Located on the third floor of the Medical Center, the modern 12-bed unit includes comfortable surroundings, such as a group therapy room, activities room, living room and kitchen. Patients and staff wear street clothes to provide a less clinical, relaxed atmosphere.

The unit relies on a problem-oriented approach that integrates biological, social and individual perspectives into the treatment plan. All patients receive support-system assessment, and most will have family therapy, all within a casual setting. Inpatient care may be the only safe setting to deal with behaviors and beliefs that prevent outpatient therapy and management. Patient confidentiality is maintained closely.

The goal is to help patients learn and practice new coping skills, through various individual, family and group therapies. Psychopharmacology use is consistent with the latest treatment advancements.

Persons with acute psychiatric problems can be evaluated in the Mount Nittany Medical Center Emergency Department for admission. Referrals typically come from providers or insurance companies who have ensured that admission requirements have been met. For more information, call 814.234.6177.

The Mental Health Unit is comprised of a group of highly qualified individuals. Led by a Medical Director certified in psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, the unit employs licensed psychiatric social workers, a certified recreation therapist, counselors and registered nurses, and is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

A Note About Insurance

Though most of our patients remain privately insured, we are integrated into the Community Mental Health System and will take involuntary admissions. Though our primary mission is to serve Centre County, we will accept patients from distant communities or rural areas. We primarily provide general psychiatric care, but psychiatric admissions with drug and alcohol issues are evaluated and connections made with specific aftercare for those additional needs.