Patient Stories, Weight Loss
General Page Tier 3
More Than Weight Loss: A Transformation of Mind and Body
Blog
While growing up in Washington, DC, Alexis Mallory was teased about her weight. Over the years, she tried diets and exercise programs, but despite her efforts, she was unable to achieve lasting results.
In January 2024, she began experiencing back pain related to her weight, making even daily tasks difficult. One day, as she struggled to wash dishes, she realized something had to change. She shared her concerns with her primary care physician, who referred her to bariatric surgeon Jilian Nicholas, DO.
“Dr. Nicholas made me feel comfortable. I could laugh with her,” Mallory says.
Together, Mallory and Dr. Nicholas developed a personalized plan for weight loss surgery. At first, Mallory wasn’t sure if surgery was the right choice and took time to consider her options. When she felt ready to commit, Dr. Nicholas scheduled her procedure for May 2025.
More than six months later, Mallory is confident she made the right decision.
“It has been life-changing—not just physically, but mentally and emotionally. I never thought I would be this size.”
Today, Mallory is a busy wife and mother of three. She works for the housing authority while also offering therapy services and running a jewelry business. Although the journey hasn’t been easy, she says it has been one of the best decisions she’s made.
If you’re considering weight loss surgery, visit Luminis.Health/WeightLossSurgery to learn whether you may be a candidate.
0
Behavioral Health
General Page Tier 3
Signs of a Mental Health Crisis
Blog
When someone is experiencing depression, anxiety or substance misuse, it doesn’t just impact them – it impacts their family and their community. We all can do our part to watch for signs of mental health struggles in family and friends. But how do you know when you or a loved one is in a mental health crisis and needs to see a professional? Let’s take a look at the signs and symptoms that can indicate a need for treatment.
Here are a few symptoms that indicate depression and substance use:
Persistent sadness: A prolonged period of feeling sad, empty or hopeless.
Loss of interest: Diminished interest or pleasure in previously enjoyed activities.
Change in sleep patterns: Insomnia or lack of energy.
Fatigue: A constant feeling of tiredness or lack of energy.
Difficulty concentrating: Reduced ability to focus, make decisions, or remember details.
Appetite changes: Significant weight loss or gain due to changes in eating habits.
Irritability: Unexplained mood swings, increased irritability, or restlessness.
Isolation: Withdrawing from friends, family, and social activities.
When it comes to substance abuse, there are several signs that indicate a person needs help:
Changes in behavior: Sudden and unexplained shifts in personality or actions.
Neglecting responsibilities: Failing to fulfill work, school, or family obligations.
Social withdrawal: Isolating from friends and family, preferring to be alone.
Tolerance buildup: Needing more of the substance over time to achieve the same effects.
Withdrawal symptoms: Physical and psychological reactions when substance use is reduced or stopped.
Loss of control: Inability to cut down or control substance use.
Continued use despite consequences: Continued substance use despite negative impact on health, relationships, or job.
Secrecy with use: Hiding substance use and being dishonest about its extent.
Financial issues: Experiencing money problems due to spending on substances.
Legal problems: Getting into trouble with the law related to substance use.
It’s important to understand that each person’s experience is different, and you may not experience or see every symptom on these lists. But if you read these lists and think it sounds like something you or a friend or family member are going through, it could be a mental health crisis so please contact a behavioral health professional. A provider can give an accurate diagnosis and provide guidance on treatment options.
At Luminis Health, we offer a wide range of mental health services, including:
Behavioral Health Walk-In Urgent Care – for moderate to severe psychiatric symptoms that need to be addressed in less than 24-72 hours
Outpatient Treatment for Mental Health or Substance Use – For those who are able to wait for a scheduled appointment. Telehealth options are available.
Inpatient Treatment for Mental Health or Substance Use – For those who need 24 hour treatment
Please visit https://Luminis.Health/BehavioralHealth to schedule care.
0
Why Luminis Health?We want you to feel valued and seen. Our urgent care staff won't stop until you get the help you need.We provide a separate waiting area for your family and loved ones while your team takes care of you and provide coordinated follow-up care.
Treatment
Conditions/Services/Treatments Page
Behavioral Health Urgent Care
What if you're having mental or behavioral health concerns that aren't at crisis levels? You're not having suicidal thoughts and you're not a danger to yourself or others.You may have symptoms like anxiety and depression that have worsened, and you need immediate help without the wait for a doctor's appointment.Our Behavioral Health Urgent Care can help. It's a walk-in clinic. No appointment necessary.It's dedicated to nothing but mental and behavioral health.
0
General Page - Tier 1
Addressing the Need
Prince George's County serves a population of nearly one million residents, yet only two acute inpatient psychiatric units exist in the county today. In 2019, more than half of the adult psychiatric admissions from Prince George's County (1,900 admissions) were admitted to out-of-county hospitals.
Additionally, the 2019 Prince George's County Community Health Needs Assessment identified behavioral health as a leading health priority.
Luminis Health is dedicated to helping address this major health issue. Residents will soon have more access to high-quality and easily accessible behavioral health services – improving their lives and strengthening the community.
About Our Partnership with Prince George's County
This program and services are made possible in part by funding from the Prince George's County Executive Office. In response to long-standing behavioral health disparities, Prince George's County Executive Angela Alsobrooks and the county council allocated $20 million dollars of capital funding to the behavioral health facility renovation. These funds have financed the majority of the renovation, transforming a former rehabilitation facility on the grounds of LHDCMC into a state-of-the-art behavioral health pavilion.
As part of our commitment to Prince George's County, Luminis Health will operationalize the new facility and provide continued investment and support needed for behavioral health services., Behavioral Health Care, Closer to Home
Located on the campus of Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center (LHDCMC) in Lanham, Maryland, a comprehensive behavioral health program will be housed within a newly renovated two-story, 31,200 square-foot-building. With programs designed for all ages, Prince Georgians will receive seamless access to a wide spectrum of services. Offering this continuum of services at one location allows for coordinated care and better outcomes.
Outpatient Services (Opening Summer 2022)
A behavioral health walk-in urgent care for all ages
Outpatient therapy and medication management for all ages
An eight-bed residential addiction program for adults
Partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient programs for adults and adolescents
Prevention programs
Family support services
Inpatient Services (Opening Winter 2022)
A 16-bed adult inpatient psychiatric unit
Workforce Expansion
The new behavioral health program at LHDCMC will create approximately 100 new jobs. The team consists of psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, behavioral health nurses, and therapists as well as dedicated security personnel and other supporting roles
Community Support
Thanks to generous support from individual community members and local businesses, the LHDCMC Foundation has raised over $500,000 to support this new program. To make a gift, please fill out our donation form.
For more information on how to get involved, contact the LHDCMC Foundation at 301-552-8670 or [email protected].
0
Location
232786
tel:(410) 757-2077
1511 Ritchie Hwy, Ste 202, Arnold, MD 21012
0