Adult Inpatient Services
The Adult Inpatient Program at Westborough Behavioral Healthcare Hospital is equipped to address the mental health needs of diverse populations. The goal of the adult inpatient program is to stabilize the patient so that she or he may function adequately in a less restrictive treatment setting. Treatment is focused on stabilizing acute symptoms and developing positive coping skills.
Treatment involves several components:
- The routine and structure of the hospital environment
- Assessment
- Individual therapy
- Group therapy
- Medication
- Education
- Recreation
- Enhanced Modalities
All services are rendered under the direction of the admitting physician and in accordance with the rules and regulations of the medical staff. The routine and structure of the hospital are part of the treatment program. Staff members provide guidance and encouragement and help patients develop skills to improve functioning. The hospital is a safe place where the stressors and pressures of life outside of the hospital are minimized, allowing the patient to focus on themselves and what led to their hospitalization.
The first formal part of the inpatient treatment is the assessment. A physical examination is a part of this initial evaluation. The treatment given to each patient is determined by the individual needs of the patient identified in the assessment. Scheduled treatment includes individual and family therapy (as prescribed or deemed necessary by staff), meditation and reflection, therapy groups, journaling, recreation therapy, and medication (when prescribed by the psychiatrist or physician). Patients are expected to participate fully in all aspects of the program.
Families are encouraged to be involved in treatment by providing information about circumstances related to the hospitalization, learning about the illness and its management, and helping identify and change patterns of interaction within the family that may contribute to difficulties for the patient. The primary goal of treatment at Westborough Behavioral Healthcare Hospital is crisis stabilization. We recognize that upon discharge, there will likely be the need for continued treatment in an outpatient setting. Because the ultimate goal is long-term improvement, Westborough Behavioral Healthcare Hospital staff will develop and coordinate a comprehensive discharge plan in collaboration with the patient and, when indicated, the family and others. The discharge plan may include referrals to outpatient services, including but not limited to psychiatric appointments, individual therapy, day treatment, and support groups.
Program Description
Our program is designed to relieve emotional suffering by allowing patients to express their thoughts and feelings in a safe environment. The components of the program, in addition to the structure and routine of the hospital environment, are outlined below:
Cognitive-Behavioral Group Therapy - The group process is focused on thought processes and interpretations (perceptions) of events that contribute to behavioral and emotional difficulties. Reflective discussions enable the patient to gain insight and a sense of control over defeating thoughts and behaviors.
Educational Groups – Psycho-educational group sessions aim to increase coping, understanding, and knowledge through education.
Individual Therapy– Individual therapy is designed to increase coping, understanding, and communication and facilitate healing and a sense of understanding through effective communication and emotional expression.
Reflection - Daily reflections and handouts are provided to set intentions for the day. The reflection is meant to provide encouragement and motivation for change.
Meditation - The meditation focuses on relaxation techniques using music and visualization. These are very important skills to learn as they can significantly reduce stress and anxiety and assist in re-creating a sense of wellness.
Journaling - Each patient receives the Patient Handbook and Journal upon admission to the program. The Handbook includes program information, therapeutic materials to be reviewed individually or within a group context, and journaling pages. The therapeutic materials and journaling encourage self-reflection and self-expression and can also serve as a record of your progress and success.
Care Coordination – Care Managers and Unit Therapists are available to assist with discharge planning to ensure continuity of care in the community. It is highly recommended that each patient take full advantage of the most intensive services available following their stay. Community resources and information are also provided, as needed, to meet individual needs.