NSMC’s Behavioral Health Program Has Been Ahead of Its Time for a Long Time

Over the past few years, it has been increasingly clear that mental health plays a crucial role in a person’s overall well-being. We were way out in front of that trend at North Sunflower Medical Center (NSMC).

Fifteen years ago, NSMC established an outstanding behavioral health program that prioritizes the mental well-being of its patients. Through an innovative and comprehensive approach, NSMC’s behavioral health program offers hope, healing, and support to individuals seeking assistance with mental health challenges.

Since its founding, Leslie Warrington has been the Behavioral Health Director at NSMC. During her impressive tenure, she has worked to develop a team approach that brings together health professionals from various backgrounds. This program includes psychiatrists, psychologists, licensed therapists, and nurses working together to provide personalized care to each patient.

Three Behavioral Health Programs in One

“Leslie is the program’s backbone,” Celeste Wolfe Lofton, Community Educator for Senior Care and IOP told us. “She built the program into what it is today. It’s her baby.”

The behavioral health program caters to different levels of care required by patients – from outpatient therapy to inpatient care. But the program at NSMC is three programs in one – targeted at helping older adults cope with the changes they face in the aging process. These services include psychiatric evaluations, individual and group therapy, and medication management.

Ginny Pantin runs the individual therapy practice. This is for patients to come and see a therapist once a week or a couple of times a month. They talk about the mental and emotional ups and downs that come with getting older.

Helping Seniors

The Sunrise Program is an outpatient center that caters to senior adults to help them return to emotional and physical well-being.  Patients come two to four days a week to participate in group sessions with a licensed professional – and enjoy snacks and lunch.  This is good for people who are suffering from grief or loneliness or those who are starting to struggle with their mental health. 
 
Senior Care is an inpatient program for patients 55 and older whose behavior is getting harder to manage at home. The typical length of stay is between 5 to 14 days. Sometimes this is related to dementia or other age-related illness. Usually, patients must come in and be evaluated, have their medication updated, and talk with a licensed professional. The program provides recreational activities for the patients, gives them a comfortable place to recover, and allows the family to talk with a licensed professional. 
 
The behavioral health program also works closely with other departments in the medical center to bring a complete approach to patient care. This allows our healthcare professionals to treat underlying physical health issues often contribute to mental health challenges.

Helping the Community

But what the behavioral health program does inside the walls of North Sunflower is just part of the equation. Celeste is the pied piper of NSMC’s behavioral health program. She conducts community meetings to discuss the importance of mental health education. This also reduces the stigma frequently associated with seeking psychiatric help – especially with older patients.

“By getting people to talk about mental health, we try to contribute to building a more compassionate and understanding community here in Ruleville and across the Delta,” Celeste tells us.

The behavioral health program is rooted in patient-centered care, focusing on the individual’s unique needs and goals.

“The team makes listening closely to our patients our top priority,” Celeste says. “We bring empathy to those conversations and work with patients so they take an active role in their recovery. By involving patients in the decision-making process, we want to ensure that the treatment plan aligns with the patient’s and their family’s values and preferences.”

Over the past decade and a half, North Sunflower Medical Center’s behavioral health program has become a beacon of hope. Individuals seek effective mental health care thanks to the hard work of people like Leslie, Ginny, Celeste, and many others. Through its innovative approach, NSMC demonstrates its commitment to fostering healthier, happier, and more resilient communities – here in Ruleville and throughout the Delta.

To book an appointment, call (662) 756-4000.