Pioneering Virgin Islander Honored Nationally for Mobile Maternal Mental Healthcare; Seeks Policy Overhaul in the USVI

Joanne McDougal-Patterson highlights gaps in V.I. laws preventing nurse practitioners from providing full psychiatric care, while championing innovative mental health solutions for new mothers.

Joanne McDougal-Patterson, born and raised on St. Croix, was recently recognized on a national talk show for her pioneering work in bringing mobile mental health services to struggling new mothers. In an interview with the Consortium, the doctor of nursing practice discussed her work, as well as the gaps in the territory's legal framework which prevent professionals like herself from providing services in the V.I.

“During the pandemic…the virtual clinic…was necessary to take care of patients across the country,” McDougal-Patterson said. “Once the pandemic lifted, I knew that I didn’t want to go back to business as usual.” That sparked the idea for a mobile psychiatric clinic – the first of its kind in the state of Georgia, where “Dr. Joanne”, as she is known, lives. “I purchased a tiny house on wheels and converted that into a mobile mental health clinic,” she said, explaining that she sought to create “a clinic that would mimic a homey feel.”