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

Thursday, July 20, 2006 9:57 AM
posted by R. Shock

Only Half of Suicidal Americans Seek Treatment

A study published in the latest issue of General Hospital Psychiatry reveals that only half of people with thoughts of suicide sought significant treatment -- even those who realized that they had a problem with life-threatening thoughts.

Scientists at the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) found that 3.6 percent of those surveyed had thought about suicide within the past year, but only about a quarter of that group consulted a mental health specialist.

Of those who thought they needed help for suicidal thoughts or addiction -- 56 percent -- only about six in 10 received adequate care as defined by the study. And of all those with suicidal thoughts, only 52 percent got treatment that consisted of more than a simple assessment.

A similar but unrelated survey, funded by the National Alliance on Mental Illness and Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, found that of 3,542 adults in California, Florida, New York, Ohio and Texas depressed individuals who have limited access to free or low-cost care spend almost three times on depression treatment as people who do have less restricted access ($4,312 vs. $1,496, respectively).

Click here to read the full article, courtesy of HealthDay.com
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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, BA, 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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