Mental health clinic opens

The Alexian Brothers Center for Mental Health recently opened a short-term day program for those who need more than an occasional therapist, but less than hospitalization.

The program runs 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in a group counseling setting at 3455 Salt Creek in Arlington Heights, said Rick Germann, the center's director.

"We are a shore-them-up type of a program," Germann said. "We are like a MASH unit."

A typical patient would be at least 18 years old. Their primary diagnosis would be some major mental illness, like bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or major depression, Germann said.

Patients would be in an acute crisis with prior psychiatric diagnosis, he said.

It would likely not be the first time the patient had connected with mental health professionals.

Most people would spend every day, Monday through Friday, at the clinic for between two and four weeks.

Patients would not be working at a job or going to school because the clinic would be the primary focus for patients. Germann said.

It's an intense therapy program where patients see a doctor about twice a day or more, he said.

The program is small, with about eight to 10 people at a time allowed to join, he said.

The clinic has three therapy rooms, two group rooms and a kitchen area.

It's completely voluntary. Patients can leave the program anytime they'd like.

"This is not like a sterile, locked-door hospital environment," Germann said.

Substance abuse is not treated at the clinic. While some patients might abuse drugs, the primary reason patients are there is because they have a major mental illness, he said.

Patients are usually referred to the clinic through private practitioners or by a hospital.

The program is covered by many insurance companies, he said. The clinic also offers a sliding fee scale for patients without insurance or inadequate insurance to cover the expense.

To inquire about the clinic, call (847) 952-7460.