It’s Time To Talk About Depression

By Emily Wright
Clinton County has an approximate population of 30,000 adults, according to data collected by the United States Census Bureau in 2022. According to data collected by the National Alliance on Mental Health Issues (NAMI) in 2022, one in every five U.S. adults is affected by depression each year. Applying this data to Clinton County, we can estimate that roughly 6,000 people in our community suffer from depression annually.

While these statistics may be alarming, they highlight how common mental health issues are, affirming that those who struggle with depression most certainly do not struggle alone. Mental health awareness has become less stigmatized in recent years, and with the prevalence of depression in American society it’s about time to discuss how to fix the issue and start feeling better.

One significant factor contributing to the high prevalence of depression in the area is Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). According to research conducted by the Mayo Clinic, the farther an individual lives from the equator (where sunlight is more plentiful), the more likely they are to suffer from SAD. Given that Pennsylvania is situated far north of the equator, residents are more susceptible to this disorder as the fall season progresses into winter. Reduced exposure to sunlight affects the brain’s serotonin levels and internal clock, leading to changes in mood, sleep patterns, and overall functioning.

It is crucial to dispel the misconception that depression is simply “all in your head.” A more specific statement might be, “It’s all in your neurotransmitters”, or perhaps, “It’s all in your serotonin levels”.

Depression is not a choice but a condition that can affect anyone, regardless of their socioeconomic background, race, education level, employment, residency, or age; anybody can be susceptible to depression. Recognizing this is essential for fostering empathy and understanding towards those who are struggling.

Fortunately, there are treatment options available for mental health conditions in Clinton County. The Record reached out to Keystone Counseling and Evaluation Services located at 120 S. Highland Street in Lock Haven for more insight.

Keystone Counseling has the distinction of offering individualized treatment for their patients in an office that feels welcoming and comfortable, and they strive to make their services available to anyone seeking help regardless of their situation. The practice offers an exceptionally wide range of mental health services, some of which include:

•Marriage and Family Counseling
•Child/Adolescent Therapy
•Depression and Anxiety
​•Grief
​•Trauma
•Eating Disorders
•Preventative Treatment
•Sexual Abuse Survivors
•PTSD

According to Sarah Santucci, Co-Owner and Chief Operating Officer of Keystone Counseling, approximately 12% of their current patients are primarily diagnosed with depression; 7.5% of those patients are diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder, and 4.5% are experiencing adjustment disorders with accompanying depression, meaning that their symptoms are situational or caused by the patient’s life circumstances. In terms of patients suffering from SAD specifically, Sarah shared some insight based on her experiences at the practice. “More often than not, we see this in adults, and adolescents to a lesser extent. Research tends to identify women as more prone to this condition than men, however in our clinical population we see it split pretty evenly,” Sarah shared.

To prevent further decline in mental health during the winter months in Pennsylvania, when we get less sun exposure, it is important to be mindful of changes in mood and behavior. Heather Tawney, a licensed professional counselor (LPC) and clinical supervisor at Keystone Counseling shared her insight as far as the signs and symptoms of depression: a lack of motivation, changes in appetite, poor concentration, irritability, poor sleep quality, loss of interest in pleasurable activities, and experiencing an inability to feel positive emotions. While these are very common symptoms of depression, it’s important to note that symptoms are not the same for everyone and it’s always best to seek a healthcare provider for further evaluation if in doubt.

Heather noted that in children and teenagers, some signs can often be significant changes in mood or behavior. “Any alteration in behavior that is out of the norm or is more extreme,” she explained. She emphasized that those changes should not be dismissed as “just a phase”. “It’s best if parents contact us so that they can come in and let us do an evaluation,” she said. She recommends that parents keep the lines of communication open with their child or teen in order to catch symptoms early and seek help if necessary.

Sarah and Heather emphasized that treatment plans are tailored to each patient’s specific needs and goals, making for a very personalized experience at the practice. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a common treatment option at the practice, and medication management may also be recommended in some cases. “CBT helps an individual to change or reframe their thought processes and build new coping skills. The ideal outcome of that is a lifted mood,” Heather explained. “We might also recommend medication management depending on the situation, but it’s important to note that there are no magic pills.”

Heather emphasized that the combination of CBT and medication is the “gold standard” for treating depression and many forms of anxiety; nevertheless, the approach to treatment will be unique to both the patient and their counselor. Counselors typically recommend that new patients see their counselor every week to start, however, this can be adjusted based on the individual’s needs and schedule.

