere.
Speaker2: [00:22:16] Mental health care. Anytime, anywhere. Awesome. Do you want me to try again? Sure. Mental health care. Anytime. Anywhere.
Speaker1: [00:22:30] How about just a call to action? We all have a mental health journey. If you're struggling with something, just reach out.
Speaker2: [00:22:39] We all have a mental health journey and if you're struggling, reach out.
Speaker1: [00:22:46] Anything else that you want to share?
[00:22:51] I don't know.
Speaker2: [00:22:53] I feel like I. I don't feel like I did a good job.
Speaker1: [00:22:55] But honestly, like, use probably four or five of those sound bites. Yeah.
Speaker2: [00:23:00] Yeah.
Kristen Smith
Speaker1: [00:00:00] Luckily I'm in the. What was it called? The staging lane. Yeah. I'm your. Just wait for I get. Speaking of which, he's retiring soon. Yeah. I was going to say I'm hopeful.
Speaker2: [00:00:14] For the f one out here.
Speaker1: [00:00:17] It's going into it. So we'll start with softball. Just would love for you to introduce yourself. Hi. So, what's your position at? We. We stay here.
Speaker3: [00:00:26] Clinic Coordinator. Clinic coordinator for.
Speaker1: [00:00:30] Let's say, Calm Clinic. We've been doing a lot of anywhere. Clinic. Um, and real quick, how do you like to wear your hair?
Speaker3: [00:00:37] I don't know. Wherever it falls.
Speaker2: [00:00:39] Gotcha. I just want to make sure it doesn't.
Speaker1: [00:00:42] Sure. Do you wonder where?
Speaker3: [00:00:45] That's great.
Speaker1: [00:00:50] So, you know. Hi, I'm Kristen Smith. I'm the clinic coordinator at Calm Clinic. And a little bit about what you.
[00:00:56] Do and maybe your interests, what you like to do for fun and anything like that. Just a soft introduction.
Speaker3: [00:01:02] What I do for fun.
Speaker1: [00:01:03] I like what I what you enjoy.
Speaker3: [00:01:05] Oh, okay. The only thing I really do is play softball.
Speaker1: [00:01:12] And then you're going to be looking at me the whole time. And again, if you just feel like you didn't like what you said, just stop. Take a breath and just continue again.
Speaker3: [00:01:20] Okay, Cool.
Speaker1: [00:01:22] All right. So can you please introduce yourself?
Speaker3: [00:01:24] Hi, my name is Kristen Smith. I'm sorry. My name is Kristen Smith. I'm the clinic coordinator for Calm Clinic, and I do like, answer phones and I'm the liaison between the providers and the patients. And then for my fun times, I kind of just play softball a couple of nights a week.
Speaker1: [00:01:51] Cool. Take a deep breath for me. All right. Let's start with this one. A lot of people struggle to reach out when they're having mental health concerns. You guys on the call team.
[00:02:06] You start with that reception. How what do we do.
Speaker1: [00:02:10] Uniquely that helps greet them in a warm way and a loving way and a compassionate way? Can you talk about the team and the culture that we have? And it's hard to reach out, but we're there to meet you with compassion. Just so the question is, when patients call in and they're struggling, how do you use their mind?
Speaker3: [00:02:27] When patients call in is struggling, I'm basically we try to like kind of comfort them, let them know that they're not alone. Like there's a lot of people that are struggling and the best thing to do is reach out for help. And it's not something to be ashamed of. It's not something to be afraid of. You know, we have great providers and it's we try to just ease their mind and try to get them comfortable with being our becoming our patients.
Speaker1: [00:02:57] All right. If if you are a family member was struggling with their mental health, what would you advise them to do?
Speaker3: [00:03:04] I would advise them to reach out to and get scheduled with one of our providers. Like not a question at all.
Speaker1: [00:03:13] Tell us about do you believe that we all have a mental health journey?
Speaker3: [00:03:18] Yes, I believe that. I believe.
