“Though I do not believe that a plant will spring up where no seed has been, I have great faith in a seed… Convince me that you have a seed there, and I am prepared to expect wonders.”
-Henry David Thoreau

News and Updates at River Valley BHWC

We’re pleased to announce that River Valley is now using Wind River Payments—an improved and fully integrated payment system designed to enhance your experience.

As part of this transition, we are required to securely update the card we have on file for you. Please note that this is separate from any card you may have saved in the Patient Online Payment System (POPS), which we do not have access to.

In accordance with our policy, maintaining an updated card on file is required. At your earliest convenience, we kindly ask that you contact our team to provide or update your preferred payment information.

Thank you for your attention to this important update and for being a valued part of our community.

NEW 

RV TEAM MEMBERS

ARIANNA ARNESON, MA, LPCC

LOCATION(S): SAVAGE

STARTING MAY 19, 2025

With over a decade of experience in the behavioral health field, Arie is passionate about supporting individuals through life's challenges with compassion and expertise. She has extensive experience working with clients experiencing depression, anxiety, trauma, perinatal mental health concerns, substance use disorders, and the emotional impact of chronic illnesses...find out more

DANIELLE POLANSKY, MA, LADC

LOCATION(S): SAVAGE

STARTING MAY 12, 2025

Danielle Polansky, LADC, is joining our team as a clinical trainee in the field of professional counseling in May 2025. She has recently finished her graduate degree in the counseling and psychological services program at Saint Mary’s University in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She started her career as a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor and has worked in that capacity for the past 6 years within inpatient residential and intensive outpatient day treatment programs. She has experience working with adult and adolescent populations with chemical and mental health concerns...find out more

Broaden My Knowledge

Book of the Month: "Open When: A Companion for Life's Twists & Turns" by Dr. Julie SMith

Clinical psychologist and bestselling author Dr. Julie Smith (@drjulie) returns with this highly anticipated handbook full of “break in case of emergency” advice for dealing with mental health challenges in the moment they occur.

In this essential guide, Dr. Julie teaches her millions of readers and clients how to navigate life’s toughest occurrences while they’re happening, rather than moments or years after the fact. What if we can learn to harness our emotions and stay present so we can process and choose how to respond to a situation?

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Video of the Month: "A New Kind of Wilderness"

On a small farm in a Norwegian forest, the Paynes live a purposefully isolated life, aiming to be wild and free. Maria and Nik, along with their four children Ulv, Falk, Freja, and Ronja are self-sufficient. They practice home-schooling and strive for a closely-knit family dynamic in harmony with nature. However, when tragedy strikes the family, it upends their idyllic world and forces them to forge a new path into modern society.

Inspired by a recipe from BBC Good Food, these warm, fluffy pancakes are a nourishing way to support mental well-being. Bananas provide tryptophan, a natural precursor to serotonin—often called the brain’s “feel-good” chemical. Oats offer complex carbohydrates that help stabilize blood sugar and mood, along with magnesium and B vitamins known to ease anxiety and support brain health. Egg yolks contribute choline for cognitive function, while whipped egg whites add lightness without heaviness. Topped with yogurt and fruit, this breakfast is both grounding and uplifting.

Ingredients

• ½ cup oat milk
• 2 large eggs, separated
• 1 small ripe banana
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• Avocado oil spray or other neutral oil

Optional toppings: low-fat yogurt, fresh berries, banana slices, or a drizzle of maple syrup

Instructions

1. Blend the Batter
   Add the oat milk, egg yolks, banana, oats, baking powder, and vanilla extract to a blender. Blend until smooth.
2. Whip the Egg Whites
   In a separate bowl, whisk the egg whites until stiff peaks form.
3. Combine Gently
   Fold about 1–2 tablespoons of the whipped egg whites into the batter to loosen it. Then gently fold in the remaining egg whites until just combined.
4. Cook the Pancakes
   Preheat a nonstick pan over medium heat and lightly coat with avocado oil spray. Pour about 2 tablespoons of batter per pancake into the pan.
5. Flip and Finish
   Cook for 1–2 minutes or until bubbles form on the surface and the edges look set. Flip carefully and cook for another 1 minute on the other side. Repeat with remaining batter.
6. Serve Warm
   Top with a spoonful of low-fat yogurt and fresh fruit. Serve immediately for a mood-brightening start to your day.

Be sure to utilize all the techniques and recipes from our previous newsletters in the "Cue to Be Well" archive: