Partial Hospitalization at The Pavilion
For Patients With Mental Health Issues

The National Institute of Mental Health estimates that 26 percent of Americans -- or one in four adults -- live with diagnosable mental health conditions. One in 17 adults suffers from severe disorders.

Mental health treatment often requires lengthy, inpatient hospital stays -- away from family and friends -- or weekly outpatient services that may not offer the comprehensive, fullcircle support many patients need.

Now there's another option. The Partial Hospitalization Program at The Pavilion at Northwest Texas Healthcare System offers mental health patients the guidance, supervision, medical and therapeutic treatments they need with the freedom of living at home.

"Our program blends the best of both worlds," says Keith Morehouse, LCSW, Director of Clinical Services at The Pavilion. "Patients attend halfday sessions of group and one-on-one therapy with licensed therapists and psychiatrists who individualize treatment plans for them."

Services are offered Monday through Friday, daily or three to four days per week. Sessions begin at 8 a.m. (after patients have been picked up at their homes) and conclude at 2 p.m., with shuttle service home. Lunch is provided.

CONNECTING WITH OTHERS
During group therapy, patients are taught to recognize signs and symptoms of their mental illnesses and establish "awareness" of their problems.

Because therapy is conducted in a group setting, patients relate to others who are going through similar experiences. Patients in the program include those diagnosed with:

• Disorganized or paranoid schizophrenia
• Dual diagnosed (mental health diagnosis along with a diagnosis of alcohol or drug abuse issues)
• Major depression or anxiety
• Manic depression (bipolar disorder)
• Schizoaffective mood disorders

Patients are eligible for the program if their mental health conditions significantly inhibit their daily life activities and make it difficult for them to function effectively at work or school. Those diagnosed primarily with alcohol or drug abuse issues are referred to another partial outpatient program, the Intensive Outpatient Program, available at The Pavilion from 6 to 9 p.m.

APPROACHES TO TREATMENT
One-on-one therapy is extended to patients who need more intensive treatments. During cognitive behavioral therapy, patients learn to deconstruct their behaviors by recognizing that their actions are fueled by feelings and beliefs they carry about themselves and others.

"Understanding the link between thoughts, feelings and actions leads many patients to begin the recovery process," says Mr. Morehouse.

Alternative therapeutic approaches also are offered. An expressive therapist may incorporate art and music into sessions to help patients actively work through their feelings and cope with the difficulties of mental health disorders.

REAL-WORLD TRANSITIONS
Patients nearing completion of the Partial Hospitalization program meet with the program coordinator, Renetta Fletcher, LPC-I, NCC, LBSW, who provides them with contacts and resources to help them "get their lives back."

"We offer advice, counseling and information on step-down programs and referrals to available therapists and support groups, and access to local social services," she says.

To learn more about Partial Hospitalization services and other behavioral health services offered at The Pavilion, please call the ACCESS line at 806-354-1810.

1501 S. Coulter, Amarillo, TX 79106 (806) 354-1000