Mental health services

Northern Pines Mental Health Center, Inc. has begun providing campus counseling and outpatient therapy to Central Lakes College students. Kimberly Scearcy and Tammy Kmecik, mental health professionals from Northern Pines, are working from offices on the Brainerd campus for daily access. Scearcy is in C104 Monday-Wednesday, and Kmecik is in C105 Thursday and Friday. Hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The therapists will travel to the Staples campus as needed. Scearcy has begun working at CLC; Kmecik starts Sept. 16. Beth Adams, dean of enrollment management and student services at CLC, said the partnership with Northern Pines is in response to an increasing need for mental health services among the student body. Appointments are made through the CLC Counseling Center, with faculty and staff first referring students to CLC counselors for a brief assessment and referral, if appropriate. Adams said counselors will be able to schedule appointments. Students will complete an intake and complete paperwork to determine payment options. Services are typically covered by insurance plans or, for students without insurance a sliding fee scale is available to ensure affordability.