Rochelle Community Hospital Expands Services with New Behavioral Health Department

Rochelle Community Hospital (RCH) has introduced a new Behavioral Health Services department aimed at addressing the growing mental health needs of the local community. The department officially began operations on April 30, 2023, and is housed within the RCH Multi-Specialty Clinic located at 900 N. Second St..

The new behavioral health offerings include face-to-face counseling, behavioral telehealth evaluations, and medication management services. Licensed Clinical Social Worker Danica Reints and Nurse Practitioner Chiedza Nwakudu lead the team, providing a range of treatments for conditions such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, anxiety disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder, among others.

Community Response and Development Plans

According to RCH Chief Nursing Officer Rhonda Marks, the initiative to launch a behavioral health clinic has been in discussion since 2022. The decision stemmed from quarterly meetings involving RCH, local police and fire representatives, and mental health organizations, highlighting the escalating demand for mental health services. Marks noted an increase in mental health cases reported to the Rochelle Fire Department and the RCH emergency department in recent years.

The establishment of the new department was made possible through two grants from the Illinois Critical Access Hospital Network, which facilitated its setup. Marks expressed satisfaction with the initial rollout, stating, “We started out with referrals from our family healthcare providers. We wanted to go slow to see how it would roll out.”

As the clinic began accepting referrals from outside the organization, patient visits increased month by month. “I anticipate it will get busier,” Marks added, showcasing optimism for the clinic’s future.

Collaboration and Future Goals

Looking ahead, Marks plans to engage with representatives from Rochelle Township High School to explore how the clinic can support students in need of mental health services. There are also aspirations to hire an in-house psychiatrist and potentially expand services to children under the age of 12.

Marks emphasized the collaborative nature of mental health services in the area, stating, “It’s not a competition. We want to help each other and the community. There’s enough need to go around.” The new clinic is expected to alleviate some of the pressure on existing organizations like Sinnissippi Centers, which are currently experiencing high demand.

Operating hours for the behavioral health department are Tuesday to Friday, from 08:00 to 16:30, with services provided by appointment only. Patients aged 12 and older can access care, and health insurance is required for payment. For appointment information, individuals can call 815-561-1320.

Marks concluded with a positive outlook for the clinic’s role in the community, stating, “The more we can offer the community, the more benefit there is to our community.” The establishment of RCH’s Behavioral Health Services department represents a significant step forward in meeting the mental health needs of a small but growing population.