The behavioral health services unit employs licensed psychiatric social workers, a certified recreation therapist, counselors and registered nurses. We primarily provide general psychiatric care, which includes the treatment of conditions like:
Patients with drug and alcohol issues are evaluated, and connections are made with appropriate aftercare providers for those needs instead of admitting them as inpatients at our facility.
Our patients come to us one of two ways: through the emergency department (ED) or by referrals from a behavioral health professional. All patients must go through the ED first for a physical health analysis before being admitted to the behavioral health services unit.
We are integrated into the community behavioral health system and will take involuntary admissions. Though our primary mission is to serve Centre County, we will accept patients from other communities or rural areas.
Being admitted to an inpatient behavioral health unit can be intimidating, but we want to help dispel as much anxiety as possible. All patients need to have medical clearance to ensure medical stability prior to admission. If someone arrives at the Medical Center’s ED for behavioral health concerns, ED physicians will medically clear the person with an examination and lab work.
Once medically cleared, either a behavioral health services staff member or the local behavioral health crisis team will conduct a psychiatric assessment to determine the level of treatment/intervention required, either inpatient or outpatient. If the patient meets the criteria for inpatient admission, the referral for admission will be made. The process of ED medical clearance, lab work, psych evaluation, insurance precertification and admission can take several hours before the person is actually admitted to our unit.
During the first 24 hours in the unit, the patient will meet with various clinicians to determine how we can meet his or her treatment needs and set goals to help ensure a safe return to the community.
The patient will also have daily meetings with a psychiatric clinician (either a psychiatrist or a certified nurse practitioner). Patients are strongly encouraged to participate in the treatment activities and groups that are scheduled throughout the day to get the maximum therapeutic benefit from inpatient treatment.
Patients do not leave the unit during their hospitalization except for treatments or tests per a physician's order.
Additionally, to help manage anxiety and sleep issues, caffeinated beverages are restricted to 24 ounces daily, before 3:00 pm. The unit is non-smoking and tobacco free, though nicotine replacement can be provided.
What to bring
Patients should bring a minimal number of personal items for their stay at the Medical Center. This should include:
What not to bring
Patients are strongly encouraged to leave money and valuables at home or with family members. The following items are prohibited:
Treatment plans integrate biological, social and individual perspectives in finding the right approach for each patient.
Some treatment approaches we use include:
Most insurance companies require precertification to authorize inpatient care.