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River Hospital's PTSD treatment program soon to be expanded

Watertown Daily Times (NY) - 11/28/2014

Nov. 28--ALEXANDRIA BAY -- River Hospital will again expand its mental health program that cares for active duty soldiers diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder.

Bradley Frey, River Community Wellness Program's director, said a new group of 10 female soldiers soon will join the rehabilitation program offered at the Fuller Street hospital with the expansion.

The therapeutic program, which has both inpatient and outpatient components, was established last year to serve the mental health needs of members of the St. Lawrence River community and military personnel through collaboration with Fort Drum.

Currently, the inpatient program serves 30 soldiers -- 15 female and 15 male active duty personnel suffering from anxiety, hyper vigilance, feeling of isolation or substance abuse due to PTSD -- at the former administrative offices for River Hospital, according to the hospital's website.

Since its launch in 2013, about a hundred soldiers graduated from the program that offers group, individual, peer-to-peer, and arts and movement therapy, among other mental health services. The program also served more than 115 community members in its first year.

With the expansion, the inpatient wellness program, which initially served only six soldiers when it was established, will have the capacity to care for 40 military personnel at the Alexandria Bay hospital.

Mr. Frey said the program is awaiting referrals from Fort Drum and hopes to welcome the new group of soldiers by the end of the year.

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