WOOSTER -- Intensive outpatient behavioral health services soon will be offered at Wooster Community Hospital to help fill a gap at the local level between traditional outpatient psychiatric treatment and inpatient hospitalization.
According to program manager Brandi Cihlar, Ph.D., the programs treat people with acute psychiatric disorders, providing level of care and treatment services similar to what would be offered during an inpatient psychiatric hospitalization.
"Our program's goal is to reduce the need for inpatient hospitalizations and to provide step-down treatment programs for people discharged from an inpatient psychiatric hospital who are returning to their community," Cihlar said. "We've found a great need for this level of care for people with mental health related concerns in our community."
Cihlar said the behavioral health services employs psychiatrist Dr. Ann Ciancone, counselors, therapists and a registered nurse to offer treatment for adults, age 18 and over. Many of the patients will come with a psychiatric diagnosis of depression, anxiety, post- traumatic stress disorder or other mood disorders.
According to Cihlar, patients enter the program voluntarily and must be capable of participating in and benefiting from the intensive treatment. Patients who are potentially violent or acutely suicidal will be referred to other treatment resources.
The program will open Sept. 21. Staff are on-site during regular weekday business hours, while patients typically will be in the programs 9 a.m.-2 p.m., with extended hours available as required.
Cihlar said behavioral health services provides two levels of care.
"In our partial hospitalization program, patients come five days a week for up to six hours each day. The intensive outpatient program sees patients three or four days a week for three hours each day" Cihlar said. "Our patients will receive a combination of group therapy, individual and family therapy, psychiatric evaluation, medication management, and counseling for nutrition, wellness and life skills.
"Both programs are outpatient in nature," she said. "Our patients will return home to their families and friends each afternoon and are home for the full weekend.
The length of the patient's treatment can range from two weeks to two months or longer in some cases. Patients may transition from one level of care to the other based on their on-going need for treatment."
Dr. Cihlar says patients enter the Behavioral Health Services Program in a variety of ways. "Our patients may be referred to the program by their doctor, area mental health agencies, hospital case managers and discharge planners, or perhaps by a family member. Patients may also refer themselves by calling the program directly."
The cost of the program is covered by most insurance plans and Medicare.
To make a referral, call 330-263-8710. For more information, contact Cihlar at 330-263-8712 or bcihlar@wchosp.org.