Behavioral Health

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:

Comprehensive psycho-social assessment
Individual therapy
Family therapy
Psychiatric evaluation
Medication management
Clozaril Clinic
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 Interactive Therapy – 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