“The mission of the Mental Health Division is to promote recovery and safety.”
State Psychiatric Hospitals Feature Team Approach to Treatment
Each patient is assigned a treatment team upon admission to a state hospital. The team consists of:
- A psychiatrist who is responsible for prescribing medications;
- A psychologist who provides psychotherapy
- A social worker who provides skills training for the day the patient returns to the community; helps the patient find a place in the community to live after release and serves as the hospital's liaison to his or her family
- A registered nurse who provides medical and psychiatric nursing
- Licensed practical nurses who dispense medications
- Mental Health technicians who teach patients daily living skills, assist with meals and so on
- Recreational therapists: Specialists who use recreational and /or community activities, including leisure counseling and community integration, to treat patients with physical, cognitive, emotional or social disabilities. The therapy helps patients become more independent and more functional in common social situations such as work and recreation while reducing the effects of illnesses or disabilities.
The team's psychiatrist, psychologist and social worker usually work dayshift hours five days per week. The Forensics units have forensic therapists as well; these therapists have duties similar to social workers, although they are more focused on criminal justice issues.
Registered nurses, LPNs and mental health technicians provide care around the clock in three shifts.
Some patients' teams also include occupational and/or rehabilitative
therapy experts, registered dieticians to deal with special diets and
doctors of pharmaceuticals who consult with team members about issues
involving drug interactions and/or advice on medication therapy.
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For more ways to get in touch with the Department of Mental Health Services, go to the DSHS Contact Information Web page. Mental Health Related Questions Contact:
