Updated: Feb 15, 2024
We all believe there is a need for greater access to healthcare in the United States. Health equity is key to ensuring that everyone in our communities stays healthy. Dr. Joanne Patterson has found a way to remove a few barriers to accessing high quality mental health care by bringing the office directly to her patience NOW. An acronym for her new service, Nurse On Wheels (NOW), which involves bringing a tiny mobile office to patients, meeting them where they are. Dr. Patterson was featured in Black Enterprise for her innovative health approach.
The RZ Team caught up with Dr. Patterson to learn more about NOW and the important work she's doing in the community. Read more below.
Going viral for 'just doing my job' was a great learning experience. The social media exposure in 2023 created major opportunities being developed for 2024 and beyond. Stay tuned!
RZ: What is the benefit of having a mobile clinic?
Dr. Patterson: The benefit of having a mobile mental health clinic is multifaceted. First, it increases accessibility to mental health services, especially for individuals in underserved or remote areas who may have limited access to traditional mental health facilities. This can help bridge the gap in mental health care and reach populations that might otherwise go without treatment.
Secondly, a mobile mental health clinic can reduce the stigma associated with seeking mental health services by bringing these services directly to the community. By normalizing mental health care and making it more visible and accessible, individuals may be more inclined to seek help when they need it.
Furthermore, the flexibility of a mobile clinic allows for a more personalized and community-focused approach to mental health care. It can adapt to the specific needs of different communities and populations, providing tailored services and support.
Additionally, a mobile mental health clinic can be more cost-effective than building and maintaining multiple fixed facilities, and it can quickly respond to emerging mental health needs in different locations, making it a versatile and efficient way to deliver mental health care.
RZ: How does your approach to medicine connect to increasing health equity?
Dr. Patterson: My approach to psychiatry is deeply rooted in promoting health equity by addressing social determinants, providing culturally competent care, increasing access to services, and engaging with communities to reduce stigma and raise awareness.
I am committed to understanding and addressing the social determinants of mental health, such as socioeconomic status, access to resources, discrimination, and trauma. By recognizing and addressing these factors in my practice, I aim to reduce disparities in mental health outcomes among different populations.
I also strive to provide culturally competent care that respects and incorporates the diverse backgrounds and experiences of the individuals I work with. This involves understanding the unique cultural, social, and familial contexts that shape a person's mental health and tailoring treatment approaches accordingly. This reduces disparities in mental health care access and quality for marginalized and minority communities.
I actively seek to increase access to mental health services by advocating for and implementing innovative delivery models, such as telepsychiatry and community-based care. By reaching individuals who may face barriers to accessing traditional mental health services, I aim to reduce disparities in mental health care utilization.
My approach also allows for thoughtful collaboration with community organizations and stakeholders to promote mental health awareness, provide education, and reduce stigma surrounding mental illness. By engaging with the community, I work to increase awareness of mental health issues and encourage help-seeking behaviors, ultimately contributing to improved mental health equity.
RZ: What has been the impact of NOW in neighborhoods and schools?
Dr. Patterson: Overall, Nurse Practitioners on Wheels have made a positive impact by bringing healthcare directly to the communities that need it most, ultimately contributing to improved health outcomes and a healthier, more productive population.
RZ: What role did the global COVID-19 pandemic play in making NOW a reality?
Dr. Patterson: The global COVID-19 pandemic played a pivotal role in making the tiny house mental health clinic on wheels a reality by highlighting the increased need for accessible and flexible mental health services, especially in times of crisis. The pandemic brought to light the significant mental health impact of isolation, fear, and uncertainty, and underscored the necessity for innovative approaches to deliver mental health support.
During the pandemic, many individuals experienced heightened levels of stress, anxiety, and depression due to factors such as social distancing, economic hardships, and fear of the virus. Accessing traditional mental health services became more challenging as in-person visits were limited, and individuals were hesitant to seek care in clinical settings due to health concerns. During that time, I offered virtual visits which was well received by patients.
COVID-19 also exacerbated existing mental health disparities, particularly in underserved communities where access to mental health resources was already limited. Once the restrictions were lifted, I realized the need for mobile mental health clinics that could reach individuals in their own communities, providing support where it was most needed. I wanted to do something different and innovative.
Additionally, the pandemic emphasized the importance of proactive mental health care and early intervention, as well as the value of community-based mental health services. The tiny house mental health clinic on wheels emerged as a solution to address these needs by providing a mobile and accessible platform for mental health professionals to deliver counseling, therapy, and support services directly to individuals in their own neighborhoods.
Furthermore, the pandemic brought attention to the stigma associated with seeking mental health care, prompting the need for confidential and discreet mental health services. The mobile nature of the tiny house mental health clinic on wheels provided a more private and less stigmatized environment for individuals to seek the support they needed.
RZ: How do you balance supporting the mental health of others and supporting your own health and wellness?
Dr. Patterson: Great question! Balancing the support of others' mental health with maintaining your own well-being is crucial for both parties involved.
Set Boundaries: I have had to establish clear boundaries to ensure that I have time and space to focus on my own well-being. It's important to recognize when you need to take a step back and prioritize your own mental health. I work 4 days a week instead of five days.
Practice Self-Care: I make time for activities that bring me joy and relaxation. If I have had a challenging day, I engage in what I call “kitchen care” or culinary art therapy. Baking bread from scratch is such a stress reliever for me. Bread making requires patience, a little bit of concentration and is very tactile and soothing. I also incorporate a more formalized version of culinary art therapy in the treatment plan of patients who enjoy cooking as well. My other self care activity is traveling to adults only wellness resorts. Wellness resorts are usually the opposite of resorts that have lots of high energy. Taking care of yourself will enable you to better support others.
RZ: What advice do you have for someone who is on the fence about seeking psychiatric care?
Dr. Patterson: If you or someone you know is on the fence about seeking psychiatric care, I would offer the following advice:
Normalize the decision: Seeking psychiatric care is a proactive step toward improving mental well-being. It's important to recognize that many people seek help for mental health concerns, and doing so does not carry any stigma.
Consider the benefits: Discussing your concerns with a mental health professional can help you gain clarity, support, and guidance. Psychiatric care can provide tools and strategies to manage symptoms, improve coping skills, and enhance overall quality of life.
Recognize the importance of mental health: Just as we prioritize physical health, it's essential to prioritize mental health. Mental health impacts all aspects of life, including relationships, work, and daily functioning. Seeking care is a way of investing in your overall well-being.
Start with a consultation: If you're uncertain about committing to ongoing care, consider scheduling an initial consultation with a psychiatrist or therapist. This allows you to discuss your concerns and explore potential treatment options without making a long-term commitment.
Seek support: Talk to trusted friends, family members, or mentors about your concerns. Their perspectives and support can help you make an informed decision about seeking psychiatric care.
Educate yourself: Learn about different types of psychiatric care, such as therapy, medication management, and other interventions. Understanding your options can help you feel more informed and empowered in making a decision.
Consider the consequences of not seeking care: Reflect on how your mental health concerns may be impacting your life and well-being. Consider the potential benefits of addressing these concerns through professional care.
Ultimately, the decision to seek psychiatric care is a highly personal one. It's important to approach it with an open mind and a willingness to explore the potential benefits that care can offer. I provide virtual visits in Maryland, DC, Georgia, Florida and Nevada. Once a patient has had their initial visit with me, they usually find that it was not as bad as they thought it was going to be. To give you more context, I start out by seeing a mother and then she usually make appointments for her children or refer me to other family members and friends just based on the positive outcomes.
