Dr. Ted Kouzov is a board-certified Family Medicine physician at Atracare, providing evidence-based, prevention-focused primary care with a lifestyle-medicine approach.
The First Step Is Asking for Help
An Atracare Mental Health conversation with Therapist Marie Hudson
“The first step is asking for help—and that’s huge.”
Why this matters
- Taking the first step can feel scary. It’s also the turning point that gets you real support fast.
- Community entry points like 211 and bridge clinics make it easy to start with a same-day conversation and an initial assessment.
- From there, you’re referred to the right local providers—including Atracare—so treatment fits your actual needs.
Where to start: 211 & Bridge Clinics
- Walk-in or call: 211 and local bridge clinics can be your front door to care.
- Immediate triage: Staff meet you where you are, listen, and stabilize urgent needs.
- Warm referrals: They connect you to ongoing services across the community—counseling, psychiatry, recovery supports, housing, transportation, and more.
- It works: Atracare regularly receives patients through these referrals, helping people continue care without losing momentum.
What happens first: a biopsychosocial assessment
A thorough, person-centered intake looks at your bio (health, meds, sleep, nutrition), psycho (mood, trauma, coping), and social (housing, supports, transportation).
- Goal: Find the root needs and match treatment to you.
- Outcome: A plan that addresses mental health and, when present, substance use—together.
Your 3-step action plan
- Ask for help today. Tell a clinician, call 211, or visit a bridge clinic.
- Do the assessment. Share your story and practical barriers (rides, work hours, childcare).
- Say yes to the referral. Book your follow-up with Atracare and keep that momentum.
Care at Atracare Mental Health
- Individual therapy for anxiety, depression, trauma, and substance use support
- Co-occurring, whole-person care with practical barrier-solving
- Family-informed communication skills and relapse-prevention tools
- Flexible access, including telehealth and timely scheduling
We’re here—365 days a year
Atracare bridges prevention and treatment across Mental Health, Primary Care, Pediatrics, Urgent Care, and Lactation Consulting—so you can get comprehensive help close to home.
Get seen. Get better. Get on your way.
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