Comprehensive Psychiatric Assessment & Stabilization
Assessment services
Stabilization services
Four main services are available to patients based on their needs.
- Neuropsychological assessment as well as recommendations for specific treatment and community support
- Inpatient stabilization as an alternative to acute settings, including biopsychosocial assessment, medical detoxification if needed and medication management
- Groups that aid patients in preparing for psychiatric treatment
- Therapeutic groups, psychoeducation, daily visits from the on-site psychiatrist and meetings twice a week with the treatment team
For adults and their families who are dealing with challenging issues or a crisis, the unit’s interdisciplinary treatment team is well trained and experienced in meeting your needs and collaborating with you on next steps. Staff on the assessment and stabilization team represent the clinical perspectives of a psychiatrist, psychologist, neuropsychiatrist, internist, social worker, rehabilitation specialist, addictions counselor, nurses and other specialists.
Admission for assessment or stabilization can be accommodated on the same day.
Assessment services
When a person is experiencing difficulties with any of these areas–behavior, self-perception, brain functioning, social interactions or effectiveness of psychiatric medication–or is seeking a second opinion, a comprehensive diagnostic assessment can clarify the issues and action needed.
We recognize not all families can remain in town for a day or two after the admission. For family members who can, the team will arrange in advance when possible to meet the family in person. When a face-to-face meeting isn't feasible, the team arranges to contact the family by phone to:
- Discuss information about the patient and the family's experience and culture
- Establish common goals
- Review the schedule and communication about the patient’s progress
The patients interact with peers experiencing similar issues and participate in assessments and groups that are conveniently scheduled for the patient by the unit staff. The workup may include:
- Psychiatric evaluation
- Extensive neuropsychological testing
- MRI
- Psychological testing
- Psychosocial evaluation
- Family system study
- Neurological consultation
- Additional tests as needed, such as PET scan, sleep study and genotyping (for a drug metabolism profile)
One of the team’s strengths is working with families. The staff updates family members and referring professionals about its progress throughout the patient’s stay.
To develop the comprehensive diagnostic picture and treatment recommendations, the team combines its assessment data with information from prior treaters, the patient and his/her family.
The team meets with the patient and family either in person or by conference call to share its findings and recommendations. For the patient and family, the process results in:
- A thorough diagnostic understanding of the patient and the contributors to the complex or recurring problems
- A plan for continued treatment that is supported by the patient, family and referring professional(s)
- Support, learning and renewed hope
The full written report is provided to the patient and patient’s referring professional. If continued hospitalization is recommended by the team, the patient will be referred to an appropriate treatment setting that meets the patient’s needs.
Stabilization services
For individuals with acute symptoms that may include medical detoxification, this unit focuses on symptom reduction from seven to 10 days. While hospitalized, the patient participates in:
- Biopsychosocial assessments
- Medication management
- Group and staff interventions that develop readiness for treatment while the social worker mobilizes the support of family and collaborates on discharge planning with the patient and family
The unit provides a quieter, more predictable alternative to typical acute hospital settings, as well as more access to therapeutic interventions. The Comprehensive Psychiatric Assessment and Stabilization service encourages its stabilization patients to participate in therapeutic and educational groups on the unit. Patients also see their on-site psychiatrist daily and the entire treatment team twice a week.
When detoxification is needed from alcohol, opiates or other drugs and substances, the team routinely handles this on the unit unless intravenous hydration is required. For these patients, withdrawal can be managed at Menninger’s affiliate, The Methodist Hospital, followed by a transfer to Menninger’s stabilization unit.
The patient can elect to add neuropsychological assessment and to continue treatment in a six- to eight-week Menninger inpatient program.
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