RHSHC Expands Behavioral Health Services to Meet Community Needs
Tue, 09/23/2025 – 4:51pm admin
By:
Rachel Riley TPD News Editor
CRESCO – In response to the growing community demand for mental health support, Regional Health Services of Howard County (RHSHC) has expanded its Behavioral Health Department to provide a comprehensive range of services for individuals of all ages.
“The hospital’s roots date back to 1902, when Dr. George Kessel founded Cresco’s first hospital. Over time, RHSHC expanded to meet growing mental health needs, especially as community assessments identified gaps in behavioral health services”, states Dr. Jennalee Pedretti, Vice President of Operations at RHSHC.
The Behavioral Health Department offers an extensive range of services, including psychiatric evaluations and assessments, medication management, and individualized treatment plans tailored to meet the unique needs of each person. Furthermore, specialized counseling services are available for anxiety, depression, trauma, and substance abuse, along with innovative therapies such as Play Therapy, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), Somatic Experiencing, and Mindfulness practice.
A standout feature of RHSHC’s offerings is the Senior Life Solutions program, specifically designed for older adults. This group-based program helps seniors develop coping strategies for aging-related challenges, ensuring they receive dedicated support during this significant life stage.
The department also collaborates with community partners to host support groups and educational wellness events, further enhancing outreach and accessibility to residents as well as offering EDMR and RTM – an eye movement desensitization, reprocessing and reconsolidation of traumatic memories. According to Pedretti, the RTM program is very successful for individuals that have dealt with trauma and RHSHC has one of only two people in the state to be certified to do this program.
Recognizing the evolving behavioral health needs of our community, RHSHC has stepped into a position to both run its business and help its community at the same time. The goal is to provide compassionate, individualized care that is easily accessible to everyone, from youth to seniors.
The updated behavioral health team at RHSHC includes several highly qualified professionals, each bringing unique expertise to the department:
-Bethany Sage, PMHNP – Board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner with 15+ years of experience in mental health care. Offers hybrid care (in-person and telemedicine).
-Dr. Keenan Laraway, MD – Internal Medicine physician specializing in geriatrics and nephrology; provides medication management.
-Matt Homstad, LMHC – Specializes in trauma recovery, play therapy, and systems management.
-Dee Hosek, LMHC, NCC – Experienced in mental health and substance abuse counseling; former Executive Director of Veterans Affairs.
-Laura Zielinski, LISW – Offers EMDR, Somatic Experiencing, Adlerian Play Therapy, and mindfulness-based therapy.
With the rapid growth of the new department underway, RHSHC also recognized the need for a Senior Leader dedicated to the development of the program. Sandra Chilson, was chosen for the position of Administrator of Community Health and Behavioral Health. Sandy is also a Board member of the Iowa Hospital Association Behavioral Health Affiliates of Iowa.