Access to quality mental health care is more important than ever, with people of all ages needing support to face everyday challenges.
Community mental health centers are essential in providing the care and treatment people need to improve their well-being and quality of life.
Southcoast Mental Health Hospital is a leading psychiatric and mental health service provider in Dartmouth, Massachusetts.
They are dedicated to helping individuals from all backgrounds with a compassionate and comprehensive approach.
This article will explore the services Southcoast offers and its commitment to enhancing mental health and wellness in the community.
Additionally for those seeking therapy from home, BetterHelp offers a convenient option, allowing individuals to connect with licensed professionals online for counseling and support.
About Southcoast Mental Health Hospital
Southcoast Behavioral Health is a psychiatric hospital that provides caring and effective treatment.
With 192 beds, the hospital helps people dealing with a variety of mental health issues.
The staff, comprised of experienced doctors, social workers, nurses, and therapists, works in a calm and supportive environment to help each patient heal.
They treat conditions like depression, ADHD, anxiety, and self-harm, and their goal is to give patients the skills they need to keep getting better even after they leave.
Southcoast also understands how important family support is, and they involve family members in the recovery process.
As a trusted provider in Southeastern Massachusetts, Southcoast Behavioral Health is committed to treating every patient with care and respect.
They aim to give patients and families the help and resources needed to reach their recovery goals and stay well.
Mental Health Programs At Southcoast Behavioral Health
1. Child Adolescent Inpatient Program
Southcoast Behavioral Health offers caring inpatient psychiatric treatment for children and teens with mental health issues.
They specialize in crisis intervention and provide a safe, supportive space for young people ages 5-17.
Each child’s treatment is customized based on their needs, with most stays lasting between seven and 14 days.
During this time, patients receive 24/7 care and support from experienced staff.
The hospital helps with issues like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD, and schizophrenia, creating personalized plans to meet each child’s goals.
Group therapy is a key part of treatment, with several sessions held daily on topics such as anger management, coping skills, and mental health education.
Kids also take part in activities like art therapy, recreation, and family counseling.
Since family plays a big role in recovery, Southcoast encourages families to be involved in their child’s care during their stay.
2. Adult Inpatient Treatment Program
Southcoast Behavioral Health’s Adult Inpatient Treatment Program focuses on providing comprehensive care for individuals dealing with a variety of mental health challenges.
During a typical stay of 5 to 7 days, patients benefit from focused, personalized treatment delivered by a skilled team of psychiatrists, social workers, nurses, therapists, and technicians.
The program focuses on helping adults with conditions such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD, and more.
Treatment includes focused individual and group therapy sessions, medication management, and family therapy, all designed to support the patient’s recovery.
The team also focuses on ensuring a smooth transition back to daily life through a well-planned discharge process.
3. Dual Diagnosis Treatment Program
Southcoast Behavioral Health Hospital offers a special inpatient program for adults 18 and older who are dealing with both mental health and substance abuse issues.
This program is designed to address these combined challenges.
Patients generally stay for 5 to 7 days, but their stay can be longer or shorter depending on their needs.
While there, they get comprehensive care for mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD, as well as support for overcoming substance abuse.
Treatment is tailored to each person and includes proven approaches such as motivational interviewing, DBT, CBT, and both individual and family therapy.
Group therapy, which is a major component, happens at least five times a day and covers topics like addiction education and overdose prevention.
The program also provides basic medical care and daily medication management by doctors and nurses.
For those needing detox, the program offers on-site services lasting about five days, with medications to ease withdrawal and support long-term recovery.
Throughout detox, patients are encouraged to participate in therapy to aid their recovery.
4. Geriatric Treatment Program
Southcoast Behavioral Health provides specialized treatment for older adults dealing with behavioral health challenges.
Their dedicated inpatient unit is staffed by professionals who understand the unique needs of seniors and offer care for conditions like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, psychosis, suicidal thoughts, PTSD, and neurocognitive disorders with behavioral issues.
Each patient’s stay is personalized based on their needs and usually lasts five to seven days.
During this time, they take part in individual therapy, group sessions on relevant topics, and family therapy if necessary.