Speaker1: [00:03:23] You. Question If you could just like repeat the question.
Speaker3: [00:03:26] Got it.
Speaker1: [00:03:28] Um, so do you think we all have a mental health journey? And what does that really mean? Is that connect to all of us, or are we all is it normalizing mental health?
Speaker3: [00:03:35] I believe that everybody has a mental health journey and it's just basically coming to terms with how you deal with it and being able to express yourself and open up to your provider. And that gives you the best help.
Speaker1: [00:03:52] Awesome. Do you find it fulfilling to be there for patients? And they're going through a hard time and being able to comfort them and guide them towards care.
Speaker3: [00:04:00] I find it very fulfilling to help people when they're feeling down because I've been there myself, so I understand the emotions, I understand the fear, and I think that like being compassionate is a big thing. Like I'm I try I would love to help whoever calls in.
Speaker1: [00:04:22] What are you proud of with our team, our culture, our company? What makes you proud about the way that we do what we do?
Speaker3: [00:04:29] I'm very proud of our whole team, all of our providers, our call team staff, just pretty much everybody, because we all worked together very well and everybody's wants to help. Okay.
Speaker1: [00:04:45] Take a deep breath for me. You have a beautiful smile. See it? I know you're doing great. Um, can we talk a little bit about ketamine? And what did you first think when you heard about ketamine?
Speaker3: [00:04:59] Just an honest answer. I was scared because I had heard it be like other things, you know, like.
Speaker1: [00:05:08] And pause and just start with, like, when I first started, like. Oh, sorry. Yeah.
Speaker3: [00:05:17] So when I first heard about ketamine, I was very. It's like kind of scared to try it or and I was also very, you know, like just nervous. But then once I did it the first time, like it was very calming and kind of changes the way you really changes the way I felt like as far as being like depression, depressed or being. How do I word it?
Speaker1: [00:05:55] Just pick up where you left off. I'll ask you a new question. So when you tried ketamine therapy, was it similar to what you expected or. It's something different.
Speaker3: [00:06:03] Happened? When I tried ketamine therapy, it was completely different from what I expected. I was not expecting it to. Have the results that it did. Like where I felt. I'm more at peace.
Speaker1: [00:06:23] And talk to us about the process. What is it like at home? Ketamine therapy? What was that process like? How do you prepare for something like that and what did you feel during and after? I can honestly, I love your laugh. I love you, and you can incorporate that.
Speaker3: [00:06:42] You know, you start with a question again.
Speaker1: [00:06:46] So what was the process like when you actually did get into therapy?
Speaker3: [00:06:51] The process for ketamine was I went, I did it at home and I just had my blindfold on and put on some soothing music and just lay down and let it kind of sink in. And then I had a different experience, like I was like outside of myself looking down at my situation that I was currently in at that point. And it was not a very nice situation. But then it made me realize that I was telling myself to get out of the situation, back up a little bit, you know, get step back. You don't need to be in this, you know. And so but it was very. Then when I afterwards the I had a complete outlook, different outlook, how I perceived the situation that I was in. And I was able to handle it in a much like a lot better way. Awesome.
Speaker1: [00:07:58] So, uh, and after you did your session, did you feel more flexible minded, more clear minded? The same stressors might have been there, but you were able to see them differently. Would you say, after the treatment you felt more flexible?
Speaker3: [00:08:12] Yeah, after my treatment, I did feel more flexible. Like I felt like I mean, my obviously the situations were still there, but I felt like I could handle them a lot better, like I can deal with it and not be I can be I can look at it more objectively.
[00:08:30] Fantastic. I think that's food just.
Speaker2: [00:08:35] You go from him still there, obviously.
Speaker1: [00:08:39] And you could just run that.
Speaker3: [00:08:41] Do it.
Speaker1: [00:08:44] You can continue from. Switch chairs.
Speaker3: [00:08:54] Otherwise, unless you want to talk to me how this doctor had me walk through. What am I leaving off?
