At Independence Health System, we believe that families are the building
blocks of our community. We also know that today's families face more
challenges than ever. Our core philosophy is that building on the unique
strengths of each individual and fostering positive experiences will result
in more rewarding lives and a stronger, more vital community.
Inpatient Behavioral Health Services Offered
Geriatric Psychiatry
The Geriatric Psychiatry Unit provides inpatient hospital-based services
for aging adults 55 years and older with special attention to the frail
elderly who may have multiple medical and psychiatric problems. We provide
comprehensive, specialized diagnostic and treatment services to the aging
adult, and offer support and education to their families. Comprehensive
discharge planning is also offered including assistance in coordinating
appropriate living arrangements and community resources.
A multidisciplinary team approach is valuable in determining an individual’s
needs. Our compassionate treatment team of professionals is comprised
of a board-certified geriatric psychiatrist, certified registered nurse
practitioner, psychiatric registered nurses, clinical specialists, certified
recreational therapist, and milieu therapist. We also understand the importance
of family involvement and welcome their participation.
Individuals may benefit from an evaluation and treatment if they are experiencing
symptoms of:
Depression (persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness or emptiness)
Suicidal thoughts
Anxiety, restless and agitation
Memory loss / confusion
Adult Psychiatry
The Adult Psychiatric Unit/Adult Behavioral Health Unit provides inpatient
hospital-based services for adults 18 – 55 years of age. We offer
comprehensive psychiatric evaluation and treatment for individuals experiencing
acute symptoms of their behavioral health disorder. Services are provided
by an experienced multidisciplinary treatment team of professionals including
board-certified psychiatrists, certified registered nurse practitioner,
psychiatric registered nurses, clinical specialists, milieu therapists
and recreational therapists.
Treatment may include:
A comprehensive psychiatric and medical evaluation
Medication evaluation and management
Group programming and individual supportive therapy
Comprehensive discharge planning to assist in securing out-patient services
and coordination of community resources
Support and education for families
Individuals appropriate for inpatient treatment would be those experiencing
acute symptoms associated with a cognitive, mood, personality or co-occurring
disorder such as:
Suicidal / self-harm thoughts
Depression and anxiety
Mania – insomnia, poor judgement and insight
Hallucinations, delusions, paranoia
Inability to complete activities of daily living (eating, hygiene) in the
context of mental illness
For more information about Adult Psychiatry Unit in the Butler Area, call:
724-283-6666
For more information about Adult Behavioral Health Inpatient Services in
Westmoreland Area, call:
724-832-4465
Child & Adolescent Inpatient Behavioral Health Services
For those 18 years and younger, our inpatient psychiatric program provides
a safe, supportive treatment environment designed for children and adolescents
in crisis. The short-term acute 11-bed inpatient unit located within Latrobe
Hospital offers:
Psychiatric evaluation
Medication management
Laboratory screenings
Structured therapeutic programming and placement
Art therapy
Individual, group and family therapy
Education instruction and remedial help
Medical consultation
Social work services, including comprehensive discharge planning to assist
in securing out-patient services and coordination of school and community
resources.
For more information about Child and Adolescent Inpatient Services in Westmoreland/Latrobe
Area, call:
724-832-4465.
We also offer 24-hour crisis services for children in need. For more information
about Child and Adolescent Behavioral Health Services in the Westmoreland/Latrobe
Area, call:
724-832-4465.
Outpatient Behavioral Health
Assertive Community Treatment (ACT)
Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) is a team-based treatment model that
provides multidisciplinary, flexible treatment and support to people with
severe and persistent mental illness 24/7. ACT is based around the idea
that people receive better care when their mental health care providers
work together. ACT team members help individuals address every aspect
of their life, whether it be medication, therapy, social support, employment
or housing. ACT is typically used for people who have transferred out
of an inpatient setting but would benefit from a similar level of care
and having the comfort of living a more independent life than would be
possible with inpatient care.
For information on this program or how to refer an individual, call Butler Area
724-968-5310.
Partial Hospitalization
Our partial hospital program is an intensive, short-term alternative to
or a step down from inpatient care.
Through comprehensive psychiatric evaluation, individualized treatment
planning, and specialized therapeutic approaches, we can help you to develop
and practice skills and strategies needed to promote and maintain your
personal well-being. Based at Westmoreland Hospital, the program operates
one specialized four-hour sessions each day from Noon to 4 p.m.
