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CASSOPOLIS — As the need for easy access to behavioral health services increases in southwest Michigan, Niles Community Health Center, part of the Cassopolis Family Clinic Network, has welcomed two new therapists to its team: Bette Spearritt and Saundra Mortenson.

Spearritt, a southwest Michigan native, received her master of Social Work Degree from Grand Valley State University, and is a certified advanced alcohol and drug counselor and clinical supervisor.  She will be fulfilling the role of behavioral health substance use disorder treatment Manager at NCHC.

“It was a unique opportunity to participate in creating a new program in the area where I feel passionate,” she said. “There is an extreme need to treat and support individuals suffering from substance use and addiction. In the Niles area, there are very limited services available to treat these medical conditions. Medication Assisted Treatment is a much-needed service, and I am excited to be a part of the set up and implementation of this new program.”

The Substance Use Disorder Treatment Program will be available to established Cassopolis Family Clinic Network patients later this year.

Mortenson, also a native of southwest Michigan, received her master of social work degree from the University of Michigan and has joined the staff as a behavioral health therapist.  “What I most enjoy about my job is the ability to work with patients to provide encouragement and the resources they need to live a healthy and happy life.  It’s especially rewarding to work with individuals who have experienced loss or trauma as they find their way again and discover or rediscover who they truly are,” Mortenson said.

Niles Community Health Center Behavioral Health is located inside the new NCHC at 1951 Oak St., Niles. Behavioral Health services are offered 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call (269) 665-8800.