Denver Health’s Alpine Clinic, at 280 Zerex St. in Fraser, is adding behavioral health offerings to its services. The clinic began offering mental health services in addition to its physical and occupational therapy services Jan. 1.

Licensed clinical social worker Angela Kaushik is the Alpine Clinic’s new therapist. Kaushik offers cognitive behavioral therapy, solutions-focused therapy and is receiving training in somatic therapy.

“It will likely feel like you’re talking to a good friend, even though, professionally, we will not be friends,” Kaushik said. “I’m just one member of a support team that we can create to help you get through a hard time.”

Denver Health’s Winter Park Medical Center is at the base of Winter Park Resort next to ski patrol and treats emergency patients directly off the mountain in addition to offering primary care appointments.

Kaushik explained that through this direct community connection, providers and staff had heard from residents about the lack of mental health services in Grand County. As a result, Denver Health began working with Winter Park Resort to offer support to its employees through its employee assistance program, which helps cover the cost of short-term counseling visits. 

Kaushik said the clinic can offer the same services to other employers in the area who are interested. The clinic also aims to serve the general population.

Kaushik understands that winter can be an especially hard time for High Country residents.

“The winter is really hard. It’s colder, it’s darker, and people tend to turn to alcohol to cope a lot with that,” Kaushik said.

The Alpine Clinic can accept Medicaid, Medicare and other major insurances for therapy services. Kaushik only accepts adult patients and can help individuals who are experiencing everything from minor mental health issues to severe and persistent mental health issues, such as post-traumatic stress disorder, trauma, major depressive disorder or bipolar disorder.

Kaushik explained that she can help individuals who simply need someone to talk to because “they’re feeling a little down” or someone experiencing ongoing major mental health problems.

Kaushik is at the clinic in-person on Mondays and has online appointments available through telehealth from Tuesdays through Fridays. The Alpine Clinic also has an option for a patient to have their telehealth appointment at the clinic.

“If someone is unable to do telehealth in their own home, we do have a system set up where they can go to the office for the telehealth appointment and meet with me remotely, as well,” Kaushik said.

For anyone who’s hesitant about trying therapy, Kaushik encourages them to try scheduling a screening call to talk over the phone and ask questions in order to find out if she is a good fit for them.

“I won’t take it personally, and I can support them in finding other resources, as well. It’s some place to talk where the party’s neutral and they’re not part of your day-to-day life,” Kaushik said. “I think that can be really helpful, especially in a small town when you might know a lot of people, and you don’t want everyone knowing your business.”

Kaushik explained that while the Alpine Clinic’s mental health services are just getting started, she wouldn’t be surprised if services get expanded due to demand.

“We’re just excited to add another resource to the community,” Kaushik said.

For more information, call the Alpine Clinic at 970-722-1060 to schedule an intake appointment.