Outpatient Behavioral Health Services in the Westmoreland Area
Comprehensive outpatient behavioral health services are available at Westmoreland,
Latrobe Hospital. After a brief telephone interview, we schedule your
first appointment that may include one or some of the following services:
EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing)
Community psychiatric nursing
For more information about Outpatient Behavioral Health in the Butler Area, call:
724-283-6666
For more information about Outpatient Behavioral Health in the Westmoreland/Latrobe
Area, call:
724-832-4450 or
724-537-1650
Outpatient Behavioral Health - Family Services in the Butler/Clarion Area
Individual, Family and Group Counseling – We are proud to offer therapy services for individuals and families
from highly qualified professionals. Serving children and adults.
Children's Intensive Outpatient Program – This program is designed to aid children with mental health disorders
in their social and emotional development. Tuesdays and Thursdays, 4:30
pm - 7:30 pm, September - April. Children grades 1-6.
Adolescent After School Program – This group program provides family and community-based treatment for adolescents
who have been identified as having significant difficulties successfully
integrating into the community, home and school-based activities due to
poor social skills and a history of inappropriate behavior. The purpose
of ASAP 2 is to improve the adolescent's social and emotional functioning.
Wednesdays 3:30 pm - 5:30 pm, September - May. Adolescent grades 7-12.
Parent-Child InteractiveTherapy – In this short-term course, parents learn new ways to interact
with children ages 2-7 with a focus on improving parent/child relationships
and developing improved communication skills.
Children's Summer Express Intensive Outpatient Program – During this 6-week summer program, children with Disruptive Behavior
Disorders participate in courses designed to improve social, behavioral
and emotional development. Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, 3 hours each
day. Children grades 1 through 6.
Play Therapy – Therapeutic use of play to help children (typically ages 3-12)
to better express themselves and resolve their issues.
Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy – Trauma-focused CBT is an evidenced based treatment for children and adolescents
impacted by trauma. TFCBT can help resolve a broad array of emotional
and behavioral difficulties associated with single, multiple and complex
trauma experiences. Provided by TFCBT certified therapists.
Psychiatric Evaluation – Psychiatric assessment for children and adults completed by board
certified psychiatrists.
Pharmacologic (Medication) Management – Assess the need for psychotropic medication for symptom management.
Prescribing and medication management for clients receiving therapy with
BHS Outpatient Mental Health - Family Services.
Additional outpatient programs include:
Family Services Corps
BHS Regional Recovery Program
For more information about any of the outpatient programs offered above,
call Butler Family Services at
724-284-4894.
Behavioral Health Services Help Improve Quality of Life
How we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices at every stage
of life are impacted by our mental and emotional health. Our goal is to
create an empowering environment so individuals can set their path to
recovery, accomplish their goals, and reconnect with their family, friends
and community.
At our centers, we embrace hope and avoid the language of illness. We work
with individuals to develop strategies for coping, personal growth and
continuing wellness. Through a blend of compassion and understanding,
we focus on individual strengths, and strive to help each person achieve
desired results.
IHS offers a comprehensive continuum of inpatient, outpatient and community-based
services for children, adolescents, adults and families. Our services
have been recognized by Mental Health America via its Innovations Award program.
Positive Mental Health Allows People To:
Realize their full potential.
Cope with the stresses of life
Work productively
Make meaningful contributions to their communities.
Over the course of your life, if you experience mental health problems,
your thinking, mood and behavior could be affected. Many factors contribute
to mental health problems, including:
Biological factors, such as genes or brain chemistry
Life experiences, such as trauma or abuse
Family history of mental health problems
Early Warning Signs of Mental Health Problems
Not sure if you or someone you know is living with mental health problems?
Experiencing one or more of the following feelings or behaviors can be
an early warning sign of a problem:
Eating or sleeping too much or too little
Pulling away from people and usual activities
Having low or no energy
Having unexplained aches and pains
Feeling helpless or hopeless
Smoking, drinking, or using drugs more than usual
Feeling unusually confused, forgetful, on edge, angry, upset, worried, or scared
Yelling or fighting with family and friends
Experiencing severe mood swings that cause problems in relationships
Having persistent thoughts and memories you can’t get out of your head
Hearing voices or believing things that are not true
Thinking of harming yourself or others
Inability to perform daily tasks like taking care of your kids or getting
to work or school
Feeling numb or like nothing matters
Mental Health Crisis Intervention Hotlines:
Those experiencing a crisis, or know someone who is, can call any number
below for help.
