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Local psychologists adjust to new normal

Doctors and therapists are seeing patients now via Zoom
KU Health System
Posted at 6:51 AM, Mar 28, 2020
and last updated 2020-03-28 18:36:52-04

KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Psychologists at the University of Kansas Health System are staying busy, despite the coronavirus.

Some patients, if need be, can be seen in person, but most are being seen in a different way. Therapists are using Zoom to visit with their patients.

Gregory Nawalanic, clinical psychologist with the University of Kansas Health System, said his schedule has been constantly busy with seeing patients.

"The health system has had to, in record time, completely rewire and obtain Zoom, clinical zoom licensing for all of us to conduct any sessions we can via telehealth," Nawalanic said.

He said there is one group of people he is seeing more of, and that is homeless people.

"They don't have access to the media that the rest of us do," he said. "So, they are just noticing things are shut, closed all the routine spots they have are now empty. I think they are a little unsettled and it's fueling paranoia."

Nawalanic also said it is normal to feel overwhelmed, stressed or nervous about this time of uncertainty. The big thing he stressed is making sure mental and physical health come first.

"Everybody has to get creative and the other piece of that is that it is really important to get outside. but, don't do it in large groups," Nawalanic said.