| When Betty Jo began attending the Continuing
Day Treatment program, she suffered from social
anxiety and panic attacks and had difficulty
being in public places. Betty Jo was so scared,
she rarely attended anything outside of home.
However, with two years of caring therapists
helping her with progressive counseling and
proper medication, Betty Jo has overcome her anxiety and panic. In fact, by applying
her new skills in real life experiences, she has grown tremendously as a person and
can now handle herself in crowds. Betty Jo is now a lunch room volunteer, interacting
proudly and confidently with staff and peers in the large, crowded cafeteria. She was
recently voted “Valentine’s Day Queen” and “Most Helpful” by her peers. Two years
ago, that would not have been possible for Betty Jo. Today, the sky’s the limit! |
Peter and his family were used to his anger issues. They had come to
anticipate his extreme mood swings and his being unemployed. But
nobody expected the violent outburst that landed Peter in jail on his
21st birthday. Fortunately, no one was injured during his rampage,
but in order for Peter to be released, the judge ordered a treatment and
recovery plan. Lucky for Peter and his family, The Dale Association’s
Outpatient Counseling and Treatment clinic had an immediate
opening. Peter met with Karen, an experienced Clinician at The Dale
Association, who worked with their Psychiatrist and Peter to create
a manageable action plan. Peter is now chemically stable, attending
regular group counseling and he meets bi-monthly with Karen. Peter,
now 22, successfully interviewed for a new job, has someplace to be
everyday, and is finally a contributing member of society. His family
is grateful for the positive and healthy changes Peter has made. They proudly tell friends and neighbors about
how The Dale Association’s clinic helped turn Peter’s life around for the better. The Judge is satisfied, and most
importantly, Peter feels he is on track for a bright future. |
Jeannine, a petite 79-year old mother of five, had lived alone since her husband died in 1989. A light eater, she relied on diet pills and coffee. When a specialist recommended knee replacement surgery to cure long time pain, she reluctantly agreed. After the surgery, she was admitted to a rehab facility. The surgeon, unaware of the vast number of prescriptions Jeannine was on from her family doctor, and over the counter pills, he prescribed significant pain medication. When her family went to visit Mom, they found her sleeping non-stop, with no appetite, and no physical rehab being done. At the request of the family, Kathleen, our Geriatric Community Mental Health Nurse paid her a visit. Kathleen confirmed that Jeannine appeared over-medicated, and she suggested a thorough review of all the medications. Jeannine was on enough medication for a person twice her size and half her age. Kathleen gave Jeannine’s children the confidence to pursue it with the medical staff and in the process she became a friend and confidante to Jeannine. After several months of careful monitoring, and systematic medication withdrawal, her family is proud to say that today Jeannine is walking independently, and takes only a daily multi-vitamin. |
Carla has a psychiatric history that includes suicidal thoughts
and attempts, not taking her medication as prescribed, and
resistance to needed hospitalization. Carla was also forced
to live on her own, without the home support she had come
to rely on. She turned to The Dale Association’s Continuing
Day Treatment Mental Health program for assistance. Carla
receives help three days a week from our caring counselors and
psychiatrist. She has been able to comply with her prescribed
medications and has refrained from any suicidal tendencies for
the past three months. She found the program so beneficial, she asked to come an additional day to
receive added support. Carla developed a support system with Continuing Day Treatment peers both
in the program building and out. Now Carla offers peer support to new clients. She finally has hope
for her future, and is learning the strategies she needs to get through each day.
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