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Behavioral Health Services at First Care Health Center
Integrated Telehealth Partners - Assisting FCHC ER Nurses, Seeing Patients in the Clinic,
& Expanding Behavioral Health Services
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A new resource located in the Emergency Rooms at FCHC is not exactly visible to the eye yet is having a profound impact.
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Founded in 2012, Integrated Telehealth Partners (ITP) was created to expand access to behavioral health providers and overcome a shortage of mental health services across the United States. ITP develops and implements sustainable solutions, leveraging the latest technology to help healthcare organizations and their patients connect with an experienced group of psychiatric nurse practitioners, therapists, and social workers. The behavioral health providers deliver real-time care through video and web conferencing tools.
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Erin Henke, RN and Charge Nurse at FCHC, shares about the impact ITP is making at FCHC. “Although ITP is a relatively new resource in our facility, it has already proven to be an incredibly valuable tool for us to better serve patients experiencing mental health challenges. From a nursing standpoint, the ease of use with this service has been one of the most positive takeaways thus far. With ITP, we can upload a referral directly to a provider. From there, the provider can meet with the patient virtually and can very quickly give us a professional recommendation on the next best step. The ITP team also coordinates all outreach to other facilities if a patient would best benefit from care at a secondary facility that specifically provides in-house mental health services. I feel like it has really expedited the process of getting patients connected with the people and resources they need most, and that feels like a big win.”
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In January of 2024, ITP providers began scheduling appointments with patients and virtually seeing patients in the clinic at FCHC. A clinic nurse assists and helps with the overall process during the visit, including getting vitals upon check-in. Dr. Erica Larson, Pediatric & Adolescent Psychiatrist, sees patients on Wednesdays. Dr. Mark Walter, Adult Psychiatrist, sees patients on Mondays.
To schedule an appointment, call 701-284-7555.
About Erica Larson, D.O.:
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"I take an approach that is comprehensive and holistic, integrating all aspects of wellness and functionality. I am compassionate and listen to my patients, spending time figuring out core challenges they face and how this has contributed to what they are experiencing as well as how we can identify strengths and provide tangible tools to get them better. I utilize personalized medicine to guide treatment recommendations and partner with my patients to develop individualized care plans. Sustainable life changes occur with decision making that is informed and purposeful, guided by an individuals' unique values and goals."
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Dr. Larson is board certified in general psychiatry and child and adolescent psychiatry by the American Board of Neurology and Psychiatry. She completed her medical school, psychiatry residency, and child and adolescent psychiatry fellowship at Michigan State University. She is licensed to practice medicine in Wisconsin, Michigan, Iowa, and North Dakota.
About Mark Walter, M.D.:
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Dr. Mark Walter is a compassionate psychiatrist who advocates for evidence-based practices to help ensure positive treatment outcomes. He’s practiced general adult psychiatry for more than 20 years in both inpatient and outpatient settings, including hospital consultation and liaison roles. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Wake Forest University and also completed medical school there. His residency was completed at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. He is a diplomate on the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. When he’s not helping patients Dr. Walter enjoys spending time with his family and composing music. He says he has a love and “useless knowledge base” of vintage country music.