Speaker2: [00:09:06] You just remember the word you said there. Obviously, they're the same stressors are there.
Speaker3: [00:09:13] Okay, so the same stressors are there. But I was able to look at it in a different light. Like I looked at it more objectively. Objectively.
Speaker2: [00:09:26] Really cool. Talk to us about the benefits of telehealth.
Speaker3: [00:09:33] For the benefits of telehealth. I absolutely love it. Even like for a patient's, like, you don't have to leave your house. You don't have to stress about the traffic. And if you, you know, and are driving or you don't have to worry about any of that, it's all done by video chat and you still get to see your provider face to face, but it's not. It's not. It's in the comfort of your own home.
Speaker2: [00:10:03] And so do you have experience with ketamine, then?
Speaker3: [00:10:07] I do have experience with ketamine.
Speaker2: [00:10:09] Oh, what kind of what kind of old school lingo was there and what kind of effects have you felt and the people that you've treated?
Speaker3: [00:10:23] Huh? Hang on.
Speaker2: [00:10:29] It's almost like hearing the term special K.
Speaker3: [00:10:34] Oh, like the old OC. Like.
Speaker2: [00:10:36] Yeah, like the old school lingo. It's like a horse tranquilizer. I mean, even when I can tell you, Mom, even when I tell my mom about, like, academy, you know, it's an immediately there's immediate quiet in the room. You know, it's like there's only because that like, because there's no exposed research that has been kind of come to light the past few years. So looking here talks about the positive effects it brings and talk about the transformation of its, I guess, reputation on the street.
Speaker3: [00:11:09] Okay. So that. Wait, wait, stop. What was the. I start that.
Speaker1: [00:11:19] Um, this is, you know, like what? What was the what are the preconceived notions of ketamine and what have you seen in our clinic and our practice and your experience that was different from.
Speaker3: [00:11:30] Okay. So I had thought that I've had heard like ketamine before, but I was heard of it. And like a negative, more negative way people used it for like street drugs or for animals or, you know, for and also in the hospital for like, sedation. And so that's what I always thought was in my head for ketamine, the kind of definition of what it does. But after seeing some of our patients and seeing even experience it myself, it was like none of those things. It was very like very therapeutic, very just relaxing and helps you focus more.
Speaker1: [00:12:24] Awesome. Would you recommend ketamine therapy for a loved one who's struggling?
Speaker2: [00:12:29] And then really quick, can you sit back in your chair?
Speaker1: [00:12:31] Oh, sorry. Would you recommend ketamine therapy for a loved one who's struggling.
Speaker3: [00:12:36] With their mental health? I would definitely recommend ketamine for any of my loved ones, my friends, family that are struggling with any mental health because I think it's a great way to.
Speaker1: [00:12:51] Sorry. I think it's a great way to.
Speaker3: [00:12:54] I think it's a great way to deal with the situations that you're in and the things that you're struggling with.
Speaker1: [00:13:02] And how about we all have a mental health journey and there are options out there for everyone.
Speaker3: [00:13:10] For me to say that.
Speaker1: [00:13:13] A trip away like.
Speaker3: [00:13:14] This. We all have a mental health journey and just know that there are a lot of different options out there for you.
Speaker1: [00:13:23] But, uh, mental health care. Anytime, anywhere.
Speaker3: [00:13:29] She'll be back. Okay. And then mental, sorry. Mental health care. Any time, anywhere. Awesome. And then.
Speaker1: [00:13:41] How about, like something a little deeper? Like if if you're dealing with. Mental health struggles and traditional care hasn't worked for you. It. Actually, that would be like a psychiatrist. That's good. That's a wrap. Okay. Thank you so much. Appreciate it. You can take a breath now.
Speaker3: [00:13:59] I felt like I was holding my breath the whole time. How hard that was for me.
Speaker1: [00:14:07] Thank you so much. You did great.
