CRMC Plans New Adult Psychiatric Inpatient Unit

Capital Regional Medical Center (CRMC) announces plans for expansion of its regional network-of-care to include behavioral health services. As part of Capital Regional Medical Center’s history of high-quality patient care, CRMC is pleased to offer psychiatric services for adult patients with the clinical resources of a dedicated staff who are experienced in treating a wide-array of psychiatric disorders. Construction will begin at CRMC in early fall 2014 with an anticipated open-date of spring 2015.

Behavioral-health-specific units are a need in Tallahassee and the surrounding communities. One out-of-every-four Americans experiences a diagnosable mental illness or substance abuse every year. Mental illness is more common than cancer, diabetes or heart disease and can affect persons of any age, race, religion or socio-economic status.

“Just like in other areas of medicine, we have made great strides in the treatment of psychiatric disorders, both in terms of better medicines with fewer side effects, as well as more focused and evidence-based psychological treatments,” said Ann Smith, Chief Nursing Officer. “But also, just like diabetes and heart disease, psychiatric disorders have their episodic flare-ups and need more intensive interventions and close follow-up. This is why we are so pleased to be able to provide a continuum of care in our new unit – so that we can address not only the acute phases of illness, but also the follow-up that is necessary to prevent or minimize the future need for intensive treatment.”

The project will be a collaborative effort with local health and law enforcement agencies. Capital Regional’s $3.75 million dollar expansion of behavioral healthcare will include a 24-bed/14,000 sq. ft. adult psychiatric inpatient unit when it opens. The unit will provide a full-range of inpatient psychiatric services, including group and individual therapies, expressive therapy, as well as social service, nursing and pharmacy support. Renovations to the ER will be made to accommodate psychiatric intake patients and CRMC will strive to become a Baker Act receiving facility.

Rapid assessment and intake processes will be put into place. The unit will offer a state-of-the-art design that focuses on healing and wellness. Approximately 30 additional positions will be added, including three psychiatrists. Future plans include, adding complimentary outpatient programs.

“This new unit and planned partnerships with community behavioral health providers is representative of our commitment to provide quality and accessible patient care and will serve to meet the ever-expanding needs of adult patients in this area. We hope to bring the necessary mental health services and have a positive impact on mental healthcare in this region,” said Brian Cook, President/CEO of Capital Regional Medical Center.