- Behavioral HealthGeneral Page Tier 3BlogMost of us wouldn’t think twice about seeing our doctor for stomach pain, a sports injury or the flu. But many people don’t get help for mental health concerns. Sometimes it’s the fear of a label, cultural stigma or worry over not getting the right treatment. Whatever the hesitation, it’s important to see a doctor who will treat both your physical and mental healthcare needs. According to Raymond Hoffman, MD, medical director of the Division of Mental Health and Substance Use, your first call for mental health concerns can be to your primary care provider. “A primary care doctor can prescribe medications for many common mental health issues,” says Dr. Hoffman. He or she may also act as the point person for additional care, such as referring you to a therapist. Regardless of who ultimately treats you, Dr. Hoffman notes that addressing mental health concerns involves entering into a trusting relationship with your healthcare provider, who supports healing and recovery. Many of us think of mental healthcare as treating psychiatric illnesses such as bipolar disorder, major depression and psychosis. But it’s just as important to give attention to everyday concerns such as stress, seasonal depression and anxiety. Medical conditions such as diabetes, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s and heart disease can worsen depression or anxiety — and vice versa. That’s why it’s so important to seek treatment that takes your whole health into consideration. Erasing the Mental Health Stigma MYTH: Mental health conditions are uncommon. FACT: Mental illness is more common than most think. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, one in five Americans will experience mental illness in their lifetime, and one in 25 will experience a serious mental illness that interferes with their life. MYTH: Mental health conditions are untreatable. FACT: Many mental health conditions are not lifelong challenges and might only require treatment for a short time. With advances in modern care, you can successfully manage even chronic mental health conditions. MYTH: Mental health conditions aren’t real medical conditions. FACT: Just like heart disease and diabetes, mental illnesses are medical conditions. Primary care doctors and specialists can effectively treat them. Where to start with mental health help You don’t need to suffer through a mental health condition alone. Unless you’re dealing with a severe mental health issue, a good place to start is your primary care doctor. Your doctor will review your medical records, talk with you about new symptoms or concerns, and work with you to create a treatment plan. If you already have a good relationship with your doctor, you may feel most comfortable talking to him or her. Your doctor may also better understand what stressors you’re dealing with at home and work, and how they affect your physical health. In many primary care offices, a medical assistant screens patients for depression as part of the yearly well visit using a standardized screening tool. This two-question tool can provide information for a doctor to follow up. Doctors can use a more in-depth tool if the initial screening points to depression. The good news for mental health The good news is that mental health conditions are treatable. If your doctor identifies a mental health condition, he or she may provide brief counseling in the office, prescribe medication or refer you to a specialist. Your doctor may also suggest individual or group therapy. According to Dr. Hoffman, “The evidence shows that if most people who are suffering because of symptoms from mental health problems or substance abuse get help, they can be in less distress and function better.” Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services at AAMC AAMC offers a range of services, such as: The J. Kent McNew Family Medical Center, a 16-bed mental health hospital for adults, is opening in March. Pathways, AAMC’s substance use and co-occurring mental health treatment facility Partnerships with the Department of Health and local mental health and substance use providers to connect patients to resources Anne Arundel Medical Group Mental Health Specialists, an outpatient mental health clinic for ages 3 and up AAMC Psychiatric Day Hospital, a partial hospitalization program The Recovery Navigator Program, which provides screenings and referrals in the primary care setting Introduction of mental health consultations in primary care offices Learn more about AAMC’s range of mental health and substance use services, from outpatient group therapy to partial hospitalization. Author Raymond Hoffman, MD, is the medical director of the Division of Mental Health and Substance Use. Originally published Dec. 5, 2016. Last updated Feb. 10, 2020.0
- Women's HealthGeneral Page Tier 3BlogWelcoming your newborn can be an exhilarating experience. It can also trigger powerful emotions, from excitement to unease. For many expectant parents, it can trigger unanticipated feelings of depression or anxiety. Most new parents will experience some form of the ‘baby blues,’ which may include mood swings, crying, sadness and difficulty sleeping. These symptoms typically last a few days and resolve on their own. However, some new parents will have a more severe, longer-lasting mood disorder known as postpartum depression or anxiety. What is postpartum depression? Postpartum depression (PPD) and postpartum anxiety (PPA) occur after having a baby. About 40 percent of those with PPD first develop these symptoms during pregnancy. About one in nine people who have given birth experience symptoms of PPD in the United States, according to CDC research. Symptoms usually develop by six weeks postpartum but may develop anytime during the first year. If left untreated, PPD