Jennie Stuart Health’s Behavioral Health Unit was established to help those experiencing mental health crises. Kendra Vereen, the director of Inpatient Psychiatric Services, appeared on WHOP to share how the unit supports patients.
Vereen says they provide services for those who might be suffering from acute mental health issues such as suicidal and homicidal ideation, major depression and mania. The unit was expanded from seven to 12 beds in March.
Patients can be referred to the program through multiple avenues. Vereen says patients have been referred to the unit through the hospital’s emergency department, other medical offices or the hospital’s medical surgery unit.
In the unit, Vereen says patients have a structured day which includes therapy activities, exercise, group psychoeducation sessions and some time to relax. Patient stays typically last between one to two weeks, but Vereen says they have also had stays last a couple of days to a few months.
Discharge plans are also organized for outgoing patients. Vereen says the plans often include the patient’s family and doctors to ensure they have support to remain on a treatment plan.
More information about Jennie Stuart’s Behavioral Health Unit is available under the services tab at jenniestuarthealth.org.