Colin Copeland: Me Behavioral Health Care Hero

Maine Behavioral Healthcare in Brunswick, Maine, is a private rehab facility that offers dual diagnosis treatment for individuals with co-occurring substance use disorders and mental health conditions. The rehab centre provides holistic care through a combination of therapy, education, recovery groups, and 12-step programming to support recovery and improve mental well-being. The facility is located at 11 Medical Center Drive, Brunswick, ME 04011, and can be contacted at 207-805-9392.

Inpatient and outpatient services for mental illness and substance use disorders

Inpatient Services

Inpatient services are available for individuals with mental illness, psychological disorders, substance use disorders, or any combination of these conditions. The Mid Coast Hospital Behavioral Health Unit is a 13-bed inpatient unit that provides 24-hour care in a state-of-the-art therapeutic facility. The unit offers compassionate care, one-on-one and group therapy, and a range of treatments. Inpatient services are designed for patients who require round-the-clock care and support for their mental health and substance use disorders.

Outpatient Services

Outpatient services offer a wide range of programs, services, and treatment schedules to accommodate the unique and evolving needs of clients. Outpatient treatment centers often offer evening, night, and weekend services to accommodate work and home schedules. Outpatient behavioral health services at Mid Coast Hospital include an intensive short-term, daily program for individuals with psychiatric disorders who do not require hospitalization. This program is customized to the individual's needs and typically lasts for four to five weeks. It includes intensive daily therapy, skilled nursing, psychiatry, medication management, and group psychotherapy.

Outpatient services also often include multiple counseling sessions per week, such as group and family therapy. Recovery-focused life skills training and medication-assisted treatment (MAT) are also commonly offered. Outpatient programs are typically designed to support clients' sustained sobriety and successful community reintegration.

Dual-Diagnosis Treatment

Dual-diagnosis treatment addresses co-occurring substance use disorders and mental health conditions. Both inpatient and outpatient dual-diagnosis programs are staffed by addiction experts who use a combination of therapy, education, recovery groups, and 12-step programming to support recovery and improve mental health and well-being. Therapies offered in dual-diagnosis treatment include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and motivational interviewing.

Substance Use Disorder Treatment

Substance use disorder treatment is available at Mid Coast Hospital for individuals struggling with drug and alcohol addiction. Treatment includes access to mental health counselors or therapists, medical staff, and various therapies. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a common modality used to help individuals identify and change harmful thought patterns and behaviors associated with substance use. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), a modified form of CBT, is often used for individuals struggling with self-harm behaviors and out-of-control emotions.

Mental Health Services

Mental health services at Mid Coast Hospital include electroconvulsive therapy for severe depression and partial hospitalization for individuals who do not require inpatient care. Senior Mental Health Services are also available for adults 65 and older, offering confidential screening, assessment, and treatment for issues such as depression, anxiety, substance use disorder, and grief and loss associated with late-life changes.

Senior mental health services

Mid Coast Senior Mental Health Services in Brunswick, Maine, offers comprehensive care for adults 65 and older. Their services include confidential screening, assessment, and treatment for various mental health concerns, such as depression, anxiety, substance use disorders, and grief associated with late-life changes. The team consists of a clinical social worker (LCSW), a psychiatric nurse practitioner, and a board-certified geriatric psychiatrist, ensuring personalized and professional care. They provide psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and substance use disorder education and counseling.

Brunswick Place, part of the Lakeside Behavioral Health System, is another dedicated facility for senior mental health. Located in Memphis, Tennessee, Brunswick Place offers a specialized inpatient treatment program for older adults. Their goal is to help seniors manage the emotional and mental challenges associated with aging and improve their overall functionality and self-sufficiency. The facility includes 48 beds, a neuroscience center, and two medical clinics, providing a caring and sensitive environment for seniors. The treatment team consists of psychiatrists, registered nurses, social workers, activities therapists, and other mental health professionals who work together to develop individualized treatment plans.

In addition to these dedicated senior mental health services, there are also other mental health facilities in Brunswick, Maine, that cater to seniors. These include the Mid Coast Hospital Behavioral Health Unit and Maine Behavioral Healthcare, which offer inpatient and outpatient treatment, respectively. These facilities provide various services, including psychotropic medication, individual and group psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and crisis intervention.

Dual-diagnosis addiction treatment

Understanding Dual Diagnosis

Dual diagnosis, also known as co-occurring disorders, refers to the presence of both a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder in an individual. This coexistence can complicate diagnosis and treatment as symptoms from one condition can influence and exacerbate the other. People with a dual diagnosis may experience challenges in various aspects of their lives, including relationships, employment, and overall well-being. It is important to understand that a dual diagnosis is not about blaming one condition for the other, but rather recognising that they are interconnected and require simultaneous treatment.

Treatment Options

Treating a dual diagnosis effectively requires a holistic approach that addresses both the mental health and substance abuse components. Integrated care models that combine mental health therapies with addiction interventions have shown promising outcomes. This involves a multidisciplinary team of professionals, including psychiatrists, therapists, counselors, and addiction specialists, working together to create an individualised treatment plan. This team approach ensures that all aspects of an individual's well-being are considered.

Therapeutic Interventions

Several therapeutic interventions are commonly used in dual diagnosis treatment:

• Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviours contributing to both mental health and substance abuse issues.
• Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) focuses on developing coping skills, emotional regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness.
• Motivational interviewing helps individuals resolve their ambivalence towards change and enhances their motivation to engage in treatment.
• Trauma-informed therapy addresses past traumas that may underlie both mental health and substance abuse issues.
• Group therapy, including family therapy, can improve communication, support systems, and overall treatment outcomes.