can last for years. PPD is common and often associated with adverse infant and maternal outcomes, such as lower breastfeeding initiation and duration, poor maternal and infant bonding, and possible long-term cognitive impairment and abnormal child development. Although rare, an extreme mood disorder called postpartum psychosis may develop after childbirth and, if left untreated, may lead to suicide or infanticide. Symptoms of postpartum psychosis require immediate evaluation and treatment. Who’s at risk of PPD? PPD can happen to anyone. It’s not only dependent upon physical changes, such as a dramatic drop in hormones, post-birth or a genetic predisposition. Emotional issues may also trigger PPD, especially when you’re sleep deprived or overwhelmed. Other external factors that can prompt PPD include financial worry, relationship problems, absent support system or a traumatic birth experience, among others. Those who have preexisting mental health disorders are at an increased risk of developing PPD or PPA. What preventative steps can I take during and after pregnancy? PPD can last anywhere from weeks to months. If left untreated, symptoms could be prolonged. There are several things you can do to help prevent PPD during and after pregnancy: Take care of your health. Eating healthy, sleeping eight or more hours per night, exercising and taking a prenatal vitamin can help improve symptoms. As a new parent, you’re sleep deprived and your focus is your baby. However, in order to take care of your baby, you have to take care of yourself, too. Talk to your partner and support network. If those close to you know something is off, they can offer more support and, if necessary, help encourage you to seek professional help from a licensed counselor or psychiatrist. Develop healthy coping mechanisms. Listening to music, developing a hobby and exercising can help you develop healthy coping habits. Talk to your provider. Reach out to your midwife, nurse practitioner or doctor. Know that there are medications that are safe during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. Use your resources. Joining local parent groups – whether on social media or a community group – can offer additional support with others who are going through the same thing. If at any point you have suicidal thoughts or thoughts of harming your baby, seek immediate help from your partner or loved ones in taking care of your baby and call 911 to get help. Don’t forget, PPD and PPA are very common and you have done nothing to cause it. You shouldn’t feel ashamed or guilty. It’s also important for you to feel safe enough to talk with your provider about how to alleviate symptoms. There is help out there and you don’t have to suffer through it alone. Authors To learn more or to schedule an appointment with Luminis Health Midwifery Annapolis, call 443-481-4400.0
- News & Press ReleasesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogTo meet the historic and growing needs of mental health services in Prince George’s County, Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center (LHDCMC) has opened an inpatient psychiatric unit at its new Behavioral Health Pavilion located on the hospital’s Lanham campus. With the addition of these 16 inpatient psychiatric adult beds, it expands the continuum of care, supporting and being supported by the services operating on-site. “When Luminis Health was formed, we made a commitment to increase quality, accessible safe healthcare in Prince George’s County,” said Tori Bayless, CEO of Luminis Health. “Since 2019, we have invested more than $85 million at Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center, including opening the new Behavioral Health Pavilion to provide additional much needed services to the communities we serve.” In the summer of 2022, Luminis Health opened the first floor of the Behavioral Health Pavilion and currently provides the following services: Outpatient Mental Health Center to provide therapy and medication management for adults Behavioral Health Walk-In Urgent Care for non-emergent behavioral health concerns for ages four years old and up. This service is available Monday thru Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Psychiatric Day Treatment Program which includes a mental health partial hospitalization program and an intensive outpatient program for adults and adolescents. “Since opening the first floor of the new Behavioral Health Pavilion, we’ve treated more than 300 patients in our outpatient programs,” said Dr. Aliya Jones, executive medical director of Behavioral Health at Luminis Health. “Our new inpatient psychiatric unit on the second floor will provide specialized treatment around the clock for adults who need intense mental health and critical psychiatric care.” With the completion of the new Behavioral Health Pavilion, Luminis Health is now launching a $300 million capital improvement project to renovate and upgrade the campus of LHDCMC. A major component of the project is to build a new Women’s Health Center to expand women’s and children’s healthcare services in Prince George’s County. One of the bold goals of Vision 2030, our 10-year strategic plan, is to eliminate maternal and infant mortality. “It is unacceptable that 8 out of 10 women have to deliver their baby outside of the County because of a lack of obstetrical and other healthcare services,” said Deneen Richmond, president of Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center. “It’s a deep concern because the maternal mortality rate for Black women in Prince George’s County is 50 percent higher than the national average. We join Governor Wes Moore and his administration’s priorities for advancing health equity and addressing the mental health and obstetrical needs of all Marylanders.” Once Luminis Health receives state approval for the proposed women’s tower, construction will begin immediately and take three to five years to complete. The state-of-art facility will provide obstetrics services, labor and delivery, and postpartum care.0
