Our second spotlight is on Maxie Clarence Maultsby, Jr, M.D. Born in Pensacola, Florida on April 24, 1932, Maultsby focused on his studies all the way through medical school. He earned his M.D. in 1957 from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio.

Upon graduation from medical school, he worked as an intern for one year at the  Philadelphia General Hospital, before returning to Florida to become a General Practitioner of Medicine. From 1962-1966 he was a medical officer in the  US Air Force, before working for several hospitals associated with the University of Wisconsin through a Psychiatry Residency. During this time, he also participated in an intensive training in  Behavior Therapy at the Eastern Psychiatric Institute, in  Philadelphia,  Pennsylvania.

His Psychiatric Residency with the University of Wisconsin led to Maultsby joining the University of Wisconsin, Madison medical faculty in 1970. During his time there, he formalized psychiatric approach of his own creation called Rational Behavior Therapy. In 1973 he founded the Training and Treatment Center for Rational Behavior Therapy, where his method became increasingly influential.

Maultsby and his approach with Rational Behavior Therapy (RBT) made several unique contributions to psychotherapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy.

• • RBT is based on the  neurophysiology  (the structure of the nervous system) of a healthy  human brain,  which was unlike other traditional therapies based on introspection, observation, and/or the philosophical influences.
• • RBT is relatively easy to teach and easy to learn (does not require identification of disorders or knowledge of medical terms).
• • Clients define what is healthy thinking for them.
• • Clients are coached to become their own therapists (Rational Behavior Self-Counseling).
• • In 1971, RBT psychiatrists pioneered visualization practices and the use of imagery to develop healthy thoughts, emotions and behaviors.
• • Accepts the potential health value of religious, spiritual, and deeply rooted philosophical or existential beliefs, and their beneficial application and integration into a cognitive-behavioral, non-denominational, spiritual or existential counseling.

RBT has continued to grow in influence since its beginning and has practitioners in many continents across the globe. In addition to founding the RBT psychotherapy, he also founded the emotional self-help technique called Rational Self-Counseling and the New Self-Help Alcoholic Relapse Prevention Treatment Method.

Maultsby became the Chair of Howard University's Department of Psychiatry in 1989 and was given the title of Emeritus Professor in 2004. In 2011, Maultsby also became a Professor in the Psychiatry Residence Training Program, at Saint Elizabeth's Hospital, under the Department of Mental Health in Washington D.C.

An American psychiatrist, author of several books on emotional and behavioral self-management, elected Distinguished Life Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association, and recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Association of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapists, Maxie Clarence Maultsby Jr., M.D., passed away on August 28, 2016, in Alexandria, Virginia.

Learn more about Maxie Clarence Maultsby, Jr, MD, and his other accomplishments here.

If you would like to speak to someone about better managing your stress and anxiety, or to make an appointment, please call (717) 782-6493  for more information.

Starting off our spotlight is PA native, Bebe Moore Campbell. Born on February 18, 1950, in Philadelphia, Elizabeth Bebe Moore was the only child of Philadelphia native Doris Carter Moore, a social worker, and George Moore, a college graduate from North Carolina.

Campbell grew up to be an author, journalist, teacher, and mental health advocate who worked diligently to shed light on the mental health needs of the Black and other underrepresented communities. In her later work, Campbell examined mental illness from a child's viewpoint in her illustrated children's story  Sometimes My Mommy Gets Angry. This book  provided helpful prose for young readers with a family member suffering from bipolar disorder. Stemming from bipolar disorder being an issue in her own family, she would continue the theme on mental health in her next book,  72 Hour Hold.

"We don't want to talk about it," she explained in one of her last interviews to Kenneth Meeks of  Black Enterprise, of her involvement in the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI), whose Inglewood, California, chapter she co-founded. "I didn't want to talk about it, either. I went into denial. I was ashamed. I was very stigmatized by this illness that had no business in my family."

Finding comfort in dealing with her family's experiences with mental illness in support groups, her work in founding NAMI-Inglewood in a predominantly Black neighborhood to create a space that was safe for Black people to talk about mental health concerns.

Sadly, she passed away in Los Angeles on November 27, 2006, from brain cancer at the age of 56.

On June 2, 2008, congress formally recognized July as Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month to bring awareness to the unique struggles that underrepresented groups face regarding mental illness in the US.

Read more about Bebe Moore Campbell's life here.  

If you would like to speak to someone about better managing your stress and anxiety, or to make an appointment, please call (717) 782-6493  for more information.

