Quinco Welcomes Community at Open House

Quinco Community Mental Health Services in Bolivar held an open house last month welcoming the community to visit and learn more about its purpose and the services it offers to the community. The center’s building is tucked behind the Western Mental Health Institute and may only be familiar if you happen to see the sign as you are driving by its entrance on Old Highway 64, or are already receiving services at the center.

“We tend to be one of the best kept secrets in our communities. If you don’t need our services, you really have no reason to come and see us,” said Director of Operations Mark Barber, who has worked for Quinco for 31 years. “But really, there’s no difference in the services you receive from us than if you go to your primary care physician about diabetes or heart disease . . . depression, anxiety, PTSD, all that stuff, we treat it all the same way.”

Quinco is a private non-profit 501(c)(3) that was started in 1974. It serves seven counties that include Chester, Decatur, Hardeman, Hardin, Henderson, Madison, and McNairy.

“The state deinstitutionalized mental health services in 1974. It used to be, prior to that time, you went to Western State to receive therapy or other care, and they had the wisdom to say people need to be treated in the communities where they live. And so that’s what we were born out of,” said Barber

Some of the offered services include community-based outpatient therapy, medication services for those who are suffering with mental illness, and talk therapy. Prospective patients as young as three years old may receive treatment at the center. Although a doctor’s referral is not required, they are accepted.

“We want the individual to call. Doctors’ offices will call with a referral, and typically we’ll tell them when the client’s ready to come, have them give us a call,” said Barber. “Individuals may also call the admissions office directly to seek care.”

Quinco Executive Director Kelly Odum is a licensed clinical social worker. She describes Quinco as a “least restrictive environment” for care. Along with the services Quinco offers, the responsibility of a patient’s care is put back into their own hands.

“We do not turn anyone away unless their needs are above the level of care we offer, because we are the least restrictive environment,” said Odum. “The higher restriction is the hospital. We know from what you tell us whether you need more services than what we can provide.”

Personalized care for children is offered through continuous treatment teams that have a staff person working with them during the treatment process.

“We have continuous treatment teams, which are intensive services for children. A bachelor level staff person goes into the home and the school, and helps with parenting, navigating the school system. Those services are one hour a week,” said Odum who sees a definite need for focused mental health services for children and teens.

If you are wondering how much this all costs, Odum shared Quinco takes all insurances – Medicare, TennCare, and commercial health insurance. If you do not have insurance, there are other options for people who meet the requirements for available grant money.

“The Behavioral Health Safety Net can offer assistance for some people,” said Barber. “If someone does not have insurance and they are at 138 or below the percent of poverty, they can get free health services. There is also one for children and it provides services regardless of what their income is and if they have insurance. But it doesn’t cover care management services.”

The hours of Quinco in Bolivar are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Odum hopes to eventually be able to extend those hours for people who may be in school or working and are not able to come by for help during the current business hours. There is a push to extend opening hours, as Odum stressed her desire to meet the needs of the community.

“It’s just so important to take care of your mental health. If you just need someone to talk to, come to us. A counselor helps you with listening and can give you coping skills,” said Odum. “We just want people to know we’re here and want to serve you.”

Quinco Community Mental Health Centers provides mental health counseling services including substance abuse counseling, alcohol abuse counseling, suicide counseling, and more in the Bolivar, Tennessee area. The Bolivar center is located at 10710 Old Highway 64, Bolivar, 38008. Someone is available to speak to you during regular business hours at (731) 658-6113 and after hours at (800) 467-2515.

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