Care Management

Meet our Team:

•       Katie McDonald, LMSW, Care Manager
  • Katie is a Licensed Master Social Worker with over six years of experience in the mental health field. Throughout her career, she has had the privilege of serving individuals and families across the lifespan- from infants and children to adults and older adults.  Passionate about meeting people where they are, Katie is dedicated to supporting the mental and emotional well-being of our clients and community.  Her background includes working with diverse populations and addressing a wide range of needs, always with compassion, dignity, and respect.  Katie looks forward to partnering with patients and their families to provide accessible, holistic care close to home.  Outside of work, Katie enjoys spending time outdoors, being active, and with her family. 

•      April Marsh, RN, Care Manager    
  • April received her Associate Degree in Nursing from Northwestern Michigan College and went on to receive her Bachelor's Degree in Nursing from Capella University.  She brings six years of experience in a long-term care and rehab facility.  She lives in Traverse City with her husband and two dogs, Lilly and Lola.  April enjoys reading, crafting, kayaking, skiing, and to Netflix and chill with her dogs.  
• Dawn, Care Coordinator
• Dana, Care Coordinator

IMPROVING HEALTH THROUGH CARE MANAGEMENT

What is Care Management? 

Care Management is a supportive program designed to help you manage your health conditions, coordinate your care, and stay connected with your healthcare team. 

Your care management team works with you between visits to provide education, support, and resources that help you achieve your health goals. 

      General Care Management 
Your General Care Manager helps you manage your medical conditions and treatments. They can assist with medications, test results, hospital follow-ups, and worsening symptoms. Call your General Care Manager if you have questions about your health or need help coordinating your care. 

     Behavioral Health Care Management 
Your Behavioral Health Care Manager supports your emotional and mental well-being. They can help with stress, anxiety, depression, coping with life changes, and connecting you to counseling or other resources. Call your Behavioral Health Care Manager if you’re feeling overwhelmed, struggling emotionally, or need support with mental health concerns. 

Care Management Billing Information

Care Management services may be billed to your insurance. These services are generally covered and often have little or no cost to you. Your care team will always work with you to ensure you understand any potential costs. 

When to Call Your General Care Manager 

• If you need help with your medical care or treatment plan, including:

Medical symptoms & conditions 

• New or worsening symptoms 

• Flare-ups of chronic conditions (diabetes, high blood pressure, COPD, heart failure, chronic pain, etc.) 

• Questions about whether symptoms need an office visit, urgent care, or ER 

Medications 

• Questions about how or when to take medications 

• Side effects or reactions 

• Trouble affording medications 

• Running out of medication or needing refill help 

• Starting a new medication and unsure what to expect 

Appointments, tests & referrals 

• Follow-up after labs, imaging, or procedures 

• Questions about referrals or specialist visits 

• Not sure why a test or referral was ordered 

Hospital or ER visits 

• Recently discharged from the hospital or ER 

• Confusion about discharge instructions 

• New medications after hospitalization 

• Symptoms getting worse after discharge 

Care coordination & support 

• Managing multiple providers or conditions 

• Help understanding your care plan 

• Monitoring blood pressure, blood sugars, or weight 

• Questions about medical equipment or home health services 

When to Call Your Behavioral Health Care Manager 

• If you need help with your emotional, mental, or behavioral health, including: 

Mental health symptoms 

• Feeling depressed, anxious, overwhelmed, or hopeless 

• Increased stress, panic, or mood changes 

• Trouble sleeping due to stress or anxiety 

• Loss of interest in activities you usually enjoy 

Medication & treatment support 

• Questions about mental health medications (side effects, expectations) 

• Trouble staying consistent with medications 

• Concerns about how medications affect mood or behavior 

• Considering therapy or counseling options 

Life stressors & coping 

• Stress related to work, family, caregiving, or finances 

• Grief or major life changes 

• Difficulty coping with a medical diagnosis 

• Feeling burned out or emotionally exhausted 

Behavior change & support 

• Substance use concerns (alcohol, medications, or other substances) 

Resources & counseling 

• Help finding counseling or therapy 

• Connection to community or support groups 

• Short-term coaching and emotional support 

What can I expect when I meet with my Care Manager?

Your first visit may last up to 60 minutes. You will be asked many questions to determine your needs and together you will create a plan of care which includes goal setting and determining solutions to barriers you face relating to reaching your health goals. There will be periodic follow-ups ( in person and/or via telephone) with you to review your health goals and level of wellness.

Feel free to bring your spouse or caregiver with you to these appointments