Kevin Girard
Speaker1: [00:00:00] I'm gonna say your full name. Um, I work at Anywhere clinic as the client relations manager. And a little bit about yourself. Like what you enjoy, what your passion is. And interests are just like an introduction. Okay, let's start with that. You'll be looking at me.
Speaker2: [00:00:16] Okay.
Speaker1: [00:00:17] Take a deep breath with me. And just start by.
[00:00:23] I'm Kevin Love with any authentic.
Speaker2: [00:00:28] Uh, I'm Kevin Gerard with the, uh, anywhere clinic. My role here is the client relations manager. I've been here probably a couple of years now. So I've gotten a good chance to see the clinic grow. Uh, to experience a lot of things, especially with patients working directly with them. So the things that I do is just, you know, handling stuff with patients that may have issues or anything like that and working with the providers as well, like, uh, kind of relating messages to them and stuff, making sure everything functions correctly. So that's kind of my role here is just keeping everything moving, you know, keeping the clients with the providers and everything like that, or making sure that the communication is good to make sure that they're getting treatment. Uh, medications, everything else. Just make sure everything runs smoothly. So.
Speaker1: [00:01:23] Uh, a big role in working at a mental health clinic is what you just said. Keeping everything running smoothly and making sure people don't fall through the cracks. A lot of people fear going to a new clinic because they fear that they won't be attended to when they need. Be listened to, their concerns aren't addressed. Can you speak on a little bit your role on how it's why it's so important to help people feel secure and feel safe and let them know that they won't fall through the cracks? You just speak on that a little bit.
Speaker2: [00:01:57] Well, I think when people contact us, you know, they're obviously looking for help. So some of them, you'd never know where they're coming from. They could be discouraged, they could be stressed, they could be, um, you know, worried about themselves as far as, uh, physically whether they're gonna hurt themselves or anything. So I think always kind of putting yourself in the position of where they're coming from is important as far as trying to, um, just allow them to not feel judged or anything like that. It takes a lot for a lot of these people to step outside themselves, to look for help or anything like that. So I feel like anything that they do or, you know, reaching out to us like to try to make them feel comfortable and make sure that they feel that they're being attended to or that they're getting the best service and stuff is important, or making sure that the little things are done because a lot of things can get put to the side or that anything that we do, sometimes the patients are waiting, you know what I mean? Like that, whether it's their medications or whether they're getting an appointment or just a response in general. So those timelines are really important to make sure that they're not waiting a long time, because it may not seem like much to us because we're busy, but they could be waiting a day, two days or whatever, which could mean a lot to them. So you said, That's great, that's good.
Speaker1: [00:03:16] Let's start now from, um, like, it's so important. To us to be there for our patients on time to make sure that nothing falls through the cracks. What may seem like just a day or two for us could be disastrous.
[00:03:31] If they don't have the medication or they don't have access to their provider. So it's so important to us.
Speaker1: [00:03:37] I'm proud of our team. We prioritize always being there for our patients, getting back to them quickly.
Speaker2: [00:03:43] Things like that. Just a big emphasis on why it's. Yeah. Okay. Yeah. Uh, I feel like we do have an excellent team of people that we work together. We communicate well to make sure that patients aren't waiting for whatever they need and stuff that they re getting the assistance that they need as soon as possible. And I think everybody puts a priority on that as far as making sure that that no one's forgotten or anything like that, that that they are prioritized and stuff because, uh. He said. That's obviously important.
Speaker1: [00:04:18] Tell me, what is it like for you as. Is it fulfilling for you to be there for people in they're struggling and to be able to help them to see that they came to us in a dark place, but that transformation, improvement and growth over time. Being old friends, you see that you talk about how fulfilling that is for you.
