Caring for Mental Health in Rush County: A Look Inside RMH Behavioral and Mental Health Services

Mental health challenges affect people from all walks of life—and at Rush Memorial Hospital, we believe that compassionate care and access to support can make all the difference.

Since moving into their dedicated space at RMH Healthcare Solutions (1264 S. State Rd 3, Rushville), the Behavioral and Mental Health Services team has continued to expand and refine their offerings to meet the growing needs of the community.

Meet the Team Behind the Care

The department is staffed by a highly experienced and compassionate team, including:

• Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs) providing individual and family counseling
• A Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner offering medication management for children and adults
• A Licensed Social Worker who helps patients connect with essential community resources such as food, housing, transportation, and more

Together, they provide personalized, evidence-based care for a wide range of mental health conditions, including:

• Depression and anxiety
• Bipolar disorder and schizophrenia
• Trauma and PTSD
• Adjustment disorders
• Eating disorders
• Suicidal ideation
• Grief and los

Removing Barriers to Care

Mental health care doesn’t stop at therapy or medication. The RMH Behavioral and Mental Health team also helps patients overcome practical challenges that can interfere with treatment—like transportation issues, food insecurity, or lack of insurance.

Social Worker Sherri Rudolf plays a key role in connecting patients with local resources, including:

• Prescription assistance programs
• Domestic violence support
• Low-income housing options
• Childcare and parenting services
• Referrals for inpatient/outpatient treatment
• Employment and education support [www.rushmemorial.com]
• Community resource information to the RMH website (Community Resources – Rush Memorial Hospital)

Community Collaboration: Crisis Intervention Team

One of the most exciting projects currently underway is department participation in a Rush County Crisis Intervention Team (CIT). The CIT is composed of community stakeholders working to improve the safety of law enforcement officers and the public during incidences involving those suffering from mental illness. Stakeholders include law enforcement officers, representatives of the courts and the correction system, Meridian Health Services, Centerstone and others.

The CIT’s first major goal is to provide a 40-hour training course to all Rush County law enforcement officers. The course is designed to help officers in two different ways. First, the course will help them differentiate between situations involving straight criminal behavior and situations driven by an underlying mental health issue. Secondly, the course will help officers learn to safely de-escalate situations involving individuals with mental health issues. This will help officers better protect themselves, the public and those suffering from delusions, hallucinations or other mental health issues. It will also help prevent incarceration of those with mental illness. When asked about the CIT Susan commented, “It’s been a lot of work but in the end, it will help fill some gaps in our community.”

When asked about her goals for the future, Susan said, “We want to keep doing what we’re doing. We really have a “dream team” here. Our LCSW’s each have over 20 years of experience. The entire team is highly skilled but also very compassionate and dedicated. There is a shortage of clinicians all over the United States, which has led to long wait times everywhere. We are in a situation where success will be maintaining what we have so we can offer long-term consistency and continuity of care for all of our patients.”

Spreading Kindness: The Holiday Card Drive

Each year, RMH Behavioral and Mental Health Services organizes a Holiday Card Drive for individuals spending the holidays in inpatient mental health facilities. These cards—whether handmade or store-bought—offer a simple but powerful message: You are not alone.

Children and adults alike benefit from this thoughtful initiative, which brings comfort and connection to those separated from loved ones during a difficult time.

Need Support? We’re Here to Help

If you or someone you love is struggling with mental health challenges, RMH Behavioral and Mental Health Services is here to support you.

Call for an appointment: (765) 932-7010
🔗 Learn more about our services [www.rushmemorial.com]