Brookhaven Hospital: Mental Health Treatment for Behavioral Health Problems, Chemical Dependency, Eating Disorders, Brain Injuries, and Renewal Christian Treatment and Recovery

Thursday, December 22, 2005 9:25 AM
posted by Michael Mason

Law Enforcement and Mental Illness

Recent news over the unfortunately shooting of a mentally ill man at the Miami airport has prompted a national discussion about the treatment of the mentally ill in potentially violent situations. As an employee of a mental health hospital, this isn't just a media concern--I see it affect real lives on a continual basis.

NPR recently offered a story which you can listen to online called "Law Enforcement and Mental Illness." It's an excellent piece of reporting that addresses issues that face both police officers and the mentally ill.

For years, mental health workers have been taught various methods of implementing crisis prevention. At Brookhaven Hospital, our clinical staff is regularly trained in crisis prevention. Many confrontational situations can be easily avoided or de-escalated if simple measures are employed.

If you'd like to learn more about crisis prevention, try reading the guideline for crisis intervention found here.
link to this post

Rolf B. Gainer, Ph.D., Diplomate ABDA, is the Chief Executive Office at Brookhaven Hospital and the Vice President of Rehabilitation Institutes of America. Dr. Gainer has been involved in the design and operation of treatment programs since 1977.

Stephen Harnish, MD is the Medical Director of Brookhaven Hospital. Dr. Harnish is a member of the American Psychiatric Association and is well known in Oklahoma for his informative radio and television appearances.

Aric Thorpe, MHR, is Brookhaven Hospital's Pastoral Liaison Representative. He conducts the quarterly Minister's Lifeline series and provides mental health information to pastors and clergy.

Sarah McGee serves as the Community Education Provider for Brookhaven Hospital. She provides information on mental health and drug and alcohol treatment to healthcare professionals in Oklahoma and surrounding states.

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