As part of the Knox Clinic’s 25th anniversary celebrations, we are proud to highlight our Mental Health and Wellness Program, a cornerstone of our commitment to comprehensive, patient-centered care. Since its inception in 1999, the Knox Clinic has been dedicated to providing accessible healthcare to the residents of Knox County, ensuring that no one falls through the cracks due to financial constraints.

In 2008, recognizing the importance of addressing the mental and emotional well-being of our patients, the Knox Clinic began offering mental health services. Our approach to care has always been holistic, understanding that mental health is intrinsically linked to physical health. Our Mental Health and Wellness team is integrated into our medical services, offering support and setting up care for patients during their medical appointments.

The need for mental health services has only grown over the years. In response to the findings of our 2020 Barriers to Care survey, which revealed that many community members were still struggling to access the mental health care they needed, we significantly expanded our services. We tripled our mental health counseling hours and introduced resource navigation to help connect patients with the care and support they require. This expansion has allowed us to reach even more people in Knox County, providing critical mental health services to those who might otherwise go without.

One of the key figures in this program is Justine Charbonneau, LMSW-cc, our Clinical Social Worker. Justine joined the Knox Clinic in December 2022, bringing with her a deep commitment to trauma-informed, whole health care. Reflecting on her experience, Justine shares: "I started working at the clinic in December of 2022, after obtaining my conditional license in clinical social work. I was drawn to the clinic by its mission, and came on board after meeting the amazing people who worked there."

Since joining the clinic, Justine has witnessed and contributed to the significant growth of the Mental Health and Wellness Program. "The mental health and wellness sector has increased its available counseling hours and continues to build a robust mental health and wellness program," she notes. "This has allowed the clinic to provide existing patients and members of the community quality mental health care that they may not have otherwise received."

Justine’s approach to care is deeply rooted in a holistic understanding of health. "I approach my practice with a trauma-informed lens and a whole health approach. I believe that integrated health care is a vital component of whole health, and I am happy to be a part of a clinic that shares that vision. I have had the pleasure to grow with the clinic and am excited for all that the future holds."

As we celebrate our 25th anniversary, we remain committed to evolving and expanding our services to meet the needs of our community. The Mental Health and Wellness Program is just one example of how the Knox Clinic continues to provide comprehensive care that addresses the full spectrum of our patients' health needs.

For more information about our Mental Health and Wellness Program or other services offered at the Knox Clinic, please contact jesse@knoxclinic.org