ADULT
Admissions Info (pdf) |
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Trauma's Aftermath: |
Dissociative Disorders and Trauma Program
Sherry
Winternitz, MD, Clinical Director
Karen Terk, MS,
RN, Nurse Director
The Dissociative Disorders and Trauma Program at McLean Hospital provides a comprehensive range of services for adults who suffer from the effects of childhood abuse or other painful traumatic events. A pioneer in the treatment of trauma survivors, the program maintains a strong reputation among patients and referring clinicians for its balanced emphasis on stabilization and healing.
The program has extensive experience with individuals who have presented with difficulties, including depression, post-traumatic disorders, dissociative disorders and personality disorders. Patients may suffer from intrusive thoughts and feelings related to traumatic events, emotional numbing and social isolation, memory difficulties, altered perceptions and personality fragmentation. Many trauma survivors also experience intense difficulties with trust and relationships, shame and negative self-images, and self-destructive or suicidal impulses that further complicate treatment.
The Dissociative Disorders and Trauma Program |
Treatment Approach
Over the past decade, McLean's Dissociative Disorders and Trauma Program has developed a model of treatment that is highly sensitive to the needs of trauma survivors. Emphasis is placed on the overall psychological health and functioning of the individual and not simply on identifying and working on trauma. Given the highly chaotic and disrupted early environments of many trauma survivors, the program emphasizes the need for patients to develop solid relational skills and control of symptoms prior to embarking on the exploration and emotional release of traumatic experiences. Patients are encouraged to acknowledge and deal with traumatic history, while maintaining control, safety and functioning. Patients receive help in gaining control over their own experiences, so that they can proceed in treatment without being retraumatized by the intense feelings and experiences that invariably arise throughout treatment.
In all treatment settings, the following principles are emphasized: respect and collaboration, interpersonal relationships, psychological education and healing the wounds of early trauma.
Program and Services
The Dissociative Disorders and Trauma Program offers a variety of intensive services to meet patients' needs effectively and flexibly. Acute inpatient hospitalization and partial hospital services with residential options are all available. Treatment plans are developed with a commitment to maintaining continuity when patients make a transition from one level of care to another.
Partial hospitalization through the Women's Treatment Program and the Mood and Anxiety Partial Program (for men) offers an intensive treatment experience for patients who do not require inpatient hospitalization but need a more structured, in-depth form of treatment than is possible in an outpatient setting. Patients may utilize partial hospitalization services as an adjunct to individual therapy, as a transition from inpatient hospitalization or as an alternative to hospital care.
Inpatient care, offering a full range of diagnostic and treatment services, is available for men and women who are overwhelmed and in crisis. Stabilization and containment of symptoms, coupled with respectful and compassionate treatment, are hallmarks of the program.
Staff
The Dissociative Disorders and Trauma Program staff has extensive clinical, teaching and research experience with patients with abuse histories. The staff of psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, nurses, rehabilitation specialists and counselors working in the program has developed a special sensitivity to the needs of abuse and trauma survivors. In particular, the program's nursing staff has developed special expertise in helping patients manage dissociative symptoms and flashbacks. In addition, many professional staff members are nationally and regionally recognized for their teaching and research concerning post-traumatic stress.
Information and Referral
McLean Hospital accepts Medicare, Massachusetts Medicaid, Blue Cross and many other private health insurance plans. The hospital also has working arrangements with many managed care companies. Insurance coverage may be limited for some services, especially for longer-term residential treatment. Information can be obtained about the Dissociative Disorders and Trauma Inpatient Program by calling 1-800/333-0338, or about the Women's Treatment Program by calling, Monday through Friday, 617.855.2595.
About McLean Hospital
U.S. News & World Report consistently ranks McLean Hospital the nation's top psychiatric hospital. McLean is the largest psychiatric clinical care, teaching and research facility of Harvard Medical School, an affiliate of the Massachusetts General Hospital and a member of Partners HealthCare.