Mental Health Department Changes Ahead

Some big changes are ahead for the 1,100 people served by Klamath County Mental Health…

Those changes include location, service providers, and even the name of the agency.

Amanda Bunger has had to deal with some major changes as director of Klamath County Mental Health.

The main office on Vandenberg Road was heaviliy damaged by fire in February of last year. Bungersays the good news is that repairs on the building are nearing completion…

“We will be moving in late summer, early fall. We need to equip the building with computers, and furniture, and what have you.”

Staff psychiatrist Dr. Michael Thein resigned last December when the Oregon State Medical Board began an investigation into his competency. Bunger reports that the agency has been using substitutes for the past several months…

“We’re currently recruiting for both a psychiatrist and a nurse practitioner to stay with us permanently.”

Klamath County Mental Health could also be undergoing a name change as soon as next week. Some of the names up for consideration include: ‘Klamath Behavioral Health’, ‘Klamath Behavioral Health and Wellness’, and the ‘Klamath Coordinated Health Alliance’.

“We think it’s a good time for a name change.” Notes Bunger. “Because we will have a brand new building, we will be starting with new services on the hill that have never been provided in Klamath County.”

And Amanda Bunger hopes that will be a healthy change.

59 year old Michael Wynn entered a plea of ‘guilty, but insane’ to arson charges for starting the Mental Health Department fire.

The reconstruction costs have been covered through insurance.

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