KELLOGG — Shoshone Medical Center is expanding access to behavioral health and substance use treatment services in the Silver Valley with the addition of licensed clinical social worker Jennifer Porter, who is accepting new clients through the hospital's Behavioral Health and Substance Use Disorder programs. 

Porter provides services through the Shoshone Medical Center Family Medicine Clinic in Smelterville, giving Silver Valley residents greater access to mental health counseling and substance use support without leaving the community. 

The expanded program addresses a broad range of behavioral health needs, including anxiety, depression, stress management, trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder, grief, relationship and family challenges, behavioral concerns, adjustment to chronic illness and major life transitions. 

Substance use disorder services may include individual, group and family therapy; behavioral health and substance use assessments; care coordination; prevention services; and recovery support. 

Porter said access to local care can play a critical role in helping individuals and families seek support when they need it. 

"Seeking help is a sign of strength, and people should not have to leave their community to find compassionate behavioral health or substance use support," Porter said. "I look forward to working with individuals and families in the Silver Valley and helping people build the skills and support systems they need to move forward." 

The expansion reflects SMC's continued investment in integrated health care services that combine behavioral health treatment with primary and specialty medical care. Hospital officials said the whole-person approach is designed to improve patient outcomes by addressing physical and mental health needs in a coordinated setting. 

By offering services locally, the medical center aims to reduce barriers to care and provide residents with timely access to mental health and substance use treatment close to home. 

“Expanding access to behavioral health and substance use services is an important part of our commitment to the health and well-being of the Silver Valley,” SMC Chief Executive Officer Shane Sanborn said. “We want individuals and families to know that compassionate, professional support is available right here in our community. Bringing these services closer to home helps remove barriers to care and allows us to better support the whole person, not just their immediate medical needs.” 

Individuals interested in behavioral health or substance use services can contact the Shoshone Medical Center Family Medicine Clinic at (208)784-4612. The clinic is located at 858 Commerce Drive in Smelterville.