Pediatric mental health needs are on rise across the state of Minnesota. In just under 10 years, feelings of hopelessness and sadness rose 40% amongst young people, states the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
How do we make sure the kids are alright? In the realm of pediatric mental health, Nurse Practitioners (NPs) play a pivotal role. They provide comprehensive care and support to young patients and their families. That’s why we have added Nurse Practitioner and Pediatric Mental Health Specialist, Kim Oberstar, to our team. She is now seeing patients ages 4-14 through in-person and telemedicine appointments out of Fairview Mesaba Clinic in Hibbing, Minnesota.
Oberstar’s Experience and Expertise
Kim Oberstar is a great asset to the Fairview team thanks to her extensive experience and expertise in pediatric psychiatry. With over 20 years of practice at Children’s Minnesota in St. Paul, Kim has made a profound impact on the lives of children and adolescents struggling with behavioral and mental health issues.
Oberstar has always been passionate about improving the well-being of kids and teens everywhere. She began her journey by obtaining her undergraduate degree at Bethel College in Arden Hills, Minnesota. She then completed her masters at University of Minnesota and became a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. Driven by her passion for helping children and adolescents, Oberstar underwent a rigorous internship at Children’s in the Psychological Services/Psychiatry department. During this time, she earned her Primary Health Specialist Certification (PMHS). This internship turned into a 20-year position.
Oberstar’s years of experience in behavioral health enables her to tackle complex medical cases that intersect with mental health conditions. Her primary focus is now complex medical and behavioral/mental health needs in children and adolescents. She is highly educated in the following areas:
Psychopharmacology: the study of how medications affect the brain and behavior, specifically in relation to mental health disorders.
Pharmacogenomics: the study of how an individual’s genetic makeup influences their response to medications.
Psychiatric Medication: drugs prescribed to treat mental health conditions and alleviate symptoms such as depression, anxiety, psychosis, or mood disorders.
Precision Medicine: an approach to healthcare that customizes medical treatment and interventions based on an individual’s unique characteristics, including their genetic makeup, environment, and lifestyle.
Medical Complexity Diagnosis: the process of identifying and understanding the intricate medical conditions and challenges faced by individuals, often involving multiple co-existing physical and mental health issues.
Available In-person and On-screen
Oberstar embraces technology. In addition to her in-person consultations, Oberstar also uses telemedicine. This allows her to connect with patients remotely, breaking down geographical barriers and ensuring that children in underserved or rural areas have access to quality mental health care.
Returning Home
Beyond her professional endeavors, Oberstar cherishes her time with family. She’s overjoyed to return to the region, after growing up in Aurora, Minnesota. She loves baking and decorating cakes, indulging her creative side, and also enjoys live music as a source of relaxation and inspiration.
Reach Out Today
The addition of Oberstar to the Fairview Range team provides families a valuable resource and expert guidance for children and adolescents facing mental health challenges. If you’re seeking assistance for your child’s mental health concerns, consult your child’s primary care physician for a referral or call us at 218-362-6937 for more information. You can also meet her at the upcoming Youth Mental Health Night at the Minnesota Discovery Center on Thursday, June 22nd from 5-8 p.m. at the Fairview booth!
