Halifax Mental Health Hospital [Mental Health Care in Halifax]

Mental illnesses can have a profound impact on individuals and their loved ones, often leading to significant suffering and challenges in daily life.

Conditions like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and others can disrupt one’s ability to function and require specialized care for effective management and recovery.

Without proper treatment, these disorders can exacerbate and lead to long-term consequences.

For this reason, it is so important to have exceptional mental health facilities available that can help people in their time of need.

These facilities play a vital role in offering a range of mental health services to patients, ranging from therapy and medication management to intensive interventions and crisis stabilization.

One such facility that is considered among the best is the Halifax Health Medical Center.

Located in Florida, this renowned institution has been providing compassionate and comprehensive care for decades.

This article will explore the excellent services offered at Halifax Mental Health Hospital, as well as the various teams of professionals that comprise their interdisciplinary approach.

By exploring the exceptional care and support available at Halifax, we aim to increase the knowledge of the resources that can help people find their way to wellness once again.

About Halifax: Adult Behavioral Services

Halifax Health’s adult behavioral services are equipped to help patients facing a wide variety of challenges through their journey toward recovery and wellness.

Whether intervening during a crisis, treating an underlying medical condition, or aiding the transition to independent living, they can address both acute and long-term behavioral health needs.

As a designated Baker Act receiving facility, the hospital provides expert inpatient psychiatric care with full medical services 24/7.

Trained professionals are available every day to conduct screenings, and assessments, and appropriately place individuals in need of behavioral health treatment.

Their unit is staffed by a team of experienced mental health professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and registered nurses.

While receiving round-the-clock care in the secure adult behavioral services inpatient unit, family and friends are welcome to visit during designated hours.

From Monday through Friday, visits take place from 6-8 pm, as well as 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm on weekends and holidays.

Although visitation hours may seem a bit restrictive, this schedule allows their patients the time and space they need to focus on their recovery and healing.

This balanced approach aims to support therapeutic goals and care coordination through connected community involvement.

Mental Health Services Available At Halifax Mental Health Hospital

Halifax Health offers a wide range of services designed to provide support, care, and healing to individuals navigating mental health challenges.

Their multidisciplinary approach, encompassing various specialties and expertise, ensures that patients receive holistic care to address their unique needs and circumstances.

Their services include the following:

1. Emergency Services

Halifax Health understands the urgency of mental health crises and offers three psychiatric screening rooms within the emergency department for rapid evaluation.

Recognized as the only hospital in Volusia County certified by the Department of Children and Families as a Baker Act facility, it provides specialized care for people facing acute mental health episodes.

2. Suicide Prevention Services

Committed to suicide prevention, Halifax Health implements mental wellness initiatives and resources to support those in need.

The hospital’s “Connect 4 Hope” program emphasizes three key components: connecting with oneself, reaching out to others, and accessing available resources.

The program aims to promote mental wellness and prevent suicide within the community.

It encourages individuals to conduct daily mental health check-ups, foster supportive relationships, and utilize local resources,

3. Outpatient Mental Health Support Group

Halifax Health hosts an outpatient mental health support group every Thursday at 3 pm in the Psychiatric lobby conference room.

Open to the public, the group offers a platform for individuals seeking support for their mental wellness journey.

Led by community members, the group provides a safe space for sharing experiences and fostering mutual support, although it does not involve the participation of a therapist.

4. NAMI Support Group

In collaboration with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), Halifax Health hosts a NAMI support group every Wednesday evening from 6:00 to 7:30 pm.

NAMI is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization, dedicated to improving the lives of individuals affected by mental illness.

The support group is facilitated by Linda Murphy, Executive Director for NAMI of Volusia/Flagler/St. John’s.

It offers a supportive environment for individuals and families to share their experiences, receive education, and access resources for navigating mental health challenges effectively.

5. Child and Adolescent Care

Recognizing the unique needs of children and adolescents facing emotional and behavioral difficulties, Halifax Health offers psychiatric services for individuals aged 2-17.

With a primary focus on providing a safe and therapeutic environment, the hospital’s behavioral services team works diligently to support the development of healthy behaviors.

Through therapeutic interventions and skill-building activities, children and adolescents are empowered to learn new coping strategies, fostering positive social and emotional growth.

The ultimate aim is to facilitate a seamless transition back into their homes, families, schools, and communities, equipped with the necessary tools for sustained well-being.

6. Intensive Community-Based Treatment

Halifax Health offers intensive community-based treatment through its community action team, catering to families with young children and young adults aged 11-21.

These individuals are at risk of out-of-home placement due to mental health conditions, co-occurring disorders, or related complex issues that traditional services have not addressed.

The community action team provides intensive support tailored to each family, aiming to prevent out-of-home placement and promote stability and well-being within the community.

7. Parenting Classes

Halifax Health conducts parenting classes every Tuesday from 5:30 to 6:30 pm, providing support to parents navigating the challenges of raising children with mental health needs.

To ensure a focused learning environment, no late entries are permitted after 5:30 pm when the session begins.

