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TriState Health continues to take meaningful steps toward improving accessto mental health care by integrating Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (PMHNP-BC) into its Family Practice clinics. This initiative reflects TriState’s commitment to providing compassionate, whole-person care, treating both the mind and body under one roof.

Behavioral health has long been identified as a top health priority in the Lewis-Clark Valley and surrounding region. According to TriState Health’s Community Health Needs Assessment, access to mental health services remains one of the greatest challenges in the community.

“Integration of behavioral health services within primary care is known to improve the speed and ease of access to behavioral health services,” said Joleen Carper, Chief Operating Officer of TriState Health. “There’s often an opportunity for a ‘warm handoff’ from the primary care provider directly to the behavioral health provider. It helps patients get the care they need quickly and in a setting that feels familiar and comfortable.”

As part of this initiative, Amanda Lott, PMHNP-BC, joined Family Practice & Internal Medicine, Clarkston, as the clinic’s first integrated behavioral health provider. Her role focuses on psychiatric medication management and psychotherapy interventions, working closely with primary care providers to deliver seamless, coordinated care. Since joining in 2024, Amanda has had 2,400+ patient visits centered around integrated behavioral health.

“My primary role is psychiatric medication management, but I also integrate psychotherapy when appropriate,” said Amanda. “Because I’m able to spend more time with patients and see them more frequently, our team can keep a closer eye on those who may be more at risk. Having my office right next door allows for quick collaboration. We can discuss patient needs right away instead of playing phone tag or scheduling meetings.”

One of the greatest benefits of integrated behavioral health care is the reduction of barriers, such as long wait times, logistical challenges, and the lingering stigma that sometimes surrounds mental health treatment.

“Historically, it could take two months or more to schedule an appointment with a behavioral health specialist,” Joleen said. “By placing behavioral health providers directly within our family practice clinics, we’ve reduced that wait time from months to just days.”

Amanda agrees that accessibility is key. “Most patients are excited to have behavioral health services available right where they already see their primary care provider,” she said. “It feels familiar and safe. They’re in the same waiting room as everyone else, and it removes the fear that ‘someone will find out.’ It makes mental health care just another part of taking care of your overall health—which is exactly what it should be.”

Since the integration began, both providers and patients have experienced the benefits firsthand. Increased access has led to earlier intervention, helping patients avoid crises that might otherwise result in emergency room visits or hospitalizations.

“We’ve had multiple patients who were on the verge of crisis be able to be seen quickly, even checked in during their primary care appointments, which helped avert serious situations,” said Amanda. “That’s a huge success and a clear example of how integration saves time and improves outcomes.”

Most recently, TriState Health expanded its Integrated Behavioral Health services into Family Practice, Lewiston. Jennifer Creaser, ARNP, FNP, PMHNP, DNP, joined TriState Family Practice, Lewiston, as a Family Nurse Practitioner in 2015. In the spring of 2025, Jennifer earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). Her recent training has expanded her ability to provide integrated care supporting both the physical and mental health of her patients. This addition ensures that patients across the region have convenient access to mental health support when and where they need it most.

TriState’s integrated behavioral health providers offer similar services to those provided at TriState Behavioral Health, including medication management and therapy support.

Joleen added, “Our goal is to keep care local and provide the services our community needs. Integrated Behavioral Health is another example of TriState putting our patients first.”

TriState Health’s integration of behavioral health providers within its family practice clinics marks another step toward a healthier, more connected community — one where mental and physical health are treated as equally essential parts of well-being.