For decades, Americans neglected their mental health, placing it below physical health on the ladder of importance. That attitude has changed.
In a 2021 survey commissioned by Parade Media and Cleveland Clinic, 82% of respondents agreed that mental health is just as important as physical health. At Old Vineyard Behavioral Health Services in Winston-Salem, practitioners understand the importance of mental health. In fact, they are helping North Carolinians not only improve their mental health but also reconcile how they are feeling with their day-to-day experiences, so they can move through the world happier and healthier.
This approach has a name: behavioral health. “Mental health involves an individual’s biology and genetics in relationship to their social, emotional and psychological well-being,” said Kelly Thacker, CEO and managing director at Old Vineyard. “Behavioral health is more expansive in that it factors in one’s mental health in addition to the broader context of how an individual is impacted and responds to emotional, psychological and environmental factors.”
The treatment model allows the psychiatrists and clinicians to better address this all-encompassing view of mental health.
For starters, Old Vineyard’s facility sits on a 16-acre campus with room for up to 164 people receiving inpatient treatment, plus three specialized outpatient programs. This gives the doctors the literal — and figurative — space to approach every person’s treatment differently.
“While we may classify individuals as suffering from the same disorders, this does not mean that any two patients are alike,” said Thacker. “Regardless of what an individual is suffering from, we can identify an approach that works best for each situation. Whether one needs anxiety treatment or help with sexual or emotional trauma, we will approach each individual’s behavioral health on a case-by-case basis.”
Old Vineyard is able to do this thanks to specialty programs like Dual Diagnosis that meet patients exactly where they are in their health journey and provide all the tools they need to overcome their struggles.
“This program treats adults of all ages with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders,” Thacker said. “By addressing the dimensions of mental health, substance use, relapse prevention and physical health, Old Vineyard provides patients with up-to-date evidence-based treatment, as well as medication management and medication-assisted therapy when appropriate.”
Other such programs include treatment for mood disorders such as bipolar disorder and major depressive disorder and a Partial Hospitalization Program that teaches people the skills they need to deal with major life changes, such as divorce, loss or an unexpected diagnosis.
Even though mental health has lost some of the stigma it used to have, it can still be tough to seek help. “We know that the decision to seek treatment for yourself or your loved one can be overwhelming and we are here to help you through the process,” said Thacker. “The most important thing is to take that first step.”
Walk-in, no-cost assessments are available 24/7, or you can call to make an appointment. To learn more, visit oldvineyardbhs.com.
