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Transylvania Community Hospital Launches Adult Mental Health Program
BREVARD, N.C., Aug. 21, 2007—Adult residents of Transylvania County and surrounding areas now have more access to outpatient mental health services thanks to a new program at Transylvania Community Hospital.
The AgeWell Fresh Start Program provides outpatient services for adults and seniors with a wide range of mental, emotional and social needs. The behavioral health program treats patients covered by Medicare with dementia, anxiety, depression, psychosis, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder and other mental health disorders. A free, confidential assessment and evaluation is completed in the admissions process. Transportation is also provided for patients who need help getting to the program.
“This program is for adults who need intensive outpatient treatment, but who don’t need the acute treatment offered by an inpatient psychiatric facility,” said Linda Dodds, the new director of the AgeWell Fresh Start Program. “Our goal is to provide behavioral health treatment in a warm, caring outpatient environment to prevent the need for inpatient treatment.”
Two local psychiatrists, Dr. Pamela Lowe and Dr. Patti Snodgrass, supervise the care of all patients in the AgeWell Fresh Start Program. The program also provides step-down treatment for patients in an inpatient facility with a focus on helping people reintegrate into the community. Group treatment, discharge planning and case management are provided by Carol Ward, Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Ward also coordinates treatment with caregivers and community providers.
The need for adult behavioral health treatment is large and growing in Transylvania County, especially among the older population, said Dodds, who holds a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy and is a Licensed Professional Counselor with more than 30 years experience. She managed a similar program in eastern North Carolina before moving to Brevard in April to start up the Fresh Start Program for Transylvania Community Hospital.
“Anxiety and depression—from losing a spouse to coping with aging and declining health—are two major mental health concerns of older adults,” Dodds said. “Our treatment is individualized to meet the unique needs of this population.”
The AgeWell Fresh Start Program welcomes referrals from family members, primary care providers and facilities. It is located at 89 Hospital Drive, just before the entrance to Transylvania Community Hospital. For more information, call 862-6393.
About Transylvania Community Hospital
Transylvania Community Hospital is a nationally ranked 5-Star Hospital and a leading provider of quality healthcare services in Transylvania and surrounding counties. Based in Brevard, N.C., it is a not-for-profit community hospital founded in 1933 and is the largest employer in Transylvania County.