- Behavioral Health, News & Press ReleasesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogLuminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center (LHDCMC) has submitted a Certificate of Need (CON) to the Maryland Health Care Commission for a 16-bed inpatient behavioral health unit. “Adding this new service is an important step for Luminis Health and the community. We are committed to removing barriers to health care, and ensuring everyone has access to the care needed to live a healthy life,” stated Victoria Bayless, chief executive officer of Luminis Health. “We will also be adding outpatient programs and services, as well as working to eliminate healthcare disparities, not only on our Lanham campus, but in the community at large. This would be impossible without the support of leaders from Prince George’s County. This is truly a partnership that will benefit the entire region.” Prince George’s County is home to nearly one million residents and spans an area of 500 square miles, with two acute care units for inpatient behavioral health currently in the county. In 2019, more than half of the adult admissions from Prince George’s County (1,900 cases) were admitted to out-of-county hospitals. More than 900 patients required hospital-to-hospital transfer for psychiatric admission. “We know that when a community member requires inpatient mental health care, half of the residents leave the county, with nearly a quarter traveling to Washington, D.C.,” said Deneen Richmond, President of LHDCMC. “On the Lanham campus, we will develop a continuum of behavioral health services by providing local access to acute inpatient services and additional outpatient and crisis options for individuals facing mental health and substance use disorder challenges.” The proposed project will include a 16-bed acute adult care behavioral health unit at LHDCMC. The acute care program is designed to provide a safe and clinically expert environment to engage patients and families in their treatment and healing, link patients directly to care transition services, and assure continued patient-provider relationships after discharge. Richmond explained, “We are more committed than ever to continuing our mission to provide Prince Georgians with the care they need and deserve. We look forward to working with the Maryland Health Care Commission to gain approval for these needed beds.” Residents can learn more about the project or write a letter of support by visiting here: https://www.dchweb.org/behavioral-con .0
- Behavioral Health, News & Press ReleasesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogAnne Arundel Medical Center (AAMC) marked a milestone today with a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the completion of its new mental health hospital, which will officially open its doors to patients late March. Attendees included AAMC leadership, community members, patients, donors and public officials. “The J. Kent McNew Family Medical Center will be an important part of our work to care for the whole person while they are receiving inpatient and outpatient mental health services,” said Victoria Bayless, CEO of Luminis Health. “We are thankful to our long-time supporters of this project, our generous donors, the state of Maryland and Anne Arundel County, and our dedicated behavioral health team for support in bringing this project to fruition.” READ MORE: Anne Arundel Medical Center partners with Sheppard Pratt Health System to provide mental health and addiction services “This is an important day for our community,” said Sherry Perkins, president of AAMC. “Together, we have worked diligently and passionately to bring our region the mental health care and services it needs and truly deserves. We are proud of this milestone in our journey to deliver the care our community members need, when and where they need it.” “Cutting the ribbon on the J. Kent McNew Family Medical Center signifies the start of our vision of an integrated behavioral campus coming to life,” said Eric Anderson, MD, medical director of the McNew Medical Center. “When we started on this path more than four years ago, we set out to address the gaps in mental health care. What emerged was a commitment to delivering state-of-the-art, patient- and family-centered care in a safe, calming and comforting environment.” The J. Kent McNew Family Medical Center is located in Annapolis off Riva Road next to Pathways, AAMC’s substance use and co-occurring disorder treatment facility. The 16-bed facility will care for up to 900 patients a year who would otherwise be transferred out of the area. The campus offers: Inpatient mental health care A psychiatric partial hospitalization program Intensive outpatient programs Residential and outpatient substance use services Referral and care coordination to community-based treatment and support services The McNew Medical Center is not an emergency facility and cannot receive walk-in patients. Patients are admitted to the inpatient unit upon referral from a hospital’s emergency department when a patient has presented voluntarily or on an emergency petition, has received an emergency psychiatric assessment, and has met criteria for admission. The 56,000 square foot, four-story building was designed with both safety and aesthetics in mind for the care of patients and families. The new facility includes a courtyard, patient and family lounge space, a secure ambulance bay to allow for the safe transfer of new patients into the building, a meditation room and a community conference room.0
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