Speaker2: [00:04:42] To me, some of the feedback I've got from patients is in response to the providers and how well they work with them as far as any of the staff as well. Just making sure that they've been taken care of. Whenever they reach out to me to let me know that this person got back with them or this person took care of these things. As far as the providers, we've always gotten great feedback in regards to any of the providers and the service that they provide. But I think a lot of these people are just once they get set, I think that they're appreciative of the service that they get or the provider's attention or the staff as well. Just to follow through with with everything to make sure that they're getting everything that they need. But I feel like everybody does really well with that as far as communicating and always making sure that the patients are priority about care.
Speaker1: [00:05:39] Starz starts with the call team. When you reach out, we're there for you. We know you're going through a tough time. We want to make this as easy as possible.
Speaker2: [00:05:50] But so yeah, CARE starts with the call team. They handle the calls coming in and are really good as far as making sure that the patients get all the information that they need, that they're comfortable and.
Speaker1: [00:06:06] Sorry. One more. How about starts with the call team? When people reach out to us, sometimes they're going through a really tough time and we want to be there compassionately. We want to show up in a way that makes them feel comfortable.
Speaker2: [00:06:18] Care starts with the call team. We want to make sure that the patients, when they call in that they're comfortable.
Speaker1: [00:06:25] That they're passing that up. Just start from the top.
Speaker2: [00:06:32] Can you give it to me one more time?
Speaker1: [00:06:34] Kerry starts with the call team. And then the real essence is like we know that people, when they're reaching out, they're going through some stuff. And we want to be compassionate. We want to be patient. We want to make sure they feel comfortable with us.
Speaker2: [00:06:46] So Kerry starts with the call team, and we want to make sure that when the patients call in that they know that we're being compassionate towards anything that they're going through, because obviously they're going through something when they reach out to us. So how should I keep this up.
Speaker1: [00:07:03] One more time? Kerry starts with the take A and people reach out to us. They're going through a lot. And so we want to really be compassionate and patient and make sure they feel comfortable.
Speaker2: [00:07:15] Kerry starts with the call team. We want to make sure that when they call in that we're being compassionate towards anything that they need. We realize when they call in that they're going through something. So it's important for us to be compassionate to whatever they're going through.
Speaker1: [00:07:31] That was awesome. Let's have one more. Kerry starts with the call team. And then point number two is when people reach out to us. What are they going through? A lot. And point number three is we need to be compassionate, patient. And attentive so that they know that they feel comfortable. So care starts with the call team. When people reach out, they're going through a lot.
Speaker2: [00:07:54] We need to be compassionate.
Speaker1: [00:07:55] We need to be compassionate, patient and do everything we can to make sure.
Speaker2: [00:07:59] Okay. So Kara starts with the call team. We know that when patients call in, they're going through something. So we want to make sure that we're being compassionate, patient and understanding of their situation.
Speaker1: [00:08:14] Um. Let's. You haven't tried getting me there yet? Yeah.
Speaker2: [00:08:23] Was it helpful? It helped me to, like, just being in a meditative state. It just helped me to relax more. Just be more quiet. My mind was a lot more quiet. But it wasn't anything life changing. But it just helped to just kind of keep things peaceful and quiet and just. I think at the end of the session, it's almost like something comes out at you and just. Uh, it's like an epiphany kind of thing at the end where.
Speaker1: [00:08:53] You kind of. It's not life changing.
Speaker2: [00:08:55] Oh, yeah.
Speaker1: [00:08:56] Well, even though you just say that part. Yeah, just, you know, like it made, you know. Yeah, Baby, can you go and do something about this? Maybe advice and stuff.
Speaker2: [00:09:11] So with ketamine treatment for me, uh, for myself. Okay. Okay. Um, the ketamine treatment that I've done myself, I think it really helped me during my meditation to be more of a relaxed state, to help be more clear on my thoughts. And then I feel like at the end of the session, it allowed me to kind of have like an epiphany of just what my focus was in that particular moment at that particular time, what was what I was manifesting or what I was thinking about. It just helped give me a lot more clarity. It helps slow things down as far as my mind was a lot calmer. And so that's what I the benefit that I got out of the ketamine session was just a lot of clarity or just helped calm my mind.
