Outpatient Behavioral Health Services

Mental Health Programs in the Northern Shenandoah Valley

The Outpatient Behavioral Health Programs at Valley Health provide support for individuals 18 and older who are struggling to manage the symptoms of a mental illness using an integrated psychiatric and medical approach to mental health and wellness.

Psychiatric Medication Management

Our psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practitioners will assess your symptoms and determine whether your medications may be necessary to treat your mental health condition. During your appointment, your provider will review the risks and benefits of treatment, and will address any questions you may have. Occasionally, providers may refer you to a higher level of care that would be appropriate to address your individual treatment needs.

Mental Health Intensive Outpatient Care

Our Mental Health Intensive Outpatient Program (MHIOP) is a step down for those who no longer require the intensity of inpatient hospitalization or for individuals who require a higher level of care than traditional outpatient services provide. MHIOP can also be a step up from traditional outpatient services and offers additional support and structure for those at risk of psychiatric hospitalization. Individuals will be able to apply the skills and coping strategies they are learning in therapy to their everyday lives. Patients may be experiencing a variety of mental health issues including but not limited to:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Loss and grief
• Trauma
• Lack of motivation
• Difficulty focusing or concentrating
• Co-occurring medical conditions
• Post-partum depression
• Workplace stress
• Suicidal thoughts
• Irritability, anger, isolation, panic, or fear
• Sleep and appetite disturbances
• Social withdrawal
• Loss of interest in appearance
• Hallucinations
• Confusion
• Cognitive impairment due to depressive symptoms

About the Program

MHIOP provides support primarily through group therapy and includes regular individual therapy, family therapy and medication management during the intensive outpatient admission. In an intensive outpatient level of care, patients are required to attend a minimum of 3 days per week, 3 hours each day, but may attend the program up to 5 days per week if clinically appropriate. Patients should expect to commit to a minimum of 6 weeks of intensive outpatient support, with a maximum length of stay of 12 weeks.

The MHIOP program clinicians specialize in treating behavioral health disorders such as anxiety, depression and trauma. Because we provide treatment for only mental health and not substance use disorders, we have a program requirement of 90 days of sobriety from all chronic substance use, including cannabis and alcohol.

After admission, our specialized treatment team begins building a personalized plan of care for each MHIOP patient within our morning or afternoon programs. Our physicians, licensed therapists and support team carefully consider the mental health needs of each patient, as well as developmental functioning, family involvement, and behavioral needs.

As a patient’s symptoms and level of functioning improve, our staff will work to decrease his or her time in the MHIOP. Once stabilization is achieved, we will facilitate the transition into a traditional outpatient program or to the care of outside providers. We do this by establishing appointments for ongoing, outpatient care.

Intensive Outpatient Treatment Components

• Group therapy 3-5 days per week
• Individual therapy as needed
• Family therapy as needed
• Psychiatric medication management
• Crisis intervention
• Individualized treatment planning
• Care coordination
• Discharge planning
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Dialectal Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
• Solution-Focused Therapy
• Peer Recovery Services

Professional Treatment Team

• Psychiatrists
• Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners
• Licensed Clinical Social Workers
• Licensed Professional Counselors
• Registered Peer Recovery Specialists

Senior Intensive Outpatient Program

This specialized program is designed to increase the quality of life for individuals and families facing difficulty adjusting to retirement, managing stressors associated with aging, depression, anxiety, conflict, social isolation, grief/loss, chronic medical problems and stressful life events. Our experienced team of physicians, licensed clinical social workers, licensed professional counselors, and support professionals are dedicated to meeting the needs of seniors and their families during this unique stage of life.

Admissions Criteria & Scheduling

Admissions to the outpatient behavioral health program are based on the following:

• Individuals 18 and older requiring mental health support within an intensive structured afternoon setting.
• Individuals 18 and older who are discharging from inpatient, residential or partial hospital programs.
• Individuals 18 and older who are receiving outpatient mental health treatment, and are in need of additional support to help manage symptoms.
• Individuals experiencing high levels or acute depression, anxiety or additional life stressors who need stabilization and support.
• 90 days of sobriety from all chronic substance use, including cannabis and alcohol.
• Commitment to attending the program a minimum of 3 days per week, for 3 hours each day.

Assessments & Referrals

Referrals to our program may be made by a family physician, nurse, mental health professional, assisted living facility and others concerned about the welfare of their family member, friend or loved one. Patients can also self-refer into the program. If you are calling on behalf of a family member or friend, please be aware that we need to speak with the patient directly to begin the intake process. If this individual is not available, we are happy to provide information and answer any questions you may have, and they can call back at any time during business hours to begin the intake process.

The first step of the intake process is to complete a confidential assessment. Our program utilizes questionnaires that are sent via text message or email. You may also schedule a time to use one of the devices at the program to fill out these questionnaires. The purpose of these documents are so that program staff can obtain a greater understanding of your needs and in turn identify the best supports for you. Once this questionnaire is completed and reviewed by one of our clinical team, our staff will reach out to discuss your treatment.

For more information or to schedule an MHIOP intake screening please call 540-536-4881. To schedule a new patient psychiatric medication management appointment please call 540-459-1262.

Insurance

Services are covered by Medicare, Medicaid and many commercial insurance providers. Visit the Valley Health page on accepted insurances and health plans for more information

If you are uninsured, or have any concerns about the potential out-of-pocket costs for treatment, Valley Health financial counselors will work with you to answer your billing questions, and can help complete a financial assistance application if you would like to apply for assistance with your medical bills.

Locations Offering Care

Valley Health Winchester Outpatient Behavioral Health

This location currently offers Mental Health Intensive Outpatient Services ONLY Winchester (Adult 18+) (Senior 55+)
172 Linden Dr., Suite 111
Winchester, VA 22601
Phone: 540-536-4881 • Fax: 540-536-3274

Valley Health Shenandoah Memorial Hospital Behavioral Health

This location currently offers Psychiatric Medication Management services ONLY
Woodstock (Senior 55+)
759 S. Main St., Suite 102
Woodstock, VA 22664
Phone: 540-459-1262 • Fax: 540-459-1263