If you feel more anxious and stressed than usual, you're
not alone. The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged us in
new and different ways, and many of us are being pushed
to our limits.
In fact, the Washington State Department of Health
estimates that 3 million Washingtonians will experience
clinically significant behavioral health symptoms in the
next two to five months. In a state with a population of
7.7 million, that's an alarmingly high percentage.
"The pandemic is impacting everybody and anxiety levels
are over-the-top," said Tamara Sheehan, regional director
of Behavioral Health for Providence Health Care.
A new digital mental health resource is helping
Providence caregivers offer assistance more quickly to
patients needing help. SilverCloud, made possible by a
donation from Avista Foundation to Providence Health
Care Foundation, is a secure online platform that can be
accessed via phone, tablet or computer. It offers support
to those waiting for behavioral health care, as well as
those currently in treatment who need extra support
between appointments. It also provides patients valuable
tools that they can use even after discharge.
Sheehan explains that SilverCloud offers a number of
interactive modules that cover stress, anxiety, depression,
sleep issues and more. "It does a great job of augmenting
care we're already providing," said Sheehan. The program
was piloted in Spokane last year and is expected to be
deployed throughout Providence in 2021.
INNOVATIVE PROGRAMS ARE
HELPING PROVIDENCE ADDRESS
NEW MENTAL HEALTH CHALLENGES
"The pandemic is impacting
everybody, and anxiety levels
are over the top..."
14 HEART BEAT SPRING 2021
Coping
During
COVID
Coping
During
COVID
People typically sign up for SilverCloud online and
complete a screening. They are then assigned a coach,
who can offer information about appropriate services
depending on risk level. "Patients can go in on their own
and choose what they want to work on, but they are
typically directed by a therapist," said Sheehan.
SilverCloud is being integrated into a number of existing
Providence behavioral health programs, including the
adult inpatient unit at Providence Sacred Heart Medical
Center and RISE – an intensive day-treatment program
