Ellie Mental Health is an emerging national franchise that recently announced their plans to open a new outpatient behavioral health clinic in Coeur d'Alene. Ellie notes that Kootenai County is a Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA) and they are taking the approach of improving the care of mental health professionals to increase retention, as well as draw new professionals into the community to meet the need.
Ellie Mental Health says they are on a mission to change the culture of mental health by "fostering a clinician-first model, offering innovative services while breaking down barriers to improve access, and normalize mental health care". In a statement they say "Ellie stives to break the stigma of mental health with the goal that seeing a therapist will have the societal equiveillance of going to the dentist". The company has seen substantial national growth with over 300 clinics under contract, 50+ clinics that opened in 2022 and an additional 200 openings scheduled for 2023.
Local Ellie Mental Health owners, Jamie & Melissa Major of Post Falls say that the first North Idaho Ellie is projected to physically open in early April, within the new Cornerstone Building at Riverstone in Coeur d'Alene ( 1579 W. Riverstone Dr. #1100 ). Ellie Mental Health of North Idaho is actively seeking patients virtually and taking appointments, while construction is slated to be completed around the end of March for in-person sessions.
The local owners also announced the appointment of Julie Krapfl as clinical director "Julie's servant leadership approach to her staff and our community, coupled with her unwavering passion to provide high quality services represents an ideal fit with Ellie's model". Julie is a licensed clinical supervisor and marriage & family therapist with extensive clinical and leadership experience. Recruitment is also actively underway for therapists and clinicians, with a target of hiring 10+ licensed therapists in the coming months with several new hires already completed.
A public open house is scheduled for May 4th,2023 and additional Ellie Mental Health locations are planned for Idaho. For more information or to schedule an appointment call 208-435-0788 or visit them online at http://www.elliementalhealth.com
