North Dakota’s Human Service Centers earn national re-accreditation for behavioral health care excellence

BISMARCK, ND - North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) is proud to announce the re-accreditation of its eight regional Human Service Center (HSC) behavioral health clinics by the Council on Accreditation (COA). This recognition highlights the center's commitment to providing high-quality, compassionate, community-based outpatient behavioral health services, including mental health and substance use disorder care, to individuals in the community.

"This re-accreditation highlights our dedication to fostering a healing, supportive environment where individuals can thrive," said Dr. Dan Cramer, statewide HSC clinical director. "The feedback we received celebrates the resilience and commitment of our team members, who ensure that North Dakotans have access to person-centered, comprehensive care close to home."

The COA's rigorous re-accreditation process assesses service delivery, management and administrative functions against international best practices, aligning with HHS priorities of expanding community-based access to quality services and supports statewide and delivering best-in-class, customer-centered experiences. The clinics received initial accreditation in 2020 and reaccreditation in 2024, achieving compliance in all fundamental practice standards in each of these reviews. As a result of this achievement, they experienced expedited reviews, both times, through the pre-commission process.

The clinics offer a variety of services tailored to meet individual needs, providing care both in-office and through community outreach efforts. Services include therapy, skills teaching/integration, case management, medication management, and substance use disorder treatment Additionally, the clinic provides walk-in assessments Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., as well as 24/7 crisis care, all delivered with a focus on accessibility, quality, and compassion.

In the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024, the network of regional clinics provided behavioral health services to 8,810 individuals and delivered over 14,000 crisis interventions to more than 3,900 individuals.

"This accreditation is an acknowledgement of our clinics' excellence in service and care," said Antonia Berning Scilley, director of accreditation at HHS. "It reflects the hard work and dedication of our team members, who strive every day to support the people we serve. We are proud to uphold the principles of quality and integrity and the highest standards of behavioral health care that this reaccreditation represents."

Leadership teams
Each facility operates under a leadership model consisting of a regional director, clinical director and medical director. The leadership teams ensure seamless integration of clinical, medical, and operational excellence to support the well-being of residents in the region.

Northwest HSC, in Williston, is led by Regional Director Char Ferrell, Interim Clinical Director Dr. Dan Cramer and Medical Director Dr. Adam Jangula.

North Central HSC, in Minot, is led by Regional Director John Butgereit, Clinical Director Lecia Lintvelt and Medical Director Dr. Adam Jangula.

Lake Region HSC, in Devils Lake, is led by Regional Director Julie Baumgarn, Clinical Director Michael Shock and Medical Director Dr. Lori Esprit.

Northeast HSC, in Grand Forks, is led by Regional Director Jeff McKinnon, Clinical Director Nichole Fontaine and Medical Director Dr. Rose Julius.

Southeast HSC, in Fargo, is led by Interim Regional Director Alanna Zeller, Clinical Director Tatum Trautman and Medical Director Dr. Lori Esprit.

South Central HSC, in Jamestown is led by Interim Regional Director Leanne Pollert, Clinical Director Ashley Zabka and Medical Director Dr. Mallory Skorheim

West Central HSC, in Bismarck, is led by Regional Director Brad Brown, Clinical Director Ariana Best and Medical Director Dr. Michael Capan.

Badlands HSC, in Dickinson, is led by Regional Director Jessica Odermann, Clinical Director Channing Spradling and Interim Medical Director Dr. Laura Kroetsch.

Statewide HSC Administration includes Clinical Director Dr. Dan Cramer, Chief Operations Officer Jeff Stenseth and Medical Director Dr. Laura Kroetsch.

Why Re-Accreditation Matters
COA re-accreditation serves as independent validation of HHS and its network of regional clinic's commitment to service quality, accountability, and best practices in behavioral health. It ensures that services are coordinated, culturally competent, evidence-based, and continually improved to enhance care for North Dakotans.

Who Benefits?
This achievement benefits individuals and families across North Dakota, ensuring that local, community-based services meet the highest standards of care. North Dakotans can take pride in knowing their local human service center behavioral health clinics meet the highest standards of care, reaffirming its role as a trusted provider of essential health services.

Learn more about the services offered by your local Human Service Center behavioral health clinic and how they can support you or your loved ones, visit hhs.nd.gov/hsc.