Minot woman found faster access, less stress and care that finally felt personal.
Rebecca Mitzel Burleson did not grow up going to the doctor.
“I had never had a blood test. I had never had a lipid panel. I never did any of that,” she said.
Like many people, Burleson also lives with anxiety and a mental health condition. For years, that made healthcare feel out of reach and hard to trust.
When she was ready to start therapy, she faced wait times of three to six months.
“When you’re ready to take that next step, you don’t want to wait that long,” she said. “Same-day or next-day mental health care is so valuable, especially for those of us on the western side of the state.”
A visit that felt different from the start
Burleson first learned about VitellaCare, but her husband was the first to visit VitellaCare - Minot and it made the biggest impact. That is what led Burleson to try it.
Right away, the experience felt different.
“They’re very personable with you,” Burleson said. “If you have anxiety or CPTSD or whatever it may be, you can be open with them and they will take that extra care.”
Her provider, Nurse Practitioner Heidi Peterson, listened. She adjusted care when Burleson felt nervous. Peterson explained options in a way that felt clear and respectful.
No judgment. Just care that works.
Instead of focusing on the past, her care team focused on what she needed now. That made it easier to follow through with visits and screenings.
For Burleson, that matters beyond the clinic.
She loves being outside. She calls herself a “tree hugger” and spends as much time as she can gardening.
“I even had nine tons of dirt delivered just so I could keep planting,” she said with a smile.
Taking care of her health helps her keep doing what she loves.
Simple, connected care
Burleson also values how simple the experience is. Many services are offered in one place.
When she had walking pneumonia, she did not have to make extra trips.
“I was able to get my antibiotic, the steroid they prescribed, as well as the nebulizer treatment, all just right there,” Burleson said. “I didn’t have to go anywhere else. I could just head home.”
Medications dispensed onsite during a VitellaCare visit are included in the visit fee – no extra charge. Medications filled at an external pharmacy are covered according to the member’s standard pharmacy benefits.
“We include common medications right in the visit so patients can get what they need without extra steps or surprise costs,” Peterson said. “It helps us focus on care first and makes it easier for people to follow through on treatment.”
The VitellaCare app makes it easy to stay connected.
“The app is amazing. Super convenient,” Burleson said. “You can check your test results. You can chat with your nurse practitioner or directly with the doctor.”
Help when you’re ready, not months later
In Burleson’s community of Minot, it can take months to see a mental health provider. That can stop people from getting care when they need it most.
Having mental health and primary care in one place helps remove that barrier. It also helps make care feel more normal.
Sharing her story to help others
Burleson now encourages others to take that first step.
“I’ve referred several people there,” she said. “Anybody who says anything about getting into primary care.”
Her story is about more than convenience. It is about feeling heard, supported and respected.
For Burleson, that made all the difference.
