ADULT

Women's Treatment Program

Sherry Winternitz, MD, Clinical Director
Allison Berger, PhD, Program Director
Karen Terk, MS, RN, Nurse Director

The Women's Treatment Program at McLean Hospital offers psychiatric and psychological services for women with mood disorders, anxiety disorders or those who are recovering from trauma or struggling with self-injurious behavior. The program draws its strength from several schools of investigation: clinical studies of trauma and recovery by James Chu, MD, and other McLean Hospital researchers; extensive work on the psychology of women conducted at the Stone Center at Wellesley College; and dialectical behavioral therapy skills training developed by Marsha Linehan, PhD. Empathy, compassion, collaboration and empowerment are emphasized to help women build new strength and find new resources to regain command of their lives and functioning.

Treatment

The Women's Treatment Program is a group-based program for women who need more structure and intensive treatment than is possible on an outpatient basis. The program can function as an adjunct to individual therapy or as a support during transition from inpatient hospitalization. Many women in the program attend groups during the day and live at home or elsewhere within the community. Residential beds are available for individuals in need of additional structure and support while participating in treatment. Patients are expected to continue regular follow-up with their individual outpatient therapist. Each client has a case manager in the program who supports her in developing an individualized treatment plan and provides guidance in pursuing treatment goals. Psychopharmacology consultation is available as needed.

Hill Cottage

Treatment occurs primarily in group therapies, which provide opportunities for healing, reconnection and progress toward goals. Patients pursue symptom management, rehabilitative, educational and vocational goals in groups throughout the week. Group leaders teach and assist clients in practicing emotional regulation, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness and mindfulness strategies as a means of targeting symptoms and behaviors that interfere with effective coping. Focus groups are prescribed for individuals in need of specialized learning to manage anger, impulsivity, parenting challenges, transitions, substance abuse, eating disorders and recovery from trauma. By changing behavioral, emotional and thinking patterns, clients are able to move toward a life beyond symptoms and treatment.

Staff

WTP staff (from left) Sherry Winternitz, MD, Claudia Nolan, MEd,LMHC, and Melanie Richardson, APRN, BC.

The program is staffed by a multidisciplinary team of knowledgeable and experienced professionals that includes psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, nurses, expressive therapists and community residence counselors.

Insurance Information

McLean accepts Medicare, Massachusetts Medicaid and many private insurance and managed care plans.

Contact

For further information, please call 617.855.2595, Monday through Friday, to speak to the intake coordinator, or visit McLean's website at www.mclean.harvard.edu. Although phone contact is preferred, prospective patients may also contact the program via e-mail at women@mclean.harvard.edu. Prior to entering the program, patients must obtain the appropriate referrals from their psychiatrists or therapists. Individuals with active substance abuse, severe eating disorders or those who are medically unstable may not be appropriate for this program. The Referral form can be downloaded by clicking here: (www.mclean.harvard.edu/doc/patient/adult/wt-referralform.doc).

About McLean Hospital

U.S. News & World Report ranked McLean Hospital first among all freestanding psychiatric hospitals. McLean Hospital is the largest psychiatric facility of Harvard Medical School, an affiliate of the Massachusetts General Hospital and a member of Partners HealthCare.