A metro Atlanta psychiatric nurse practitioner has created what is described as Georgia’s first-ever mobile tiny home mental health clinic, bringing psychiatric services directly to patients’ locations. Dr. Joanne Patterson, DNP, PMHNP-BC, CIMHP, owner of Dr. Joanne Psychiatry, designed the 22 feet long, 8.5 feet wide, and 13.5 feet high clinic to address access barriers in mental health care.
Focus on Reproductive and Family Mental Health
Patterson’s background as an OB nurse informed her decision to specialize in reproductive mental health. She explained that as an OB nurse, she “realized that there were a lot of women—postpartum, that we’re not going to get the treatment that they need it.” Her practice now serves multiple generations within families, and the mobile clinic is designed primarily for the “modern woman and her family.” She noted that she often treats mothers, their children, and even grandmothers within the same family systems.
Addressing Access and Stigma Barriers
Patterson identified several barriers preventing people from seeking mental health care. “Oftentimes we hear about mental health treatment, but people don’t seek the treatment, simply because the environment is a little scary and there a stigma and the perception of mental health is in a negative light,” she said. The mobile clinic aims to create a more comfortable, accessible environment. She also noted increased demand following 2020, stating, “In COVID, the numbers surged with the need for mental health care, because of the stressors of losing jobs and losing loved ones.”
Service Areas and Operating Model
The mobile clinic will be stationed in specific areas of Gwinnett and DeKalb Counties, with plans to serve the northeast Georgia area including Hall County and Clarke County (where Athens is located). Patterson emphasized reaching underserved populations, noting that some areas lack bus routes or mental health providers. The clinic plans to station at schools so children can receive care without parents disrupting work schedules, with virtual attendance options for parents. The clinic will also offer shared medical appointments—a group setting model providing peer support for women with depression and anxiety disorders. According to the source, the clinic was expected to officially open in mid-September.
This article is an AI-assisted summary. All facts and figures are drawn from the original report: https://www.atlantanewsfirst.com/2023/09/02/exclusive-psychiatric-nurse-practitioner-creates-georgias-first-ever-tiny-home-mobile-mental-health-clinic/