According to the CDC, mental, behavioral and developmental disorders begin in early childhood with 1 in 6 U.S. children aged 2–8 years diagnosed. ADHD, behavior problems, anxiety, and depression are the most diagnosed mental disorders in children. Some of these conditions commonly occur together. For example:

• Having another disorder is most common in children with depression: about 3 in 4 children aged 3-17 years with depression also have anxiety and almost 1 in 2 have behavior problems.
• For children with anxiety, more than 1 in 3 also have behavior problems and about 1 in 3 also have depression.
• For children with behavior problems, more than 1 in 3 also have anxiety and about 1 in 5 also have depression.

Depression and anxiety have increased over time. Children aged 6–17 years diagnosed with either anxiety or depression increased from 5.4% in 2003 to 8% in 2007 and to 8.4% in 2011–2012.
For families in need of getting a child psychiatric help, having access to specialized treatment programs with skilled and experienced clinicians is essential. That is why Pennsylvania Psychiatric Institute is gratified to offer the following group programs to help the youth in our community.

Anger Management
Wednesdays at 5:30–7 p.m. | Ages: 14–18 (High School)

Members of the group will gain a better understanding of core skills such as opposite action, checking the facts and problem solving. They will explore a range of emotions and focus on problem emotions and behaviors associated with them. They will practice brainstorming, choosing a solution and evaluating the decision.

CBT Group
Wednesdays at 3:30–5 p.m. | Ages: 14–18 (High School)

In the Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) group teens will learn how to challenge and restructure their thinking in order to improve how they feel and behave on an everyday basis. Group members will participate in interactive activities and help each other to gain different perspectives, and new ways of thinking about their problems. CBT is geared towards teens with depression, anxiety, OCD, and ADHD.

Emotion Regulation for Social Situations
Mondays at 3:30–5 p.m. | Ages: 14–18 (High School)

Many adolescents face social, emotional and behavioral difficulties that impact their ability to create and maintain friendships with their peers as well as interact prosocially with adults in their lives. In this group, members will learn effective social and relationship skills that will help them navigate the process of peer connection and maintain positive relationships with adults. Group members will gain esteem, understanding of nonverbal communication and language, development of friendships and fostering assertiveness.

Interpersonal Skills Group
Tuesdays at 3:30–5 p.m. | Ages: 14–18 (High School)

Interpersonal skills are the skills we use every day when we communicate and interact with other people, both individually and in groups. They include a wide range of skills, but particularly communication skills such as listening and effective speaking. This can also include the ability to control and manage your emotions. Some examples are active listening skills, teamwork, dependability, leadership, motivation, flexibility with others, patience and empathy. Group members will gain self awareness.

Social Skills: Building strong relationships through effective communication.
Thursdays at 3:30–5 p.m. | Ages: 11-14

In a fast-paced technology savvy world, the art of communicating face-to-face is becoming a serious challenge for the younger population. This group will rely heavily on developing knowledge on the different communication types, styles and potential road blocks someone may encounter. This group will function as fluid as possible with daily tasks and a chance to an open forum in which group members can process and receive feedback from peers.

Call admissions to sign up or learn more at (717) 782-6493.

The word ”psychosis” is a powerful term that carries a frightening social stigma. But while psychosis is a serious condition, the Pennsylvania Psychiatric Institute's CAPSTONE program is redefining its treatment and giving patients hope.

”It's important for people to know that psychosis can be treated,” said Amanda Fooks, MSW, LCSW, Lead Therapist, CAPSTONE. ”With the right treatment and support, individuals can live a normal life even with symptoms.”

CAPSTONE is an outpatient program designed to provide comprehensive treatment and support for young adults ages 16 to 30 experiencing early psychosis. ”The program focuses on early psychosis because, like any illness, the earlier you start treating it the better the outcome,” explained Fooks.

Psychosis is a break with reality. It can make it difficult for patients to recognize what is real and what isn't. These disruptions are often experienced as seeing, hearing and believing things that aren't real or having unusual and persistent thoughts.

It's a common misconception that patients experiencing psychosis need to be hospitalized. But a person only needs to go to the hospital if they are unable to keep themselves or other people safe.

”If possible, we want to avoid hospitalization,” said Fooks. ”We want to help them live as normal a life as possible. And hospitalization can be a traumatic experience in and of itself.”

Providing Comprehensive Care

What makes the outpatient CAPSTONE program so effective is the comprehensive nature of the services it offers. The program includes two components. The clinical component includes individual therapy, psychiatry, and family education. The support component includes services like helping patients get a job and providing case management which helps them get to appointments and manage their health.

”This comprehensive care is possible through the close collaboration of three organization,” said Fooks. The Pennsylvania Psychiatric Institute provides the clinical care, the YWCA of Greater Harrisburg provides the employment assistance, and Case Management Unit provides case management support.

