During difficult times Scott & White helps people tackle mental health issues , including addiction disorders
Life presents us with plenty of sources of stress — juggling careers and raising families are two of the main issues that people grapple with . Add to that the difficult economic times and the necessity of sending loved ones off to war across the globe . Many people struggle too with emotional and cognitive issues . One thing that ’ s clear is that the mental health professionals at Scott & White Healthcare are very much in demand .
illions of American adults struggle
M with a mental health disorder — one in every four people experiences some kind of episode each year . Major depressive disorders , or mood disorders , the leading cause of mental disability , are characterized by a sustained period of feeling down , low self-esteem and decreased pleasure in normally enjoyable activities . Anxiety , such as obsessivecompulsive disorder and depression , is another common problem in our culture . Yet , surprisingly , a stigma is sometimes still attached to people who face these challenges in their daily lives .
“ Sadly , many people suffer silently from mental health issues instead of seeking help ,” says William J . Meek , MD , interim associate chair for the past two years , Department of Psychiatry , Scott & White Healthcare ; director , Division of Adult Psychiatry . ( Note : In March 2010 the department welcomed its new chairman , Brian Kirkpatrick , MD .) Physicians are concerned about insurance cutbacks , too , since diminished coverage means that more people will go untreated or will stop treatment too soon because they can ’ t afford the cost . “ Without the proper treatment , these problems will only grow bigger . So Scott & White is dedicated to making mental health services as accessible as possible , in the most effective environment ,” says Dr . Meek .
The necessary care , the right place The prevalence of mental health disease prompted Scott & White to make specialty services more convenient for patients in the area . Besides the main hospital location in Temple , TX , outpatient services are available at the Waco , College Station and Round Rock locations . The Department of Psychiatry offers inpatient services , an intensive day program and outpatient services for adults 18 years and older . Child and adolescent psychiatry services for attention-deficit / hyperactivity disorder ( ADHD ) and eating disorders are available , as well as emergency psychiatric care for children and adults .
After a careful assessment , each patient receives a treatment plan tailored to his or her individual needs : it may include a combination of medication management ; group , individual , family or couples therapy ; and follow-up care . Scott & White ’ s inpatient care is easily accessible for medical specialty services if patients require them . These areas include internal medicine , neurology , physical therapy and orthopedics , to name a few . Collaboration among all caregivers promotes peace of mind for patients and helps physicians and support teams to map out the best care plan possible , in a comfortable and private environment .
To decide whether inpatient or outpatient treatment is needed , specially trained mental health counselors meet privately with patients . Then a follow-up appointment is scheduled , which family members are encouraged to attend .
Alcohol and drug dependency Substance abuse is a growing area of mental health concern . It includes alcohol and recreational or prescribed drug abuse and addiction . Scott & White has responded with a five-week intensive outpatient evening program to allow patients to maintain jobs during the day
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