A new mental Health Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) is set to launch at New Ulm Medical Center (NUMC) in order to provide a middle ground between in-patient and out-patient treatment. The program, which aims to bridge the gap in mental health care, will offer patients the opportunity to attend the hospital for six hours a day, five days a week for three weeks, before transitioning back to out-patient care.
Historically, the availability of mental health care has been limited in rural areas, with many patients having to travel long distances to access treatment. NUMC’s new PHP aims to address this issue by offering a local option for individuals in need of intensive mental health care. Additionally, the program will help to alleviate the pressure on the hospital’s 10 in-patient mental health beds, which are frequently at capacity.
The goal of the PHP is to stabilize individuals coming out of in-patient treatment, as well as to prevent the need for future in-patient care. By providing a structured day program and group therapy sessions, the program aims to break the cycle of in-patients requiring repeated hospitalizations. This approach also allows patients to process their emotions, receive education on medication management, and ease back into daily life, particularly for those struggling with anxiety and depression following the COVID-19 pandemic.
In addition to the PHP, NUMC is also planning to introduce an “intensive out-patient program” (IOP), which would offer further step-down care for patients. The ultimate goal of these programs is to make it easier for individuals to seek mental health care and to reduce the stigma associated with mental health treatment, particularly in rural communities.
Overall, the launch of NUMC’s new PHP and future IOP program represents a significant step forward in addressing the mental health crisis faced by many healthcare systems. By offering accessible and highly structured care, the programs aim to provide much-needed support to individuals struggling with mental health issues, while also educating the community about the importance of mental health care.
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