Samaritan Counseling Center of East Texas therapist Brittany Gayetsky talks with registered nurse Nicolette Silverio before her first patient arrives for a therapy session on Friday Dec. 15, 2017 at the Christus Trinity Clinic-Douglas. At the Douglas clinic mental health care is integrated into medical care. Gayetsky is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and meets with patients in a familiar medical examination room at Christus Trinity Clinic-Douglas. (Sarah A. Miller/Tyler Morning Telegraph)

Inside the Douglas Clinic on the Christus Trinity Mother Frances campus, licensed clinical social worker Brittany Gayetsky counsels patients suffering from chronic and often multiple health issues.

Because of their ongoing medical problems, the patients are often dealing with issues that include a combination of anxiety, stress and depression 

In the clinic’s specialty unit — the Intensive Medical Home Clinic — Gayetsky deals with the patients’ mental health in cooperation with doctors and nurses who treat their physical health.

The program is a cooperative effort between the hospital system and the Tyler-based Samaritan Counseling Center of East Texas.

The Samaritan Counseling Center is among 10 agencies that will benefit from the 10th annual Shine Your Light Community Campaign, which raises money for local nonprofit organizations.

Since 2008, the campaign sponsored by the Tyler Morning Telegraph has raised more than $1.4 million for 20 local nonprofits.

The center’s certified and licensed counselors work with people having difficulty coping with the challenges of life. Services are offered on a sliding fee scale to those who otherwise might not be able to affording counseling.

“Counseling can be very helpful when people are going through difficult times,” notes the center’s website. “In addition, it can be a great help to individuals who want to continue their personal growth, as well as examining behaviors that may be interfering with life.”

 The center is affiliated with the Denver-based Samaritan Institute, which operates hundreds of clinics with a mission to provide quality, cost-efficient counseling, education and consultation.

The center adheres to the belief that there is a close relationship of mind, body, and spirit and that optimal health care involves consideration of all three. 

“This program (at the clinic) is the embodiment of that,” Taylor said.

Gayetsky is part of a team that monitors ongoing needs of patients and steps in when signs indicate they are having difficulty coping.

Patients receive mental health services at the same place they receive their medical treatments.

“It takes away some of the stigma of having to go somewhere else,” she said.

Gayetsky helps patients better deal with their situation.

“Sometimes they just need someone to talk to,” she said.

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Reducing depression, anxiety and stress helps the body heal, Taylor said.

Taylor said that Christus Trinity Mother Frances and Samaritan Counseling are looking at ways to expand their relationship.

Any patient within the health system identified as being at high risk for needing counseling is contacted by the center, Taylor said.

Grayetsky said working with people needing help facing difficult health issues is gratifying.

“I really love helping those people who may be suffering and facing despair find new hope.”