In an ongoing effort to address the rise of mental health issues among young people, Trinity Health Livingston has launched a new Adolescent Mental Health Intensive Outpatient Program. Catering to the residents of Livingston County, this facility aims to offer a substantial level of care for youth aged 12 to 17 who can function in their daily lives but require a more focused therapeutic environment.
The program, accessible on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 9 a.m. to noon, is housed strategically at the Trinity Health Livingston Hospital. According to a statement obtained by CBS News Detroit, the hospital plans to utilize the tools and resources to improve self-esteem, develop coping skills, and effectively communicate. This is partly in response to a 20% increase in emergency room visits by young people in recent years. Melissa Tolstyka, director of behavioral health services for Trinity Health Michigan, emphasized the need for early intervention noting that "One in 5 children will have a diagnosis by the time they reach adulthood."
Livingston Daily reported that beyond group therapy, the program includes individual and family therapy sessions, aiming to help patients manage symptoms, enhance self-confidence and address core issues contributing to mental health challenges. Patient referrals are already being accepted and those interested can get further details by contacting the program directly.
Earlier this year, says a press release from Trinity Health Michigan, the health system had opened a similar outpatient program for adults at Chelsea Hospital. The move is part of Trinity Health's broader initiative to make mental health care more accessible in the communities it serves. John O’Malley, president of Trinity Health Livingston, asserted, "By enhancing access to care locally, we are making sure that support is close and convenient for those in Livingston County who need it most."
Trinity Health's new Adolescent Mental Health Intensive Outpatient Program offers a proactive solution to the increasing demand for mental health services in the area, laying a foundation for wellness within the local healthcare system.
