The Lourdes Behavioral Health Institute will offer comprehensive services for inpatients and outpatients, including the latest innovations in safety features, and a multi-sensory environment that includes music, color, lighting and exercise equipment to help patients reach their behavior management goals. This will accompany the evidence-based psychotherapeutic treatment already provided by certified and licensed clinicians, and Lourdes is exploring partnership opportunities with other providers for additional services.
Dr. Laurie Ballew, DO, the new Medical Director of Psychiatric Services, said the new unit on the completely remodeled 6th floor will be drastically different from "Two North." "We're going to have an adult unit and also a geriatric unit to treat patients who are 65 and older who are suffering from Alzheiemer's type and other type dementias," Ballew said. "One way that it's going to be really different is that it's going to be more open, we're going to be more accessible, it's going to be more patient-friendly and more family-friendly, which is a big difference."
The expanded center will also include a partial hospitalization program and an intensive outpatient program. "Behavioral health is a critical component to one's life and well-being and needs to be integrated in the full continuum of care," said Steven Grinnell, Lourdes President and CEO. "Through the Lourdes Behavioral Health Institute, we are creating a comprehensive approach to behavioral health care that doesn't currently exist in our market today." "Today, healthcare professionals know the strong connections between mental and physical health," said Ballew. "These connections include the fact that people with behavioral health issues are at higher risk of developing chronic physical conditions and people with chronic physical health issues are at higher risk of developing behavioral health conditions."
She added, "We recognize this link and are taking action to ensure that behavioral health concerns are addressed appropriately, at the right time and with the right treatment options available. Patients and their families deserve nothing less." Ballew said the renovation will cost $5 million, and the new Behavioral Health Institute is expected to open in 7 months.
