Advance with MUSC Health

A Disruptive Approach to Mental Health Treatment

October 24, 2022
Two people discuss stress and anxiety in the Modern Minds program.

The mind-body connection is undeniable, a delicate balance of chemistry and biology. 

When that balance shifts, it can negatively affect our physical and mental health. Ask anyone who has suffered from anxiety-induced stomach pain or a tension headache.

And, if left untreated, stress and anxiety — which are normal responses to problematic situations — can block us from being at our best and even bring about additional emotional distress, says Dr. Kevin Gray, chief medical officer for Modern Minds. Modern Minds is an MUSC Health practice that provides a radically disruptive approach to mental health by integrating physical and mental wellbeing.  

“Emotions are important to human survival,” says Dr. Gray, who is also a professor in MUSC Health’s Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences. “Pain, anxiety, and moods drive our behavior, but sometimes they can twist in a direction that interferes with optimal living.” 

Recognizing the intricate link between physical and mental wellness, Modern Minds has teamed up with Synchronicity, a health and wellness facility in Mount Pleasant, to address the complex mix of biological, psychological, and sociological factors that impact behavior.

“We’re a 16-week, evidence-based program that equally prioritizes therapy and whole-person health,” says Dr. Lauren Carter, clinical director of Modern Minds. “Our model of care is designed to humanize and normalize mental health treatment and talk about it openly. Everyone struggles at some point in their lives, and to be able to gather a community around it is incredibly unique. We help our clients achieve and sustain mental and physical well-being. As a result, clients feel empowered to better manage the trials and tribulations of everyday life, not just a temporary challenge or health-related condition.”

The program’s focus on whole-person health is based on four cornerstones of wellness — physical health and movement; nutrition and hydration; social connection; and rest, recharge, and mindfulness — to give individuals the tools and skills they need so they can flourish on their own after they have completed the program, says Brian Durbin, Modern Minds wellness director.

Psychologists, psychiatrists, licensed social workers, counselors, and wellness navigators provide immersive care that uses as many effective therapies as possible to optimize the benefits of the brain-body connection. 

Modern Minds is person-centered and client-guided and, unlike many programs, time-limited. In addition, the practice offers a sliding scale fee and payment plans for clients who otherwise would not be able to access services. “We want to make our care as accessible as possible for any client who is motivated to actively engage in the program,” Dr. Carter says. “While we do get referrals from physicians, anyone can contact us for an initial phone consultation.”

Potential clients complete a phone consultation with an intake coordinator, who schedules prospective clients for an initial comprehensive mental health and wellness consultation that typically is scheduled within one week of first contacting the clinic. 

At the comprehensive consultation, clients meet with a therapist and a wellness navigator who create a mental health and wellness plan customized to fit their goals and needs. The plan incorporates weekly one-on-one sessions with a therapist and a wellness navigator, as well as optional medication consultation services with a psychiatrist, specialized group therapy, and/or nutrition consultations. All appointments can be conducted in person or through telehealth. 

Clients also have unlimited access to Synchronicity, which offers a variety of wellness classes and amenities, such as massages and meditation rooms to recharge and renew physically and mentally. 

“Our philosophy is that stress can be a good thing, particularly when managed effectively and paired with a growth-oriented program that equally prioritizes wellness and therapy,” says Durbin. “With us, clients learn how to decompress between therapy sessions, process the work they’re doing, and take home the necessary skills to incorporate health wellness into their lives every day.” 

When clients ‘graduate’ from the program, they’re connected with a community of individuals, as well as resources and support groups to help them maintain the gains they’ve made in Modern Minds. 

To help ensure clients are getting the maximum benefits from the program, the Modern Minds team regularly evaluates their progress to keep them moving forward toward wellness and to ensure the team is providing the best and most appropriate care. 

“Our approach is data-driven and two-layered,” Dr. Gray says. “It’s essential to assess where our clients are so we can plan for their next step and also to know how we’re doing. We strive for continuous improvement in our own programs and for our clients so we can provide the best outcomes possible. We’re committed that this program is a good idea, but we’re open enough to understand that it can be continuously improved.”

Dr. Gray says the Modern Minds approach to fully integrating physical and mental wellness is transformational. “It’s about empowering people and providing skills that they can take with them,” he says. “We’re focusing on wellness — not illness — and framing our care in a positive way. Often people have avoided seeking treatment because of the stigma and their concern over being labeled with a mental illness. Modern Minds services allow a wider range of people to benefit from evidence-based care.” 

Modern Minds is designed to complement other robust MUSC Health services, and after thoroughly assessing an individual, the team may recommend alternative services at MUSC that best meet that person’s needs. 

“Our goal is to help everyone find the best match for their care. MUSC Health offers a vast array of services and programs with highly trained clinicians who can address your emotional, mental, and physical health needs,” Dr. Gray says.

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Visit Modern Minds for more information on the program and MUSC Health’s Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences for information on additional services, or call 843-531-9036.