Horizon adds new staff member to address mental health professional shortage in Lynchburg
LYNCHBURG, Va. (WSET) — Horizon Behavioral Health says recent reports show that the City of Lynchburg is among 93 of Virginia's 133 localities that have been federally designated as a Mental Health Professional Shortage Area (VHCF, 2022) (HRSA, 2022).
A connected issue draws further concern that approximately one out of every three people in the U.S. with Severe Mental Illness did not receive mental health treatment in the last year (NIMH, 2020).
To combat this, Horizon has announced the recent addition of a new Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) to their wellness team, now serving adults in the City of Lynchburg and the surrounding area.
SEE ALSO: 'A culture builder:' LU launches search for new head coach, names interim coach
Brittany Abshire, MS, APRN, PMHNP-BC, has practiced Psychiatric Nursing in the state of Virginia for over 10 years, prior to joining the Horizon team this November.
She gained valuable experience working in the field of psychiatric medicine at Western State Hospital, the University of Virginia Medical Center, as well as the Commonwealth Center for Children and Adolescents. She is now accepting adult clients in need of psychiatric care in the City of Lynchburg.
SEE ALSO: UVA football team to attend 3rd funeral in 5 days, will honor final shooting victim
Brittany believes celebrating small victories is a vital message to share with her patients.
She reminds them, "Any kind of victory is worth celebrating. That might mean being among the community or being able to go to the store to get groceries."
Psychiatric services are available by telehealth appointment or in person at Horizon’s Wellness Centers at Landover and Langhorne. Located at 2305 Lansdown Pl. Lynchburg, VA 24501 and 2215 Langhorne Rd. Lynchburg, VA 24501. New clients can call Horizon’s admission number, 434-477-5000, to schedule a first-time appointment.
