At the height of a near-crisis in the state of North Carolina's mental health system, at least six or seven local providers ultimately shut their doors.
Stacie Medlin was one who chose to close her former agency. Five years later, with a more narrow field, she is starting a new agency — C&M Behavioral Health.
“There were too many providers,” she said at her new agency, located at 1704 Highway 158 just outside Roanoke Rapids, which happens to be where her old agency was located. “With the state cutting funding and Medicaid getting reduced as well as stronger stipulations being required on providers, I decided it was time to shut down and take a break from mental health.”
(C&M Behavioral Health may be reached at 252-537-CARE)
Returning and working in the field over the last three years, she was able to focus not only on the clinical side, but gain more business acumen.
The difference this time will be a smaller agency with a long-term goal of offering more intensive programs to treat substance abuse and DWI, something she hopes to have going within the next six months.
As she works toward that goal, C&M will begin with Medlin as the president and the agency's licensed clinical social worker; Jim Lupton as its licensed psychological associate; Marcus Watkins as a part-time licensed practicing counselor; medical doctor Karlus Artis and physician's assistant David Hinds, who will be in the office one day a week.
Medlin believes her 18 years experience in the field, which started in 1996 with Halifax County Mental Health, as well as an agency owner and her most recent experience in the field, bodes well for the new agency. “I just liked having my own practice because it challenges me as a professional and as a business owner. I'm able to grow at our own pace.”
She believes there is a tremendous need to fill in the area of mental health here and the agency will be there to meet those needs. “Adults and children, it's anybody that needs mental health treatment, anxiety, bi-polar, personality disorder, schizophrenia.”
There is also love of her profession and the chance for a second chance in a more streamlined agency. “I love what I do. I'm getting another chance of being a business owner. Not many people get to do that. I want to grow from the bottom up, working with my team. It's just a new beginning.”
The agency will take Medicaid and Medicare, Health Choice, United HealthCare and Medlin is waiting on approval from Blue Cross and Blue Shield.
“I think this time I'm more business-oriented. I know the clinical side. I have a stronger business sense,” she said.
She takes being able to work from her former location as a positive sign. “I think it truly represents a second chance.”
Medlin obtained her bachelors in psychology from North Carolina Wesleyan and her masters in social work from East Carolina University, motivated to help others. “We are compelled by compassion and wanting to see someone grow. When someone changes it's a rewarding feeling. I think it helps us grow, too. Keeping life in perspective, there's something in helping others that helps yourself.”