Cover Story: Behavioral Health Hospital now open
May is mental health awareness month. It’s been observed since 1949 to fight stigma, educate the public, and support individuals with mental illness.
And recently, for the first time in nearly three decades, the Mahoning Valley is now home to a standalone behavioral health hospital.
The need for a stand-alone mental health facility in the valley was finally met this past January when Mercy Health opened its new Behavioral Health Hospital on Belmont Avenue.
It has 72 beds with the ability to expand to 96.
“The whole goal is not only be a specialty hospital for psychiatric services and behavioral health services, but to be local so people don’t have to go to Cleveland or other places. They can be close to home and family and friends can visit here,” said CEO, Joseph Caruso.
They have the ability to treat all levels of mental illness.
Schizophrenia, anxiety, PTSD, those who have major depressive disorders or mental health concerns accompanied by substance abuse.
Right now, two out the three units are full and they expect to open their third unit soon to meet the increasing needs of the community. The average length of stay here is around eight days.
“It was designed for this purpose. It wasn’t something that was retro-fitted into an existing unit. You’ll notice when you go into the facility, it’s very bright, there’s high ceilings there’s wide hallways. We have courtyards with activities going on outside,” added Caruso.
The hospital serves those who need short or long-term stays.
“Patients can either walk in for care and they will get an assessment from our intake department or we get referrals from the community and emergency rooms,” said Katie Bergin, Director of Clinical Services.
Do you know someone who is in need of their services?
“So if someone is struggling and needs help they can report to the closest emergency room, call the help hotline at 2-1-1, the suicide hotline which is 9-8-8, they could call us or walk through our door,” said Bergin.
The Mercy Health Behavioral Health Hospital will also begin to offer outpatient services at their facility within the next month.