Treatment involves different methods like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), motivational interviewing, reminiscence therapy, and activity therapy.
Patients also receive help with managing medications and, if needed, non-medical detox services.
List of Mental Health Disorders Southcoast Behavioral Health Treats
At Southcoast Behavioral Health, every patient is treated with kindness, compassion, and respect, with a strong focus on providing hope and healing.
The dedicated team, which includes board-certified psychiatrists, licensed social workers, nurses, recreational therapists, and mental health professionals, works together to deliver high-quality psychiatric care in a safe and tranquil environment designed for healing and recovery.
Here are the mental health disorders Southcoast Behavioral Health treats:
- Schizoaffective disorder
- Psychosis
- Adjustment disorder
- Aggression
- Depression
- ADHD
- Anxiety
- Bipolar disorder
- PTSD
- Self-harm
- Suicidal thoughts
- Schizophrenia
Want to know more about mental health hospitals, check these out:
- Lower Bucks Hospital Mental Health Review
- Broward Mental Health Hospital: Comprehensive Care & Support
- Brandon Hospital Mental Health: Supporting Mental Wellness
Team of Experts At Southcoast Mental Health Hospital
1. Darcy Lichnerowicz
Darcy Lichnerowicz, MA, MBA, is the CEO of Southcoast Behavioral Health with over 20 years of experience in mental health and addiction care.
She began her career in counseling, later moving into leadership roles in hospital operations. Before joining Southcoast, she was CEO of several behavioral health hospitals in Ohio.
Darcy believes in the importance of accessible mental healthcare and is proud of Southcoast’s dedicated staff, peaceful setting, and strong treatment programs that help patients become their healthiest selves.
2. Katlyn Auty
Katlyn Auty, MSW, LICSW, is the Chief Operating Officer at Southcoast Behavioral Health.
She has a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Rhode Island and a master’s in social work from Simmons College.
With 10 years of experience in mental health and substance abuse, Katlyn has worked in both clinical and leadership roles. She is also certified as a problem gambling specialist.
3. Jocelyn DeSouza
Jocelyn DeSouza is the Chief Financial Officer at Southcoast Behavioral Health.
She earned her bachelor’s degree in accounting and an MBA from the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth.
Jocelyn started her career in 2012, working with not-for-profit health centers, which sparked her interest in healthcare.
She joined Southcoast in 2015 as a Senior Accountant, moved up to Controller in 2017, and became CFO in 2020.
Jocelyn says being part of the original team has been rewarding, watching the hospital grow. She believes the South Coast team is dedicated to providing quality care to every patient.
4. Dr. Michael Liebowitz
Dr. Michael Liebowitz is the Chief Medical Officer and Medical Director at Southcoast Behavioral Health.
He has a bachelor’s degree from SUNY Stony Brook, an M.D. from Upstate Medical University, and completed his Psychiatry residency at Brown University.
With 20 years of experience, he is certified in Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine and is licensed in Massachusetts and Connecticut.
Dr. Liebowitz says Southcoast’s doctors work closely with patients and their families to provide top-quality care, supported by a skilled team and up-to-date practices in behavioral health.
Address & Contact Information
Southcoast Behavioral Health Hospital is located at 581 Faunce Corner Road, Dartmouth, MA 02747.
You can reach them by calling (877) 580-1338.
For more details and information, visit their official website.
FAQ’s:
What is the longest stay in a mental hospital?
The longest stay in a mental hospital isn’t easy to pinpoint because records can be incomplete or lost. However, some people have been known to spend decades in psychiatric institutions.
How long someone stays can depend on the severity of their condition, the availability of community-based treatments, and various legal and social factors.
Today, mental health care aims to provide treatment in less restrictive environments, focusing more on community-based services and outpatient care.
What mental illness should be hospitalized?
Deciding to hospitalize someone for mental illness involves looking at how severe their symptoms are, whether they might hurt themselves or others, and how well other treatments are working. Hospitalization is usually considered when someone’s condition is very serious and impacts their daily life or safety.
The aim is to treat people in the least restrictive way possible, so hospitalization is generally the last option when other methods aren’t enough.
