Exclusive Interview… - Trinitas Hospital

days a week and is designed to providetreatment for those patients who need consideratelymore than is typically availablein an outpatient setting, but who do notrequire the supervision of an inpatient setting,group therapy and traditional individualclinic services. Multidisciplinarystaff members interact with patients tohelp them manage medications and alsoprovide psychotherapy for individuals,couples, and families.At the inauguration of the YES program at Abraham Clark High School in Roselle,Marlyse Benson, Director of Behavioral Health Services (at left holding bow), noted thatthe program offers comprehensive services in a supportive and confidential environmentthat enhances the academic, emotional and social lives of the students. JamesLape, Vice President, Behavioral Health & Psychiatry, is shown in the rear at right.encourges motivation and success skills.Students learn life skills that help themcommunicate effectively, manage theirtime more efficiently, and gain confidence.For parents who may be experiencingproblems with their adolescent and substanceabuse, school-based clinicians canrefer them to the Adolescent SubstanceAbuse program, also housed at Trinitas.The program helps address specific issuesrelated to mental health and substanceabuse and enables adolescents to receivesupport, preventing hospitalization by stabilizingbehaviors and improving copingskills to maintain sobriety.Meanwhile…On the Front LinesTrinitas Psychiatric Emergency Services(PES) is the Designated Screening Centerfor Eastern Union County. Staffed by apsychiatrist 24/7, the PES responds to crisissituations. A psychiatrist, nurse andmental health screener perform comprehensiveassessments and link patients toservices based on individual needs. Patientswelcome the response and care of the staffand have given the PES a customer satisfactionrate of 4.78 out of a possible 5.The Department’s Peer SupportProgram provides patients and their familieswith companionship and education.Associates explain the screening process tothe patient and provide follow-up contact.“Peer Associates make the processmuch less threatening to consumers,”notes Tony Trachta, LSW, Director of thePES. “They speak from their own experienceand help to convey a sense of camaraderie.Patients in turn develop a comfortlevel that helps them understand andaccept recommendations and treatment.”Treatment withinthe CommunityWhen community-based treatmentmakes sense, the Department of BehavioralHealth & Psychiatry works with the familyand community agencies to help the personwith mental illness to stay at home andfunction within their community. “Wedesign treatment plans to respond to lifeskills issues that, when coordinated effectively,can help patients achieve a bettersense of self and greater confidence in theirability to function from day to day.” notesLinda Reynolds, LCSW, Director of theAmbulatory Adult Psychiatry Services.A wide range of outpatient adult servicesis available. Among them are acutepartial hospitalization, which operates fiveSpecialized programming is availablefor specific populations including thoseinvolved in domestic violence, thoseaffected by HIV, and those needing griefcounseling. The Family Resource Centeris a satellite office located in Cranford andalso specializes in depression, anxiety andpsychological trauma.Sensitivity to SeniorsAt a time when older adults hadplanned to enjoy life, they often encounterunexpected stresses and problems. Someof these problems may include chronicphysical or emotional illness, coping withthe loss of one’s spouse or other closefamily members, and decreasing abilityto manage one’s daily life independently.Ali Pintauro, MABrian Nandy, MASpecialized treatment addresses theneeds of the elderly so that psychiatric andmedical considerations can be treatedjointly and safely. Staff members withgeriatric expertise and in-depth knowledgeof older adults work together with seniorsto help them return to their normal livesquickly and successfully. For those whorequire hospitalization, this specializedprogramming is available on the inpatientunit as well.Continued on page 1412 HEALTHYEDGE