”Staff from all three organizations, including psychiatrists, are in constant communication about the patient's condition,” Fooks said. ”We work very closely together to provide complete care.”

Overall, the program aims to reduce symptoms or help patients managed their symptoms by teaching different skills and coping strategies. But the program is successful because it is centered on the participants.

”People set their own goals,” Fooks noted. ”If they are not working, they might set the goal to enroll in HACC and complete the entire year. That's success by their measure.”

For some, the symptoms may never completely go away. But the program recognizes that there is a livable amount of symptoms – which may vary by the person – and that's the balance the program aims to find for each patient.

If you would like to speak to someone about better managing your stress and anxiety, or to make an appointment, please call (717) 782-6493  for more information.

Due to grant limitations, CAPSTONE is only available to current residents of Dauphin County between the ages of 16 and 30. It is designed for persons experiencing their first episode of psychosis, and requires the individual and their family to participate in services. Even if a person isn't sure they are experiencing is psychosis, they should contact the Pennsylvania Psychiatric Institute as soon as possible and we can help, whatever the diagnosis.

”It's important for people to know that psychosis can be treated. With the right treatment and support, patients can live a normal life even with symptoms.”
-- Amanda Fooks, MSW, LCSW, Lead Therapist, CAPSTONE

”To be a successful organization, you need to be around successful people and give them the tools and opportunities to grow,” said Lisa Laudeman, CRCE-I, CRCE-P, Patients Accounts Manager. ”These certifications take our team and the Pennsylvania Psychiatric Institute to the next level. The team comes out of it with a well-rounded idea of the best practices used at the nation's leading hospitals.”

Patient Financial Services includes customer service, billing, follow up, eligibility, and benefits – anything related to the revenue cycle. The staff needs to know collection law and compliance rules, as well as the technical side of their positions.

Nationally Recognized Accreditation

The team is getting their accreditations from the American Association of Healthcare Administrative Management (AAHAM). The American Association of Healthcare Administrative Management (AAHAM) is the premier professional organization in healthcare administrative management, and the only organization dedicated exclusively to the revenue cycle.

”This rigorous accreditation process enables us to do billing more proficiently – accuracy increases and claims are paid properly. And we're better able to help patients when they call,” explained Laudeman.

Rigorous Process Prepares Team for Almost Anything

Even after they leave the hospital, patients may get EOBs in the mail that they don't understand, or they may have questions about their benefits. With this added training, the team is ready to help.

”Sometimes because of the extra level of training, we can resolve problems before the patient sees them – so their experience continues to be positive,” Laudeman noted.

AAHAM offers three levels of certification – executive, professional and technical. Currently the entire team is going through the process – which includes a lot of studying and a passing score on the accreditation test. The department's goal to have everyone accredited by 2020. The accreditation is for three years, which helps the team stay abreast of the latest developments and services.

”It's a lot of work to earn the accreditation, but it is important for our patients that we be as knowledgeable and helpful as we can be,” said Laudeman.
If you would like to speak to someone about better managing your stress and anxiety, or to make an appointment, please call  (717) 782-6493  for more information.

• The AAHAM Certified Revenue Cycle Professional – This is specifically for supervisors and first-time managers to help them understand the processes, but it also has technical component so they need to know what their staff does.

• The AAHAM Certified Revenue Cycle Specialist – This staff level accreditation is much more detail oriented, focused day-to-day process and they must know including federal regulations and fundamental concepts.

The accreditations come with an Institutional tag (for hospital billing and collections) or Professional tag (for everybody else like doctors' offices, labs, etc.)

”Sometimes because of the extra level of training, we can resolve problems before the patient sees them – so their experience continues to be positive.”
-- Lisa Laudeman, CRCE-I, CRCE-P, Patients Accounts Manager

Knowing these signs can save the life of a loved one.

Mental Illness affects more people than you think.

Mental Illness Awareness Week is October 4-10, 2020. During this week, Pennsylvania Psychiatric Institute (PPI) hopes to further educate our community and bring awareness to mental illness.

Did you know?

• • 1 in 5 adults have experienced mental illness.
• • 1 in 25 adults have experienced a serious mental illness.
• • 1 in 8 emergency department visits by an adult involves a mental illness or substance use disorder.
• • High school students with significant symptoms of depression are more than twice as likely to drop out compared to their peers.
• • Just over 50% of those aged 6-17 with a mental health disorder received treatment in 2016.

It may seem taboo, but only by talking about suicide can we bring more awareness to the serious issue affecting tens of thousands of Americans every year.

