HENDERSONVILLE – AdventHealth welcomed Carissa Frank, MSW, LCSW-A to its team at AdventHealth Medical Group Psychiatry at Medical Office Building*. Frank began her career with AdventHealth serving as Clinical Mission Integration Manager at AdventHealth Hendersonville, where she worked to provide emotional and spiritual support for patients and staff at 38 outpatient physician offices.

In that role she realized she wanted to move into a clinical care role, specifically to meet the behavioral health needs of our younger patients. 

Frank has experience working with survivors of sexual abuse and domestic violence. She also has cared for individuals who experience PTSD, mood disorders, depression, anxiety and mental health issues. In her new role, Frank is helping AdventHealth Hendersonville fulfill its mission by expanding access to behavioral health care for children and adolescents in Western North Carolina.

Frank earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Family and Child Development from Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA. She earned her Master of Social Work from Western Carolina University. 

Frank believes in creating safe, therapeutic spaces for each person to be heard in an empathetic way. Collaboration is key to her approach to patient care. She works with each of her patients on their journey to feel whole. She uses an integrative approach which includes trauma-informed care, evidence-based practices, and strengths-based perspectives.

“Entering a health care setting as a patient can leave anyone feeling extremely vulnerable and uncertain, especially when it comes to mental health,” Frank explains. “I am passionate about supporting people in these moments when things get difficult and believe that every person deserves dignity and respect.”

“When Carissa first joined our team at AdventHealth, her compassion and empathy immediately impacted our providers who knew she would be a resource to support them and help their patients,” shares Christy Sneller, MBA, Vice President of Physician Services for AdventHealth Hendersonville. “When she shared her wish to go back to school for social work, we were excited to connect her to our Team Member Promises that include Debt-Free Education and Tuition Reimbursement programs.” Sneller shares, “The best part of this career journey is that we now have Carissa in this new role to make it easier for young people to get the mental health care they need close to home.”

Whole-person care is at the foundation of Frank’s philosophy of care, and this is what drew her to AdventHealth Hendersonville. “I am grateful that AdventHealth Hendersonville listens to the needs of our community and seeks to create innovative solutions,” she shares. “I am excited to be a part of this new service line and create more access to mental health for children and adolescents in our community, especially during this mental health crisis.”

Frank is married with two little girls, and a mini dachshund named “Denzel.” She feels whole by spending time with friends and family, being outside, praying, and practicing mindfulness and gratitude. She also enjoys reading, thrifting, and listening to true crime podcasts.

Frank will be caring for patients at AdventHealth Medical Group Psychiatry at Medical Office Building*. She is welcoming new patients. To learn more or schedule an appointment visit AdventHealthNC.com or call 828-684-1115. 

* A hospital department of AdventHealth Hendersonville