ARDMORE, Okla. (KXII) – Mercy opened a new behavioral health clinic in Ardmore, expanding mental healthcare services in an area where access has been limited.
Nearly two million Oklahomans live in an area without enough mental health professionals.
Psychiatric nurse Tawnya Peery, who has served Ardmore for years, is joining with Mercy to grow available services.
“It’s a health crisis for sure,” Peery said. “Access is a big component.”
Peery said Mercy is allowing her to build a larger outpatient program to provide services to the community.
Peery has worked in healthcare for decades, but her work took on new meaning after her mother died by suicide in 2014.
“That shifted my practice,” Peery said. “God had this calling for me to do psychiatry, so here we are.”
After years of practicing independently in Ardmore, Peery is continuing that care with more support and connections through Mercy.
“Being able to treat patients holistically and give them the other access to care that they need,” Peery said. “We treat anxiety, depression, bipolar, substance use abuse.”
The new clinic is now open in Ardmore.
“When you come here, you get treated with respect,” Peery said. “Privacy is our utmost priority for sure. This is a safe place that you can entrust your care in.”
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