The Erie County Health Department and Community Health Center announced the addition of Melissa Klidas to their clinical team.
Melissa Klidas (Submitted)
As a dual-certified family nurse practitioner and psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner, Klidas brings a highly specialized skill set to area residents, according to a news release.
With five years of dedicated experience in addiction medicine, Klidas is uniquely positioned to bridge the gap between physical and mental health care, according to the release.
She operates under a recovery model of care, which moves beyond just treating symptoms to focusing on “whole-person” wellness, the release said.
This approach addresses the biological, psychological, social and spiritual needs of every individual she treats, according to the release.
According to the release, Klidas plays a vital role in every stage of the recovery journey within the Erie County health system:
• Erie County Detoxification Unit — Klidas oversees medical management, conducts daily rounds, and collaborates closely with case managers to ensure safe discharge planning.
• Kaptur Treatment & Recovery — At the department’s residential recovery home, she provides clinical focus to help residents transition toward long-term stability.
• Outpatient services — Through the Community Health Center, she manages mental health patients, ensuring continuity of care after they leave intensive programs.
“What I enjoy most about our facilities is that I get to see our clients from the highest level of care at our Detox through Residential Treatment and on through Outpatient,” Klidas said in the release. “It’s fulfilling to see people getting better through our continuum of care.”
Strengthening behavioral health team
The integration of a dual-certified practitioner marks a significant step forward for the department’s behavioral health initiatives, the release said.
“We are thrilled to have Melissa on our team,” said Stephanie Salyer, chief behavioral health officer at Erie County Health Department, in the release. “Her dual certification and extensive background in addiction medicine allow us to provide a more seamless and integrated experience for our patients.”