Medication Management

Medication management is a vital component of dual diagnosis treatment. It helps stabilise mood disorders, manage cravings, and reduce symptoms of anxiety or depression, enhancing the individual's overall well-being.

Holistic Approaches

Holistic approaches are essential for addressing the interconnected physical, emotional, and mental health needs of individuals with dual diagnoses. These may include mindfulness practices, yoga, art therapy, stress reduction techniques, and nutritional support.

Finding the Right Treatment Facility

When searching for a dual diagnosis treatment facility, consider the following:

• Location: Choose a facility that is conveniently located and easily accessible to ensure regular attendance and effective participation in the treatment programs.
• Treatment approach: Ensure the facility's treatment approach aligns with your needs and preferences, whether you prefer holistic therapies, medication-assisted treatment, or specific counselling modalities.
• Staff expertise: Evaluate the qualifications and experience of the staff, including their expertise in managing dual diagnoses, to ensure you receive comprehensive and individualised care.
• Success rates and patient reviews: Consider the facility's success rates and patient experiences to gauge their effectiveness in treating dual diagnosis conditions.

In summary, dual-diagnosis addiction treatment requires a nuanced and comprehensive approach that addresses both mental health and substance use disorders simultaneously. A range of therapeutic interventions, medication management, and holistic practices are utilised to support individuals on their journey towards sustainable recovery and improved quality of life.

Cognitive behavioural therapy

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a structured, goal-oriented type of talk therapy. It is a form of psychological treatment that has proven effective in treating a wide range of issues, including depression, anxiety, grief, stress, insomnia, and chronic pain. CBT is also useful in managing non-psychological health conditions and emotional concerns. It is often used to complement medication and other therapies, and can be applied to individuals of all ages, including children.

Principles of CBT

CBT is based on the following core principles:

• Psychological issues are partly based on problematic or unhelpful patterns of thinking.
• Psychological issues are partly based on learned patterns of unhelpful behavior.
• Psychological issues are partly based on problematic core beliefs, including central ideas about oneself and the world.
• People with psychological issues can learn better ways of coping with them, thereby improving their mental and emotional health.

How CBT Works

During CBT, a mental health professional guides the patient in examining their thoughts and emotions. By doing so, the patient can understand how their thoughts influence their actions. Through this process, negative thoughts and behaviors can be unlearned, and healthier thinking patterns and habits can be adopted.

CBT typically involves a limited number of sessions, during which the therapist asks a series of questions to help the patient gain a different perspective. As a result, the patient learns to respond more effectively to stress, pain, and challenging situations.

Benefits of CBT

CBT has been shown to be as effective as, or more effective than, other forms of psychological therapy or medication. It empowers individuals to become more aware of their emotions, thoughts, and behaviors, enabling them to adopt healthier habits and respond more positively to stressful situations. CBT also emphasizes helping individuals learn to become their own therapists, providing them with coping skills they can apply in their daily lives.

Treatment for eating disorders

Eating disorders are serious mental health conditions that can cause disturbances in a person's diet and their perception of food. They can lead to abnormal eating habits, such as eating too much or too little, or becoming overly concerned with body shape and weight. Eating disorders can be life-threatening if left untreated. Treatment is essential and often involves a team of health professionals.

There are various treatment options available for eating disorders, including therapy, prescription medications, and alternative therapies. The focus of treatment is on working towards recovery and preventing future relapses. It is important to tailor the treatment plan to the individual, as different types of eating disorders exist, and effective methods vary accordingly. Treatment settings can also differ based on personal factors such as preferences, family involvement, and the medical or psychiatric severity of the condition.

Self-help is a treatment option where individuals pursue recovery through alternative methods or self-help resources. This approach is suitable for those with good insight into their condition, those in long-term recovery, or those still understanding their condition and how to seek help. Community-based treatment involves individuals receiving outpatient treatment services in their community, such as teletherapy or visits with their primary care provider.

Intensive outpatient treatment is offered at an outpatient clinic that individuals visit regularly, sometimes several times a week. Partial hospitalization involves regular hospital monitoring for individuals who are medically and psychiatrically stable but require daily monitoring of vital signs and eating disorder behaviours. Residential treatment is for those who are medically stable but require significant psychiatric and behavioural support. Inpatient hospitalization is for individuals with an eating disorder who are experiencing a medical emergency, such as unstable vital signs or rapid symptom deterioration.

Therapy is a crucial component of eating disorder treatment. Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) is the most widely studied psychotherapy for treating eating disorders. It helps individuals identify destructive thought patterns, develop awareness, and change their thinking and behaviour. Other psychotherapies include compassion-focused therapy, dialectical behaviour therapy, emotion-focused therapy, cognitive remediation therapy, enhanced CBT, and acceptance and commitment therapy.

Family-based therapy, also known as the Maudsley approach, treats the family as a unit and empowers parents to support their child's recovery. Nutritional counselling by a registered dietitian is also essential, as returning to a healthy body weight is a critical aspect of the recovery process. Occupational therapy helps individuals re-engage with self-care, eating, meal preparation, grocery shopping, and leisure activities. Physical therapy can help rebuild muscle mass and body awareness.

Medical monitoring and treatment may be necessary, depending on the severity of the eating disorder. This can include vital sign monitoring, parenteral nutrition, bone density scanning, blood tests, cardiovascular monitoring, and dental evaluations. Alternative and complementary treatments, such as yoga, can also positively impact individuals but should be used alongside medical, nutritional, and therapeutic treatments.

Frequently asked questions