ST. JOSEPH — The Behavioral Health program at Lakeland Medical Center, St. Joseph recently underwent several program changes including a new partnership with Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services.

The partnership provides patients access to mental health resources from their Grand Rapids facility, and widens Lakeland’s behavioral health service area. The unit also contracts with Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren counties to accept patients from anywhere in Michigan who meet admission criteria. Additionally, most insurance plans, including commercial and Medicare, are now accepted.

Sri Uppalapati, MD, joined the Lakeland Health medical staff as the department psychiatrist. Dr. Uppalapati completed his general adult psychiatry residency with the University of Kansas Medical Center in Kansas City. Dr. Uppalapati also recently completed a Sleep Medicine Fellowship with Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, and is board-certified in sleep medicine. Hospitalist, John Grabowski, MD, will work with Dr. Uppalapati to provide coverage as needed. Dr. Uppalipati and Dr. Grabowski will be available for emergency room and floor consultations.

A full-time Intake Navigator, Kelly Raymond, MSW, has also joined the behavioral health team. In her role, Kelly provides suicide screening, placement, and psychiatric support to the case managers and social workers on the medical floors.

“These changes will allow us to better meet the needs of our patients, and will increase access to behavioral health care for our community,” said Jean Brosnan, RN, manager patient care, behavioral health. “We’re grateful for the outstanding support that has made these changes possible. We have a very dedicated team, and look forward to serving those in need of our services.”