• • Suicide is the  2nd  leading cause of death among people aged 10-34 in the U.S.
• • 90%  of people who die by suicide had shown symptoms of a mental health condition, according to interviews with family, friends and medical professionals.
• • Lesbian, gay and bisexual youth are  4x  more likely to attempt suicide.
• • 75%  of people who die by suicide are male.
• • Transgender adults are  nearly 12x  more likely to attempt suicide.

You are not alone. The staff at PPI is here for you.
Call (717) 782-6493  to speak with someone today.

If you are in emotional distress, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1.800.273.8255. Trained counselors are available 24/7.

If you are experiencing an emergency, please call 911.

If you would like to speak to someone about better managing your stress and anxiety, or to make an appointment, please call  (717) 782-6493  for more information.

Sources:

https://save.org/about-suicide/suicide-facts/

https://pdhealth.mil/clinical-guidance/clinical-conditions/suicide-risk

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/all-in-the-family/201401/what-do-when-someone-is-suicidal

The hard work that goes into a successful treatment plan often goes unnoticed, and Recovery Month aims to celebrate the achievements made by everyone in recovery by reinforcing the positive actions they have taken to regain their health. Being able to increase awareness about effective treatment and successful recoveries, only benefits the members of our community. We are proud of our staff members who help to facilitate the recovery process, but we are the proudest of our patients who have put in the work and have been successful in their recovery.

Opioid use disorder is everywhere”” and central Pa. is no different. Pennsylvania has some of the highest overdose rates in our nation””that's at least one overdose a day from central Pa. hospitals. In 2018, it is believed that over 120 people died by overdose in Dauphin County alone.

The epidemic is overwhelming, but it is important to remember that people do recover. It is possible to overcome addiction. You are not alone. It's just a matter of reaching out for help, and then getting connected with effective, evidence based, comprehensive treatment.

PPI is providing that help with their innovative Advancement In Recovery (AIR) Program. Through a combination of Medication-Assisted Treatment””or MAT””and intensive counseling, people with opioid use disorder are getting a second chance to live a fulfilling life.

If you would like to speak to someone about better managing your stress and anxiety, or to make an appointment, please call  (717) 782-6493  for more information.

"We treat patients with respect and compassion. Substance use disorder is a medical issue””a progressive, chronic disease””and we approach it with a prescribed set of treatments like any other disease."

However, suicide is preventable. Successful suicide prevention involves understanding suicide risk, protective factors, available resources and procedures for maintaining wellbeing. Although Pennsylvania Psychiatric Institute's (PPI's) providers are trained to notice the signs of suicidal ideation and behaviors in our patients, educating our community on these signs means we can work together to help more people in need.

Common warning signs that can indicate suicidal behavior:

• • Talking about wanting to die
• • Threatening to hurt or kill oneself
• • Planning or preparing for a suicide attempt (e.g., buying a gun)
• • Making financial and other arrangements for dependents
• • Social withdrawal
• • Substance abuse

Those at higher risk for suicide tend to have a history of:

• • Non-suicidal self-injury
• • Psychiatric diagnoses, or onset of psychiatric symptoms
• • Traumatic brain injuries
• • Traumatic childhood experiences
• • Military service (i.e., service members and veterans)
• • Previous suicide attempt(s)
• • LGTBQ+
• • Loss of employment, housing, or a relationship
• • Suicide death of a relative or peer

On the contrary, those with the following protective factors tend to be at lower risk:

• • Employment
• • Responsibilities to others
• • Strong interpersonal bonds
• • Resilience
• • Sense of belonging and identity
• • Access to health care
• • Optimistic outlook

If you notice any of the above warning signs in someone you know, have a conversation with them and tell them of your concern. Do not be afraid to ask them if they are considering suicide.

• • Let them know you care, and that they are not alone, and that they can get help. Do not try arguing with them, and do not say things like ”You have so much to live for” or ”If you kill yourself, it will hurt your family.”
• • Ask them if they are seeing a doctor or are taking medication. If so, encourage them to contact their provider immediately. You can also offer to help them find a mental health professional and/or take them to a walk-in psychiatric clinic or hospital emergency room.
• • Call 911 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
• • Do not leave them alone.

If you are in emotional distress, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1.800.273.8255. Trained counselors are available 24/7.

If you are experiencing an emergency, please call 911.

If you would like to speak to someone about better managing your stress and anxiety, or to make an appointment, please call  (717) 782-6493  for more information.

Sources:

https://save.org/about-suicide/suicide-facts/

https://pdhealth.mil/clinical-guidance/clinical-conditions/suicide-risk

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/all-in-the-family/201401/what-do-when-someone-is-suicidal