SoutheastHEALTH has announced the transition of services to their new Adult Voluntary Behavioral Health Unit of the Southeast Health Center of Stoddard County in Dexter. The unit, located on the second floor of the Harty Pavillion, will contain an Emergency Services Department and replace the current inpatient behavioral health unit at Southeast Hospital in Cape GIrardeau.
In a press release, SoutheastHEALTH President and CEO Ken Bateman explained the move, saying it will serve as a more centralized location for the SoutheastHEALTH service area.
“With its dedicated holding area for behavioral health patients within Emergency Services, there is the benefit of a safer environment for patients and staff,” said Bateman.
The Emergency Services Department will house 15 private patient rooms areas for activities, group therapy, dining and visiting, and outdoor space.
The Adult Voluntary Behavioral Health Unit will begin operation on June 12.
An outpatient clinic for the behavioral health program will also open in June, and will provide follow-up care to patients. It will be located at 60 Doctors’ Park, Lower Level, Suite 102 in Cape GIrardeau, and headed by John T. Lake, MD, who has served patients of Southeast Hospital for 18 years.
“Transitioning to an outpatient setting allows me to establish more lasting therapeutic relationships and provide long term stability for my patients,” said Lake, in a press release.
The outpatient clinic is slated to open on June 25.
SoutheastHEALTH treats approximately 750 adult behavioral health patients a year. The treatment team includes five psychiatrists led by Pavan Palapu, MD, clinical social workers, registered nurses, recreational therapists, and unit technicians.