Mental health patients benefit from program
Dickinson highlights 'success stories'

Dickinson Mental Health Center is celebrating its 50th anniversary with spotlights on some of the organization's success stories, including the Partial Hospitalization Program. It's a shortterm outpatient program for adults and adolescents facing emotional or mental difficulties. Dickinson has established PHP offices in Coudersport, Ridgway, St. Marys and Bradford.

Emphasis is on group therapy and "situation therapy." The latter emphasizes changes in one's immediate life circumstances.

PHP professionals are familiar with diagnoses, symptoms, medications, emotional situations, social skills, relationships and coping skills. Participants meet with their primary caseworker at least monthly to review goal attainment & more frequently when needed.

Dickinson's PHP office in Coudersport in 2005 started a partnership with Seneca Highlands Intermediate Unit 9 to help junior high and high school students in a classroom setting.

"It's an alternative educational setting for students who are experiencing difficulties in the regular school setting, due to their mental health symptoms," said Heidi Eastman, unit supervisor in Coudersport. "Students receive individualized education along with therapeutic programming throughout the school day."

Psychiatrists Dr. Peter Coffman, Dr Widad Bazzoui, Dr. Terje Fokstuen and Dr. Firoz Rahman each meet with patients for monthly evaluations/medication checks.

"Partial Hospitalization provides a safe environment where people with serious and persistent mental illnesses can come together to learn and practice skills to assist them in their recovery," said Barbara Cole, a unit supervisor.

Some PHP participants have been trained as Peer Support Specialists. They help others in their recovery.

More information is available in Coudersport at 274-0977.