New NCH behavioral health services to meet community need
ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. (March 9, 2016) - Individuals with behavioral health and substance abuse problems will find more resources at Northwest Community Healthcare (NCH), which recently opened several new behavioral health services in partnership with Linden Oaks.
One in four adults, approximately 61.5 million Americans, experience mental illness, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, and approximately 60 percent of adults with a mental illness received no mental health services in the previous year.
"There is an absolute need for behavioral health services in our community," says Maureen Kunz, administrative director of Behavioral Health Services at NCH. "Our new services direct people to the appropriate setting and level of care if they or a family member are experiencing a mental health crisis."
Generations Program opens
To meet the needs of adults age 50 and older who suffer from depression, anxiety or other mental health issues, NCH has created the Generations Program, a new inpatient behavioral health service on the second floor of 901 W. Kirchhoff Road. The 20-bed unit offers a multi-faceted treatment approach that addresses the biological, emotional, social and spiritual aspects of recovery.
Programming includes specialized therapies, individual psychotherapy, group therapy, and opportunities to discuss issues, such as loneliness and aging.
Adult Residential Addictions Center opens
The Adult Residential Addictions Center, a 30-bed unit on the third floor at 901 W. Kirchhoff Road on the hospital campus, offers a specialized program to help people who are struggling with addictions to alcohol or drugs.
The program is staffed by physicians who specialize in the study and management of chemical dependency, as well as licensed clinicians and round-the-clock nursing. The treatment covers recovery strategies and the development of an individualized treatment plan. In addition, NCH will help individuals prepare to return to work through vocational and career counseling and motivational interviewing.
Walk-in behavioral health assessments now available
The Assessment and Referral Center, located on the first floor of 901 W. Kirchhoff Road on the hospital campus, offers individuals a free behavioral health assessment and patient-centered referrals.
"Just as with any other illness, the first step to feeling better is identifying the problem," Kunz says. "Our behavioral health assessment is a free, confidential evaluation of your symptoms conducted by a licensed clinician. It gives us a better understanding of your needs."
The center has an observation area for patients and is staffed with clinicians who treat anxiety, depression and substance abuse for adolescents and adults. Full behavioral health assessments are available seven days a week, from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.
In addition to these new services, NCH offers a comprehensive network of behavioral health programs for adults and adolescents. For more information about NCH's Behavioral Health Services, call 847-HEALING (432-5464).