Every winter season, viruses quickly spread and many are affected by the winter blues. However, St. George Medical Clinic’s (SGMC) telehealth services stand as a beacon of hope for those seeking comfort and support for their behavioral health needs.
Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, SGMC, and healthcare facilities across the nation, transitioned into offering telehealth services for patients. These services cover primary care needs, as well as counseling and behavioral health needs allowing SGMC providers to see patients via video chat or phone call from the comfort and coziness of their warm homes this winter.
Understanding Seasonal Depression
The winter blues, also known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that is related to changes in seasons. Signs and symptoms of winter depression may include oversleeping, having low energy, feeling down most of the day, changes in appetite, and weight gain. Symptoms may start out mild and become more severe as the season progresses. SGMC recognizes the unique struggles of SAD and offers solutions through remote counseling services.
Ideal Candidates for Telemedicine Appointments
Telehealth visits are available for patients with or without insurance. For patients without insurance, all telehealth visits are eligible for our sliding fee scale. Anyone facing SAD can be a suitable candidate for telehealth visits. Whether it’s individuals residing in remote areas, those with limited mobility, or individuals seeking a comfortable space for therapy sessions, telehealth services bridge the gap between patients and mental health professionals. New patients can also take advantage of telemedicine services at SGMC!
Benefits of Counseling via SGMC
The beauty of telemedicine services for counseling and behavioral health lies in its accessibility and flexibility. Patients no longer have to take a full-day off work to make it to the doctor’s office allowing them to save time and money. Also, these services allow patients to receive counseling and therapy services from the warmth and comfort of their own homes. This convenient approach eliminates transportation issues, long wait times, and the discomfort in clinical and public settings.
Setting Up Your Appointment
To beat the winter blues this season, the first step is to reach out to SGMC and schedule an appointment. Our Behavioral Health has a 24-hour call service for individuals that are having difficulty coping with life’s problems daily. If you’re suffering from depression please give us a call so we can help at (304)-478-3339.
There are a range of reasons why telehealth services could be the right choice for your
behavioral health concern. It’s best to speak with a staff member to determine if telehealth is the right fit.
Both the Main Clinic (304-478-3339) and School-Based Clinics (304-478-6000) are conducting telemedicine appointments. Call to set-up your appointment today!
Office Hours are:
- St. George Medical Clinic Monday-Thursday 7:30-5pm, Friday 7:30-4pm
- St. George School-based Health Clinic Monday-Friday 7:30-4pm
- St. George Canaan Valley Clinic Thursday 8:30-5pm