Psychiatric Medical Unit

The Psychiatric Medical Unit is a 20-bed specialty unit on the Saint Mary's campus at Jefferson Street for individuals experiencing both acute psychiatric distress as well as significant medical conditions of a physical nature. The Psychiatric Medical Unit is a specialty unit on the Saint Mary's campus at Jefferson Street for individuals experiencing both acute psychiatric distress as well as significant medical conditions of a physical nature. The service is designed to provide the short term, crisis oriented hospitalization for individuals experiencing this dual condition. The level of disturbance frequently leaves the individual unable to adequately be cared for in the community with a level of safety to themselves or others that is necessary. The breadth of services, specialty components, and excellent staff assure not only the right level of care, but address of specific needs and concerns. We work to integrate our Christian mission with a sense of accountability, integrity, and compassion for all clients, their families, as well as their caregivers

Signs & Symptoms
Adults seeking this level of psychiatric care may exhibit signs or symptoms of mental illness, including:

• Severe depression, including suicidal ideation and intent
• Bipolar disorder
• Eating disorder or trauma experience
• Delusions or hallucinations
• Agitation and aggression
• Disorientation and confusion
• Severe impairment of social adaptation
• Significant psychiatric complications of medical disorders as to the signs and symptoms

The Program
Treatment is individualized, with an average stay of three to seven days. It consists of comprehensive programming, including:

• Psychiatric and psychological services, including assessment and treatment
• Individual, group and family consultations and therapies
• Medication observation and management
• Psycho-social and psycho-educational classes
• Goal-directed activities
• Arrangement of post-hospitalization care
• Chaplaincy services

The Staff
Our services for adults are offered by a team of mental health experts with years of experience in the areas of:

• Psychiatry
• Psychology
• General Medicine
• Case Management/social work
• Developmental disabilities
• Family and activity therapy
• Trauma
• Dietary
• Nursing and care provision

The Psychiatric Medical Unit utilizes a treatment approach that includes an attending psychiatrist as well as an attending medical specialist for the physical illness. This coordinated care assures treatment of both psychological as well as physical illnesses that are frequently contributors to the other. The emphasis is on continued coordination of care with external and outpatient providers involving a great deal of effort placed not only on the treatment process but the discharge planning and assurance of aftercare treatment. All medical procedures and capabilities are present within the Saint Mary’s Mercy Medical Center to support the variety of needs of the individuals being treated on the Psychiatric Medical Unit.