Introduction

Psychiatric Care ProfessionalsBehavioral health issues are part of the fabric of our human existence, but few people understand them and even less people understand how they can be treated. People who suddenly find themselves in the middle of a crisis having to do with mental health issues don’t know where to turn. They end up visiting a primary care physician or a psych ward at a local hospital. Sometimes this is all that is needed, other times, the patient and/or family need more specialized or depth of care than a primary care provider can give.

Rogers Memorial Hospital is proud to continue its tradition of commemorating Mental Health Month. For over 50 years, the nationwide observance of this month has reached millions of Americans with important messages about mental health.

In August 2011, the experiential therapy staff welcomed patients to the new facility and its many offerings. In April 2012, the doors opened to our new inpatient building, delivering an unparalleled treatment option for patients and their families.

Well before the ground broke in February 2011, the plans for the new inpatient facility at Rogers were being developed to deliver patient-centered care in a new and carefully designed environment. Accessibility, privacy and patient safety were woven into every feature and furnishing chosen for the new facility. Feedback from countless patients, families and staff were considered as the new facility began to materialize, first on paper, then in brick and mortar.

The mother of a former patient who came to the Child Center recently shared that she had experienced a vivid dream about herself and her daughter seeking a safe path home in the middle of a terrible storm. She believes the dream symbolized the struggle their family went through to find help for her daughter. Today, the mother says, her daughter is stronger, their path is safer and she is confident that brighter days lie ahead.

Patients at Rogers Memorial Hospital are already enjoying a brand-new experiential therapy center. The center was opened in the fall of 2011, and features a gymnasium, weight room, art studios and recreation and movement rooms designed to help Rogers’ experiential therapists work with patients in a comfortable and safe environment. In the weight room and gymnasium, for example, Dwight Steffes, MSRT, a long time experiential therapist at Rogers, helps patients learn how to exercise in a body-positive and healthy way.

The key to finding the “right gift” for a child with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is as varied as the child. A little time invested in learning about the child’s specific interests and strengths will help you discover a good match for any child. There are also many hobbies or crafts that emphasize a child’s creativity and make good gifts for children with ADD/ADHD.