The classes consist of six consecutive sessions, covering essential topics relevant to parenting children with mental health concerns.

Upon completion of all six sessions and presentation of attendance receipts, participants receive a certificate of completion

The certificate acknowledges their commitment to enhancing their parenting skills and supporting their children’s well-being.

Doctors At Halifax

Halifax Hospital boasts a team of highly skilled and dedicated mental health professionals, renowned for their expertise in providing exceptional care to patients.

Here are some of the esteemed doctors who contribute to the hospital’s reputation for excellence:

1. Suzzane Yoder

With over 30 years of experience, Dr. Suzzane Yoder is a distinguished psychiatry specialist.

She graduated from the University of Louisville in 1993 and holds expertise in psychotic disorders.

Dr. Yoder’s top areas of expertise include bipolar disorder (BPD), schizoaffective disorder, schizophrenia, and major depression.

2. Fariya Afridi

Specializing in child and adolescent psychiatry, Dr. Fariya Afridi brings over 20 years of experience to her practice.

She received her medical degree from Sindh Medical College and has extensive experience in treating conditions such as conduct disorder, suicidal ideation, and various emotional adolescent disorders.

3. Ivania Irby

Affiliated with multiple hospitals including Halifax Health Medical Center, Dr. Ivania T. Irby has over two decades of experience.

She received her medical degree from Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Nicaragua and specializes in treating bipolar disorder and other psychiatric conditions.

4. Parveen Kumar

Dr. Parveen Kumar is a psychiatrist and sleep medicine doctor in Florida.

Rated as an advanced doctor by MediFind in the treatment of dementia, Dr. Kumar’s expertise lies in schizophrenia, dementia, schizoaffective disorder, and major depression.

5. Niurys Perez-Colome

With over 17 years of experience, Dr. Niurys Perez-Colome graduated from Instituto Tecnologico de Santo Domingo Escuela de Medicina in 2007.

Her top areas of expertise include schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, major depression, and bipolar disorder (BPD).

6. Oscar Plata

Dr. Oscar Plata graduated from the Universidad Iberoamericana (Unibe) School of Medicine in 2012.

He specializes in treating conditions such as tobacco use disorder, suicidal ideation, and nondependent drug and alcohol abuse.

He also has expertise in treating non-Alzheimer’s dementia and is fluent in Spanish.

7. Eric Santos

Dr. Eric Santos graduated from the University of Montevallo in 2008.

With over 15 years of experience, Dr. Eric Santos is well-versed in personality disorders, psychotic disorders, and addiction and substance abuse.

8. Fernando Silvestre

Dr. Fernando Silvestre graduated from the Universidad Central Del Este (Uce) in 2000 and completed his psychiatry residency at Cornell University.

Specializing in psychiatry and neurology, Dr. Silvestre is also fluent in Spanish.

9. Monique Upton

Graduating from the University of Tennessee College of Medicine in 2007, Dr. Monique L. Upton has 17 years of experience.

Her specialties include neurology, psychiatry, and child and adolescent psychiatry.

Dr. Upton’s expertise also lies in treating anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, depression, and various other conditions.

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Why Halifax is Better Than Other Mental Health Hospitals

Halifax Health Medical Center stands out as a premier mental health hospital for several compelling reasons.

Firstly, it holds the certification from the Department of Children and Families as a Baker Act facility, highlighting its commitment to providing top-tier mental health services to the community of Volusia County.

With a rich history spanning over 95 years, Halifax Health has evolved from Daytona Beach’s inaugural community hospital in 1928 into the region’s leading healthcare system.

Boasting three full-service hospitals and a team of over 500 physicians covering 56 specialties, Halifax Health has become synonymous with excellence and innovation in healthcare delivery.

One notable aspect that sets Halifax Health apart is its outstanding infrastructure.

Thanks to a generous philanthropic partnership with the Jeep Beach organization, Halifax Health has undergone a remarkable transformation.

With a donation exceeding $600,000, the hospital’s lobby has been renovated to provide a more welcoming environment for mental health counseling programming, elevating the overall patient experience.

Moreover, Halifax Health is distinguished by its unwavering commitment to patient-centered care delivered in a financially sustainable manner.

This dedication ensures that patients receive the highest quality of care while maintaining the hospital’s long-term ability to meet the evolving healthcare needs of the community.

FAQ’s:

1. How much does serious mental illness cost America per year?

The cost of severe mental health conditions in America amounts to a staggering $193.2 billion in lost revenue each year, as per statistics.

2. What country has the best mental hospitals?

Sweden is known for having the best mental hospitals in the world, due to its patient-centered approach, cutting-edge facilities, and emphasis on early intervention and preventive care.
The country’s extensive research in psychiatric treatments further solidifies its reputation as a leader in mental health care.

3. What is the longest stay in a mental hospital?

The duration of stays in mental hospitals varies widely depending on individual needs and treatment progress.
While some may only require acute care for a few days or weeks, others with chronic conditions may stay for months or even years. There is no fixed maximum duration for a stay in a mental hospital.