About Us
Eucalyptus Healthcare
Parents often struggle with mental health care during or after pregnancy. Maternity care providers often refer to psychiatric providers, since they aren’t familiar with treatments for depression and anxiety. Psychiatric providers are often nervous treating pregnant and lactating individuals, out of concern for the infant.
This results in an unfortunate “volleyball effect,” where patients don’t get early intervention for mental health concerns. There are very few specialty providers who focus on the intersection of reproductive life events and mental health.
Eucalyptus Health strives to meet the needs of these parents, by providing accessible and expert care through telehealth.
Rachel Featherstone
Board Certified
Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner
Education:
- Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing from Bon Secours Memorial College of Nursing
- Master’s of Science in Nursing from Frontier Nursing University: Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner
Certification:
- Perinatal Mental Health: Postpartum Support International (2021)
- Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner: National Certification Commission (2019)
Licenses:
- Nurse Practitioner (Virginia) #0024177579
- Nurse Practitioner (Idaho) #66507
My Philosophy
I believe that I bring a unique perspective–the heart of midwifery–to mental health care. Patients deserve respectful care that provides them with education about all of their options, and the freedom to choose what is right for them and their family.
My Story
My life was affected deeply by my postpartum experiences, directing me towards providing care to birthing people and their families. After I had my first son, I knew that parents needed providers who treated them with care and respect.
I was a first-time mother in my early 20’s, and a military police officer in the Army. The life of a soldier was hard to reconcile with the life of a fresh, postpartum mother. When I got out of the service, I knew I wanted to be a midwife, to care for parents the way I wished I had been cared for.
Due to a very wise midwifery mentor, I realized that what I loved and excelled at was building relationships with my patients–enduring relationships that endured beyond pregnancy–to help them navigate their journeys in parenthood. I changed course to pursue my nurse practitioner degree, but my philosophy of care has not changed. I hold a deep appreciation for midwives, doulas, and others who support the sacred space of birth. My own homebirth with my third pregnancy was life-changing, and I have a unique perspective that helps me work with families that choose home or birth center births due to negative experiences in hospitals. My other experiences inform my practice and bring a richness to my professional knowledge, allowing me to connect on a personal and professional level with patients I serve.
Contact Information:
Email: info@bgm.c1b.myftpupload.com
Office: (208) 779-7019
Fax: (833) 989-0917
Schedule a complimentary, fifteen minute consultation
FAQs
What happens during the free consultation?
The free consultation is fifteen minutes long. We will briefly review the concerns that brought you in, and determine if we are a good fit. If we decide to work together, then we will schedule you for an intake appointment to do an in-depth medical and psychiatric assessment. The intake appointment usually takes around an hour to complete.
How often will I need to see you?
Patients who have a history of mental health concerns, but are currently stable may need visits every couple months until delivery. Patients who are currently struggling will come for regular visits, either every other week or monthly, based on medication changes and other factors. I may also ask you to check in with me via the patient portal or telephone between appointments.
My OB/GYN recommends I see a psychiatrist. Why should I see you instead?
My combined knowledge of mental and reproductive health provides parents with the information they need to make the choices that are right for them and their family. I strive to bring the ‘heart’ of midwifery to mental health care, to improve the health and functioning of the entire family. Shared decision making is at the core of respectful healthcare. At Eucalyptus Health, I strive to give you the information you need to make the decision that’s right for you.
Which medications are safe for my baby?
There is no medication that is completely without risk. However, there are many significant risks to untreated mental illness in pregnancy, so it is usually preferable to treat the mental illness. This is a highly individualized decision for parents, which is based on your history with medications, your illness, and which potential side effects may or may not be acceptable to you.
Will you communicate with my maternity care provider?
Yes, but only with your permission. I cannot share your health information without your explicit consent, in accordance with HIPAA laws. However, I prefer to be in touch with your maternity and primary care providers, so that you have all the support that you need, as you transition from pregnancy to parenthood, and from one medical provider to another.
Can you treat me if I have a pregnancy complication or another pre-existing condition?
Usually, the answer to this question is yes. However, I am happy to discuss your unique situation in a consultation.
I’m a community midwife or a nurse-midwife. Can I call you for a consultation about a patient’s psychiatric medications or a referral?
I welcome referrals and questions from other providers. In the event that I don’t immediately have an answer to one of your questions or concerns, I have a network of other perinatal mental health providers that I can discuss your case with.
Can you prescribe medications?
Yes, my license as a nurse practitioner allows me to prescribe medications. However, Eucalyptus Health focuses on prescribing non-addictive regimens, in order to provide high-quality and safe care.
I live outside of Idaho. Can I make an appointment?
Unfortunately, we are only serving patients within the state of Idaho at this time.
Which insurance plans do you accept?
We currently accept Medicaid, Anthem, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Tricare, United Healthcare, Aetna, Medicare, and are working to become paneled with Bright Path. Please reach out to us to discuss your unique insurance provider.
Do you accept self-pay clients? What are your rates?
New patient visits are usually $150 and take between 60-70 minutes, and follow up appointments are $125 for approximately 40 minutes. Our longer appointment times ensure that you and the provider have adequate time to fully explore your concerns, and discuss the plan that is best for you and your family.