“According to the U.S. Surgeon General’s report on mental health, more than half of all Americans with a severe mental illness fail to seek treatment,” adds Dr. Veser. “Many people do not receive treatment for mental health problems due to a lack of awareness of the problem, fear of stigma, or lack of access to appropriate services. Yet, overall quality of life is greatly improved when a person with a mental health problem gets an early diagnosis and receives appropriate treatment.”

The St. Luke’s Hospital Center of Behavioral Medicine is a 10-bed, inpatient facility serving adults age 55 and over. The unit specializes in the diagnoses and treatment of diseases such as depression, anxiety and panic disorders, Alzheimer’s Disease and other dementias, Parkinson’s, psychosis, bipolar and mood disorders and Schizophrenia.

Referrals are accepted from physicians, social services, family, friends, community providers, assisted living and skilled nursing facilities, or self referral. Staff is available for free in-home assessments to determine the appropriate level of care.

“Our program offers a holistic approach to health, giving attention to medical, psychological and social factors. Each patient’s treatment begins with an expert multi- disciplinary assessment performed by a team which then creates a master plan of treatment tailored to the individual patient’s needs,” explains Brodar. “Treatments vary based on the severity of problems, but include psychotherapy, medications, home health care and hospitalization providing a structured therapeutic approach in an appropriate environment.”

For more information about the St. Luke’s Hospital Center of Behavioral Medicine, call 828-894-3525 ext. 3333.

Caring for our community is another way St. Luke’s Hospital continues to provide exceptional care, close to home.

– article submitted by Jennifer Wilson