Behavioral health services in Savannah, Georgia
Memorial Health provides compassionate behavioral health services for people dealing with mental health conditions and addiction disorders. The Southeast Georgia community has access to a full range of services in Savannah, including inpatient and outpatient care.
The goal of our mental health services is to address the physical, psychological, emotional and social needs of people who experience mental illness and help them return to a better state of mind.
To make a referral or request an assessment to one of our programs, please call our 24-hour help line at (912) 350-5600.
Mental health treatment
Behavioral health care at our hospital is supported by mental health experts and facilitated through differing modes of therapy, training and lifestyle changes. Our mental health team is made up of multiple healthcare professionals, including:
- Case managers
- Mental health technicians
- Nurses
- Psychiatrists
- Psychotherapists
- Recreation therapists
- Social workers
Additional specialists may be consulted based on the individual needs of a patient.
Activities and therapies
Patients receive reassurance and support throughout the length of their stay. We encourage all patients to participate in the daily activities that make up our mental health programs, which include:
- Group therapy
- Individual therapy
- Leisure time
- Life skills training
- Nutritious meals
- Physical fitness activities
- Recreation time
- Time alone for contemplation and reflection
Adult inpatient mental health care
For patients in need of 24-hour behavioral health services, we have a 26-bed adult inpatient facility on our hospital's campus. Our inpatient facility is open to patients 18 years old and older.
The goal of inpatient mental health care is to stabilize our patients and provide the skills they need to cope with the challenges they face. Intensive inpatient treatment is provided by highly-trained behavioral health professionals who aim to help patients achieve mental, physical, emotional and social wellness.
Outpatient mental health programs
Our hospital offers three different options for patients in need of structured behavioral health care outside of an inpatient hospital stay. The partial hospitalization program offers the most structure and support of the outpatient programs and requires more time than our intensive outpatient programs.
Our intensive outpatient program requires fewer hours of participation during the week. During this program, patients still receive structured care from psychiatrists and are taught coping skills to help them transition to their normal daily life. We also offer an intensive outpatient program that addresses mental health concerns and addictions.
To learn more about our different outpatient behavioral health services, please call (912) 350-5600.
Partial hospitalization program (PHP)
The PHP gives patients access to intensive mental health care services without the need for a hospital stay. Patients are able to come to the hospital and receive the care they need and return home at night. Patients may participate in the PHP as a step-down in care following an inpatient hospital stay.
The PHP enables our patients to develop effective strategies to help them achieve a better state of mental health. Patients with the following symptoms and disorders may participate in the PHP:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Difficulty with daily functioning
- Grief and loss issues
- Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Psychiatric disorders and co-occurring disorders
- Relationship conflicts
- Trouble focusing or completing tasks
Our PHP includes a minimum of four group therapy sessions per day and a total of approximately 20 hours per week of therapeutic and group activities. The program operates Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm.
Intensive outpatient program (IOP)
Our IOP allows patients to receive comprehensive psychiatric care during the day and return home in the afternoon. Sessions are conducted four days a week and most patients participate for two to four weeks.
Patients participating in the IOP have access to individual therapy, family education and medication monitoring.
We treat the following symptoms and disorders through our IOP:
- Addictive thinking
- Anxiety and panic disorders
- Bipolar disorder
- Depression
- Grief or loss issues
- Mood disorders
- Relationship conflicts
- Trauma
Patients 18 years old and older are able to participate in our IOP. Both programs operate Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 9:00 am to noon.
Discharge planning and recovery
Aftercare planning is a critical part of your mental health treatment. We want to make sure that you are set up for success after you've completed your program with us. Our treatment team will work with you to create a plan that meets your future mental health goals. Our programs are designed to enhance your self-understanding and coping skills, so you can succeed in daily life after your time in our care.
Electroconvulsive therapy
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a medical treatment used for patients experiencing severe symptoms of mental illness. The therapy uses an electrical stimulus to produce a generalized seizure. This is done by applying electrodes to the scalp, which causes the brain to release neurotransmitters.
This treatment helps reduce the severity and frequency of mental health symptoms. ECT is administered by highly-trained psychiatrists and is most commonly used to treat:
- Bipolar disorder
- Catatonia
- Depression
- Suicidal thoughts
About 80 percent of patients who receive a full treatment of ECT find rapid relief from their symptoms. Patients undergo a complete psychiatric evaluation and medical assessment to determine if ECT is an appropriate treatment for them.
Patient referrals
Referrals may be made by patients, psychiatrists, other types of mental health professionals, social service agencies or family members. To learn more about referrals to our behavioral health services, please call (912) 350-5600.
