In addition to skill and knowledge in their own special areas, all staff are required to acquire and use observation techniques used by behavioral medicine as well as general skills in behavioral and developmental therapies. A multi-disciplinary team provides a biopsychosocial assessment for each patient. This assessment addresses the physical, emotional, behavioral, social, recreational, legal, vocational, spiritual, and nutritional needs of the patients. Departmental standards require a physical, psychiatric, nursing, social history, and rehabilitation assessment. Psychological, educational and vocational assessments, as well as special assessment for neurological deficits are provided as deemed necessary by the treatment team.
Treatment planning is based on the assessment of identified needs and problems.
Major treatment modalities include psychotropic medication, a full range of psychotropic medication, a full range of psychosocial interventions, and specialized interventions for physical and organic dysfunction s, the physical environment, behavioral management, and the use of treatment milieu. Centralized ASH programs, including Vocational Rehabilitation, Recreational Rehabilitation, Chaplaincy, and Patient Education, are utilized to individualize and enhance the programs and agencies that can meet identified need. The social work staff refers all patients to local mental health authorities for continued treatment. Referrals are made for vocational, legal, health, and family services, as well as placement in nursing homes, or other less structured facilities as per individual needs. The social work staff facilitates the applications for social security and other benefits as per individual needs and eligibility.