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AAMC opens mental health center Annapolis facility treats patients ages 13 and older

Maryland Gazette (MD) - 7/20/2016

Anne Arundel Medical Center opened a mental health center in Annapolis last week, serving people who need intensive outpatient care as an alternative to overnight hospitalization.

The Psychiatric Day Hospital provides clinical, diagnostic and mental health treatment for patients ages 13 and older, the hospital said in a prepared statement. It can treat up to 12 adolescents and 12 adults.

"Expanding access to mental health services is a top priority for Anne Arundel Medical Center," said Raymond Hoffman, the medical director of the Division of Mental Health and Substance Use at AAMC.

The center, located on Holiday Court, will offer mental health and medical evaluations, group psychotherapy, family therapy, school-based tutoring, art and activity therapy, goal setting and skill development, and emergency services for patients.

Hoffman said AAMC opened an outpatient center in fall 2014. Since it opened, the center has treated more than 2,600 patients.

The recently opened day hospital will provide more intense care without requiring patients to stay overnight.

"Patients can be treated in the community with a high level of intervention without around-the-clock supervision," Hoffman said.

The center is part of a larger expansion of mental health services by the hospital. It has applied to state regulators for approval of an inpatient center with 16 beds. The hospital is waiting for state approval.

Baltimore Washington Medical Center currently operates a emergency inpatient center at its campus in Glen Burnie.

During the most recent countywide health assessment, mental health and substance abuse services were identified as one of the county's highest priority health care needs.

Some patients travel out of the county to receive treatment, Hoffman said.

"We hope by opening this program, we can deflect some unnecessary use of inpatient beds, which are in great demand and short supply," Hoffman said.

Credit: By Cindy Huang - chuang@capgaznews.com