Specialty Care

Female patients with postive pregnancy tests are referred to the CPSP program. Visits consist of education and information, (nutrition, psychosocial assessments, and educational videos), that are designed to improve the health of mom and baby! Through the CPSP program, Medi-Cal-eligible pregnant women receive comprehensive services including prenatal care, health education, nutrition services, and psychosocial support during pregnancy and for up to 60 days after delivery. All clients receive routine perinatal medical, nutrition, health education and psychosocial services on site, as well as pediatric, family planning, and dental services. The women are also referred to Kings County WIC nutrition program nearby. At 32-weeks, clients are referred to either Healthy Beginnings, Hanford Community Medical Center, or Fresno Women’s Health Center for interpartum care and delivery.

1. The Health Educator is available onsite for immediate referrals and scheduled appointments.
2. Individual health education counseling is provided as needed to discuss chronic conditions, birth control methods and sexually transmitted infections.
3. Group classes are offered on a monthly basis on topics such as Weight Management, Diabetes, Hypertension, Asthma, Hepatitis C and Pesticide training. These classes are open to the public.
4. The Nutritionist will assess and discuss your eating and exercise habits, and, when needed, provide you with information to improve your health through changes in diet and exercise. Appointments with a nutritionist are scheduled on Wednesdays from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Call your desired location for more information and to make appointments.

Providers That May Become Involved:

• Physicians will manage overall health.
• The Case Manager tracks your status in your care plan.
• The Nutritionist assists in weight management.
• The Health Educator provides education and materials for an overall exercise program.
• Specialists Are also available such as: (Dentists, Podiatrists, Optometrists, and others if needed).

When an uninsured patient enrolls in the program they will receive their first annual visit with the Dentist and Podiatrist at no charge. The visits with the Case Manager, Nutritionist, Health Educator, and Health Care Counselors (Behavior Health) are also provided to established ACHC patients at no cost.

What kinds of problems can a counselor help you with? Counselors work with doctors to help patients experiencing depression, anxiety, stress, drug and alcohol abuse, domestic abuse, obesity, smoking, diabetes and other issues; often at the visit with your doctor.

Primary Care Behavioral Health Consultation Services (BHC)

The Behavioral Health Consultation Services with our Health Counselors is a program being made available to patients within the Avenal Clinic as a part of overall quality health care. The purpose of this service is to offer assistance when habits, behaviors, stress, worry or other life problems are interfering with your health and daily life. All ACHC patients are eligible for these services.

Health Counselors can help reduce symptoms associated with various chronic medical conditions or help you cope better with these conditions, such as migraine and tension headaches, fibromyalgia, diabetes, asthma, COPD, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease. Health Counselors can help develop plans for behavioral change programs that focus on smoking cessation, weight loss, alcohol use, exercise or other lifestyle modifications.

Health Counselors can also help with emotional or behavioral problems such as family or relationship difficulties, excess stress, bereavement, depression, anxiety, or anger problems.