Magnús Baldursson, a psychologist, and Ragnheiður Eiríksdóttir, a nurse, started working at HVEST today. They will, together with Hallgrím Kjartansson, chief physician of health care, form a new mental health team that serves the residents of the area. Magnus will […]

Magnús will come twice a month for two days at a time and provide counseling and treatment for clients, as well as further analysis if needed. He has over 20 years of work experience as a psychologist, both in and outside of Reykjavík. He has, among other things, worked in office management, as a school psychologist, and in analysis and conducting courses at the Developmental and Behavioral Center for Health Care in the capital region. Magnús is also a working psychologist at Garðabær's health care. As before, children and young people will be a priority for the psychologist, but he will also be involved in the work of maternal protection. Referrals to a psychologist in all cases go through the primary care physicians.

Ragnheiður will be the project manager of the mental health team and will work there to coordinate and strengthen mental health services in the area served by HVEST. In addition, she conducts interviews and supports healthcare clients. Ragnheiður has been involved in mental health services in many places, including in the emergency department of LSH's psychiatry department, reception departments and emergency services. She has also worked as a psychiatric nurse at the Technical School and for years carried out various projects related to sexual health. Ragnheiður also works as a consultant at a salon in Reykjavík and writes for newspapers about sex and health.

This winter, Magnús and Ragnheiður will offer a HAM course at the clinic for adults with a focus on anxiety and depression. More courses will also be available, but dates and details will be announced later.

HVEST's mental health team is established with the intention of enhancing services for the residents of the area. The team will have an overview of the services that are available and contribute to their optimal use. Communication with other institutions, professionals and treatment options regarding mental health issues will be in the hands of the project manager.


Magnus, Ragnheiður and Hallgrímur

Author: HH