The demand for mental health resources, especially in rural areas, has been a long standing issue. The emotional, physical and financial hardships brought on during the pandemic only added to the stressors individuals and families are facing. To raise awareness about counseling services during Social Work Month, VCU Health Community Memorial Hospital will host a virtual Community Out-Reach Education talk on mental health on Wednesday, March 8, from 12 p.m. to 12:30 p.m. 

The newest addition to our healthcare team at CMH Behavioral Health, Nellie Parrish, LCSW, will explain the role of the licensed clinical social workers in outpatient care settings and how they work with our psychiatrist, Scott Parker, M.D. During her presentation, the community will have the opportunity to learn about the services offered, how to access the therapist and community partnerships. They will also learn about mental health issues that are being treated at our practice such as anxiety, depression, and trauma. Those attending will also have the opportunity to engage with Parrish during this interactive CORE program.

Parrish, of Victoria, received her Bachelor’s in sociology from Randolph Macon College. During that time, she studied abroad in South Africa. Her experiences inspired her to pursue her Master’s in social work at Virginia Commonwealth University. She serves on the Southside Virginia Community College board and has provided clinical supervision to Longwood University and VCU students. She also serves on the ethics committee at VCU Health CMH. 

Visit www.vcuhealth.org/cmh-core for the Zoom link for the virtual event. This seminar will be recorded and posted on VCU Health CMH’s website and Facebook page for those who can’t attend the virtual event.