Behavioral health

Overview

Behavioral health services at Ingalls consist of hospital and outpatient programs to help adults and adolescents. Our program is led by medical director and renowned physician, Anil Gandhi, M.D., who was awarded the 2001 Exemplary Psychiatrist Award for the National Alliance of Mental Illness.

Some of the conditions we treat:
- Depression
- Mania
- Schizophrenia
- Paranoia
- Delusions
- Hallucinations
- Disorganization of thoughts
- Anxiety
- Obsessive/compulsive behaviors
- Substance abuse
- Combativeness or violence against themselves
- Early stages of dementia caused by Alzheimer's

Our programs
• Adult inpatient psychiatry and detoxification
This program provides 24-hour treatment and medical stabilization for patients, age 18-55, managed by multidisciplinary staff. These patients are unable to care for themselves because of severe or acute behaviors or disorders, such as schizophrenia or vegetative depression. The program is housed in the peaceful, light-filled atmosphere of the Wyman Gordon Pavilion.

• Gero-psychiatric unit
Ingalls is the only facility in the South Suburbs with a separate gero-psychiatry unit for patients 55 and older. This unit provides senior citizens with 24-hour psychiatric treatment and medical stabilization in a warm, gentle environment.

Patients are cared for by geriatric care specialists, as well as an interdisciplinary team of healthcare professionals including, psychiatrists, social workers, nurses, occupational therapists, recreational therapists and the patient's own physician. What's more, the team addresses the emotional needs of family members by helping them better understand their loved one's condition.

• Adult intensive outpatient program for psychiatry
This program can be used as a step down from inpatient treatment or a step up from outpatient treatment. The main focus is helping patients, 18 and older, with a mental disorder that severely interferes with daily life.

Patients who participate are medically stable and have good external support. An individualized treatment plan is created for those with a psychiatric disorder or a psychiatric disorder with concurrent substance abuse disorder. Our multidisciplinary team monitors medication, identifies symptoms, facilitates group therapy and conducts occupational and recreational therapy.

During treatment, patients live at home while attending daily group therapy and receiving support at the Wyman Gordon Pavilion. Hours are Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

• Intensive adult outpatient care for substance abuse
This outpatient program provides support and treatment in the beginning stages of recovery, while allowing patients to continue their work and family responsibilities.

Patients meet in the mornings or evenings for three hours, three times a week. The average duration of treatment is about four weeks. Patients have the benefit of working with two dedicated addictionologists. These addiction specialists rely on breakthrough methods such as naltrexone therapy - a therapy used to reduce alcohol consumption, cravings and relapses.

Key aspects of the intensive adult outpatient care for substance abuse program:
• Family involvement - on certain days, patients and
   their families participate in workshops and discussions
• Group counseling - provides a supportive atmosphere
   for group members discussing their problems with
   others experiencing similar programs
• 12-step model - used to treat chemical dependency,
   this model follows and focuses on coping skills such as
   stress management, relaxation techniques and anger
   management
• Drug testing - in order to comply with the program,
   patients must be drug-free and are therefore
   submitted to random tests for drugs

Confidential, around-the-clock help
Ingalls counselors provide confidential assessments and admissions for all programs 24 hours a day, seven days a week. They can also refer you to other resources.