Speaker1: [00:10:02] So did you have any preconceived notions or stigmas prior to trying it when you first heard about ketamine, what do you think? It was just an honest answer.
Speaker2: [00:10:12] Uh, I didn't know what to expect, to be honest. I didn't know if there would be anything that was magical that would happen or anything, but in all honesty, it was just a calmness that it helped. I didn't really have an expectation, which kind of, I think helped you to just feel what you feel kind of thing and see what you see. So that just really helped me just to be clear about what my thoughts were.
Speaker1: [00:10:37] So some people get scared. I think my going to lose my mind. How would you counsel someone who's scared about it after your experience? Start with answering my question with that same phrase. Like if someone is. I know. Scared to give this treatment a try. Some people feel this way, but I would say from my experience.
Speaker2: [00:11:00] For anybody that I feel is a little hesitant about it as far as what the experience might feel like. I would say for them just to to prepare themselves as far as just have an intention. And I think once they do relaxing and just allowing that to kind of manifest will help you go the direction that you want. And for me, I feel that it just helped me to be lighter and just more clear. But there was nothing there that I felt that ever made me feel uncomfortable or anything like that. It just helped to really relax me and everything. So I think the more that you prepare for that, just set your intention of just relaxing or just having good emotions I think really helps. But I understand anybody's fear of going into it, not knowing what to expect. So maybe after the first session I think you would probably have a better experience after that, knowing what the outcome was and what you can do to set a better intention to get more out of it the next time or each time that you do it, to kind of gain something from the last experience. So.
Speaker1: [00:12:16] Tell us about you've lived in Las Vegas for a while and the city is a little bit tough. We've been through a lot shooting COVID where the entertainment capital, all of a sudden the casinos are shut down. What have you seen in the community as far as mental health? How has it been difficult for people?
Speaker2: [00:12:34] Is your view of all that? Well, in Vegas, there's a lot that has happened since COVID. So a lot of people are experiencing different things, whether it's job loss, whether it's, uh, hardships with family, with people experiencing different schedules or different day to day life, with kids being at home from school and things like that. So there's been a lot of challenges. So I feel like more so now than ever, people are experiencing a lot of anxiety from uncertainty with government stuff, with things that are out of their control. So I feel like a lot of people that are searching or that do reach out to us are looking for something to help deal with that. But Vegas in general has experienced a lot, you know, just with the tragedy that happened here and with everything else, you know, Vegas, without having people having jobs or having people coming to the city, it's definitely affected a lot of those people mentally and stuff. Know how to handle that. You know, like a lot of people don't like being out of work. A lot of people don't like some of the circumstances of having to deal with masks and other things like that. So all those challenges have have been something that has people in Vegas have experienced maybe more so than others.
[00:14:00] So, yeah, that's great. How about.
Speaker1: [00:14:07] Working at any work clinic. How about this? We all have a mental health journey. Do you agree with that? Like working at a clinic has helped me realize that nobody is truly sick. We're all just working on being the better version of ourselves. Something like that. To make it inspirational that people don't feel like they have an illness or something wrong with them. Working here has shown me that we all have a mental health story. It doesn't mean you're sick or there's something wrong with you. I just try to be the better version of yourself.
Speaker2: [00:14:41] Yeah, I. I feel like we all go through something. So it's easy to relate to the patients that whatever they may be going through, that we've experienced those same things ourselves. But, uh, also to not feel labeled or anything like that, that our goal here is just to be the best version of ourselves and to do that day in and day out, to continue to try to do that. And that's an evolving process. So I think just to be comfortable where you're at in that really helps. But that's been something that's been over time of, you know, continual thing of trying to better yourself day in and day out.
Speaker1: [00:15:19] So give me a mental health care anytime, anywhere.
Speaker2: [00:15:25] Say one more time.
Speaker1: [00:15:25] Mental health care. Anytime.
