Here at Shasta Community Health, we understand that mental health is as important as physical health. That means, to best serve our community, we look at our patients’ well-being from a whole person perspective to include body and mind. This allows us to provide whole person care, as well as referrals to our community partners to find solutions for all our patients.
Our Behavioral Health Consultants explore ways to provide:
- Assessments and Education
- Information related services to help our patients consider the mental health aspects of their whole health picture
- Supportive and evidence-based, short-term treatment to our patients in need
If you have questions, please contact your clinician and arrange a consult with one of our Behavioral Health Consultants. We are here to support you!
Our Mission statement
Behavioral Health Consultants promote solution-focused therapy in a primary care setting to enrich the minds of our patients, and their community, in developing solutions to behavioral barriers which get in the way of their overall well-being.
Understanding Common Mental Health Issues
The first step is education to understand these common issues.
The following information is from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM). These definitions of symptoms provide a brief description of these disorders but are not complete and should not be used in place of a clinician’s diagnosis. A clinician will be able to help you assess your symptoms and help guide you.
If you feel one of them matches your symptoms, please contact your clinician for a consult to help guide you toward a care plan that works for you. (Click the links below to see some of the most common issues people come across).
- Depression: Is it serious or is it passing? (Link) Major Depressive Disorder, Persistent Depressive Disorder, Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder, Depression due to a medical condition.
- Bipolar Disorder: Sometimes I feel up and then down for no reason…(Link) Bipolar l, Bipolar ll, Cyclothymia disorder.
- Anxiety: Can I stop worrying all the time? (Link) Panic Disorder, Agoraphobia, Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD),
- Common Childhood Disorders: (Link) Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD), Separation Anxiety, Social Anxiety, Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD).
- Other Issues: Autism, Schizophrenia, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder ( Link)
Our Team
Christina Newton LMFT, Chapman University.
Christina has been a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist for 15+ years here in Shasta County. She has been an adjunct professor at both Simpson University and National University Master’s in Counseling Psychology programs. She was also a former full-time professor at Simpson for three years as an Undergraduate instructor. She is trained in couple’s, women’s and teen’s issues. She has expertise in trauma across all ages and children’s disorders, as well as somatic therapy. Currently, she works in the Pediatrics Department (Main) and Shasta Community Maternity Center.
Dawn Haskins, LMFT, National University
Dawn has been serving Shasta County for 18 years in several capacities. She has trained in TF-CBT clinical supervision, Triple P, and ACES. She is currently working in the Family Practice Department (Main) and Shasta Lake Family Health Center.
Melissa Gandy, LMFT, National University
Melissa has served Shasta County for 20+ years in mental health. Melissa has trained on trauma, trauma informed parenting, attachment, and children’s issues. Melissa works currently in Residency (Main).
Paul Kannard, LMFT, Simpson University
Paul has been trained in dialectical behavior therapy and TF-CBT. He has been with SCHC for over a year. Paul works at Anderson Family Health Center.
Ryan Sutton, AMFT, Saybrook University
Ryan graduated from Saybrook University w/ MA in Counseling in 2018. He is trained in EMDR and Transactional Analysis, with 4 years of counseling experience including 1.5 years of experience in private practice. Previously he worked for 14 years as a special education teacher working with students with many special needs. When Ryan is not working he is road cycling, backpacking, traveling or heading to listen to live music. Ryan is currently working in Family Practice.
Darcy Varnum, LMFT, National University
Darcy has been a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist for over 20+ years in Shasta County. She is a trauma-informed therapist trained in intensive trauma focused interventions, family and individual issues over the lifespan, seeing people of all ages. She is specifically trained in TF-CBT, EMDR, Brainspotting, Motivational Interviewing, and IFS. Darcy is currently works in Fellowship.
