SVMC Partners with United Counseling Service for Mental Health Consultations
 |
BENNINGTON, Vt. — Southwestern Vermont Medical Center and United Counseling Service have partnered to improve patients' access to mental health services.
As of May 1, UCS prescribing practitioners have started consulting on patients at in the emergency department or hospitalized at SVMC.
"By partnering with UCS, we are able to provide mental health services sooner than in the past," said Dr, Trey Dobson, a specialist in emergency medicine, chief medical officer at Southwestern Vermont Medical Center, and medical director of Dartmouth-Hitchcock Putnam Physicians. "This is crucial in relieving some of their stress and improving their stay at SVMC."
The providers include Drs. Catherine Hickey, Lisa Howard, and Alya Reeve and Debra Lucey, advanced practice registered nurse. All are employees of UCS, who are contracted to provide services at SVMC, with significant clinical experience. They will consult on patients who have a primary or secondary mental health diagnosis, assist with policy and guideline development, attend providers from many specialties during rounds, and conduct educational sessions for staff.
"Like many places all over the country, there is a big need for mental health care in our area," said Dr. Alya Reeve, UCS's medical director. "We are hopeful that our providers will promote healthy outcomes for people seeking treatment at SVMC. It is a pleasure to develop this partnership with the providers, staff, and administration of SVMC."
Tags: mental health, SVMC,