The counselors at the practice do not prescribe medication directly to their patients. Instead, they work closely with the patient’s primary care physician or psychiatrist to add medication as part of the treatment plan where necessary. Using this kind of “team approach” has proven to be successful for patients, because it ensures that they receive the most appropriate and effective care.

While discussing the stigmas associated with mental health issues and seeking treatment for them, Sarah provided some optimistic information as it pertains to Clinton County. “The stigma has greatly reduced in our area, which is amazing to see. Ten years ago it was not uncommon to have a patient seek to enter our building through the back entrance, out of privacy concerns, but now it has been years since we have had a request like that,” she said. “New telehealth options have also allowed those who are concerned about privacy to receive services in the comfort of their home via a video session,” she added.

One aspect of Keystone Counseling that sets it apart from other mental healthcare providers is its commitment not only to creating a comfortable environment but also to making every effort possible to make mental healthcare accessible regardless of a person’s financial or insurance situation. The practice accepts a wide range of insurance plans, a few of which include Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Medicaid, and Medicare, among several others. For individuals without insurance, Keystone Counseling offers sessions at fees as low as $35, and in some cases free of charge, depending on the situation. The Keystone Counseling website underscores this, stating, “Our office is committed to serving every client that is in need, whenever possible.”

At Keystone Counseling, the process of intake and establishing treatment for patients is streamlined, reducing paperwork and handling insurance matters on their behalf. Anthony LaLota, the office manager at Keystone Counseling, handles much of this process. “Our administration team gathers the necessary information from the patient during their first phone call or point of contact. We share the cost that we need from them in advance, and we match them with a suitable therapist based on their specific mental health needs. It’s very casual, and we do our best to foster a warm and friendly environment. We always aim to meet people where they’re at,” he explained.

The success stories at Keystone Counseling demonstrate the transformative power of treatment. When asked about this, Sarah expressed that the number of individuals who succeeded in recovering from mental health issues through treatment at the practice is countless. “Truly these stories are the reason we do what we do,” she said.

Although specifics about any individual attending the practice cannot be shared, Heather spoke about a success story she’s experienced with one of her patients. “The patient was experiencing all of the symptoms of depression and consequently, struggled with her job performance and the inability to do what she needed to do. Over the course of about three months of cognitive treatment through therapy combined with medication management, she was able to return to work and be successful,” she shared.

In closing, Sarah emphasized the importance of raising awareness about mental health disorders and addressing limited access to such services. “The mental health system is plagued with systemic barriers, felt deeply in rural communities, such as financial barriers due to inadequate insurance coverage or extremely difficult access to treatment due to a shortage of mental health professionals. We know how much these issues affect our clients and their care. We want our community members to know that we see the barriers and work daily to mitigate them!” She said. “I dream of a day when all mental health services are free, and where there is a plethora of mental health providers in rural communities like Lock Haven. Until that day is realized, I will actively work with county commissioners, state reps, managed care organizations, local universities, the Clinton/Lycoming Joinder Board, insurance companies, and other agencies to enact change that benefits not just our clients and staff, but also other mental health practices statewide.”

When asked what message they would convey to a person who is hesitant to seek help for depression or other mental health issues, Sarah, Heather, and Anthony echoed a sentiment that they all share: “You are not alone”. “You deserve to be happy,” Anthony added. Sarah asserted, “You deserve to feel peace, and there is hope!” Heather acknowledged the importance of those statements before adding a simple message, albeit with paramount importance: “There is help,”.

To get more information and to seek help for depression or other mental health issues for yourself or on behalf of someone else, Keystone Counseling can be contacted by phone, email, or by filling out the “contact us” form on their website. To learn more about the practice and all of the services offered, visit the Keystone Counseling and Evaluation Services website or Facebook page.

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, immediate help is available: Call or text 988, or visit 988lifeline.org. Services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Keystone Counseling and Evaluation Services
120 S. Highland Street Lock Haven, PA 17745
(570) 748-7173

Website: https://www.keystonecounsel.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/keystonecounsel/
Email: keystone_counsel@comcast.net
(For after-hour needs and general inquiries)
office_kces@ comcast.net
(For appointments and paperwork)

Hours of operation:
Monday-Thursday 8:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m.
and Friday 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
Appointments conducted via telehealth
are now available on Saturdays