Speaker2: [00:15:28] Anywhere. Mental health care. Anytime. Anywhere.
[00:15:37] Do you? Have you ever done your.
Speaker1: [00:15:39] Own work with a therapist?
Speaker2: [00:15:41] No. No. You got an in-house? Yeah. Yeah. Which we do. We do talk a lot about different things. And even how. I think a lot of the stuff with the ketamine has kind of merged meditation and mental health, I think, which has been really cool. Like a bridge. I think for a lot of things it's people aren't just relying on a medication to help them. But I think the more that you realize what strengths you have mentally yourself helps to encourage you to pursue being a better version of yourself. Once you get over those hurdles of just experiencing or knowing that you're going through something to move forward rather than backwards.
Speaker1: [00:16:27] How about, uh, our patients aren't sick. They are. Or. Seeking mental health support doesn't mean there's something wrong with you. It just means like a soundbite like that. It just means trying to.
[00:16:43] Be the better version of yourself, you know? Something like that. Um.
Speaker2: [00:16:50] Um. Seeking mental health treatment or always seeking mental health support? Um, seeking mental health support I think.
Speaker1: [00:17:02] Is a sign of strength.
[00:17:03] Or weakness. Yeah. And, you know, it doesn't mean you're sick. Doesn't mean there's something wrong with you. Yeah.
Speaker2: [00:17:09] Seeking mental health support doesn't mean by any means that you're sick. It just means that, uh, you're trying to be a better version of yourself.
Speaker1: [00:17:17] So mental support isn't. This is a.
Speaker2: [00:17:20] Strength. Seeking mental health support isn't a weakness. It's actually a strength.
[00:17:29] And. Well, that's something else. I list some good. How about.
Speaker1: [00:17:45] What's your favorite natural antidepressant?
Speaker2: [00:17:51] Meditation.
Speaker1: [00:17:53] Yeah.
Speaker2: [00:17:57] Um.
Speaker1: [00:17:59] How have you seen telemedicine has helped our patients?
Speaker2: [00:18:03] Uh, I think Telemed has helped in a lot of ways for people to be more available. That just to be on the other end of a call, it's a lot easier. And more people don't have to travel anywhere or go anywhere for appointments or anything like that. So I think it helps to keep more consistency as far as making sure that they're showing up. And I think it just makes it more comfortable for the providers to work from anywhere. Whatever their situation is that it allows them to continue to get the treatment without having to be a specific place or anything like that, which really helps. For patients that are in a bind that they can, if they miss an appointment or something like that, that they can easily remake that up and, and continue on. So I think it's just made it a lot easier and more comfortable for for both sides as long as they're okay with doing it virtual as far as some people like the in in person things. But I feel like the consistency with the providers has been a lot better, that you have a lot less people canceling and things like that. So it's just more consistency. Awesome. How about a.
Speaker1: [00:19:16] Call to action? It's so easy to work on your mental health. The phone go on our website. We'll get you connected and seen under a week and it's going to be a comfortable, safe environment for you to be able to work. With something like that, it's so easy to work on your mental health. Just give us a call. Go on the website. We'll get you connected.
Speaker2: [00:19:36] And then early. It's so easy for patients to get connected with us. We can get them in within a week's time or sooner so they can get the treatment that they need.
Speaker1: [00:19:52] One more time. So easy to work on your mental health now. Just give us a call. Go on our website.
Speaker2: [00:19:58] It's so easy to work on your mental health. Now you can just go on our website, give us a call, and we're there to assist you as soon as possible and make sure that they get the treatments they need.
Speaker1: [00:20:09] So you have the convenience of being seen from home in the comfort of your own home. You have to leave your house to come to the office. You seem so convenient and so easy.
Speaker2: [00:20:18] Things like the virtual telehealth has been very convenient for the patients to get the treatment that they need to work from home. To do what helps with their schedule. To make sure that they're getting the treatments they need. Awesome.
Speaker1: [00:20:33] Cool. That's cool. Thank you.