Mental health treatment center to open soon

The battle against mental illness can be a tough journey for those suffering it.

But for Imperial County residents, help is available soon.

One in four Californians are experiencing mental health issues, according to health officials from the Alvarado Parkway Institute of Behavioral Health System.

The agency is working with Imperial County Behavioral Health to open the Jackson House in El Centro, the first short term treatment center for patients with mental illnesses.

Alvarado Parkway Institute of Behavioral Health System President, Patrick Ziemer said, ” This is a crisis residential treatment program that will allow clients to come in and stay and be stabilized from their acute symptoms or psychiatric disorders. ”

Having a local facility means residents who need help won’t have to be outsourced.

” The biggest concern is having to displace county residents to other areas. And they like to repatriate those folks. Have them here to receive services in their own setting. It also allows families to participate in treatment. ”

The treatment center will also be a welcoming environment which health officials said is vital to a patient’s recovery process.

” We want a relaxing environment. Sometimes when you’re in an acute psychiatric hospital you may have folks who are forwardly psychotic yelling, screaming. That can be very traumatizing. ”

Patients volunteer for treatment and health experts determine the best way to help them cope.

” We’ll determine whether or not medications are necessary. We can either continue medications that an individual might be on outside or we’ll adjust and start medications to help target the symptoms the individual is presenting with. ”

Ziemer added that the Jackson House will house up to 16 patients at a time giving them the attention they need.

” All of our treatment plans are patient-centered. Treatment plans, meeting the clients where they’re at with their specific illness as well as where they’re at in their journey to recovery. ”

The Jackson House in El Centro will open its doors the first week of October.