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- I came to Penndel Mental Health Center in November of 2022. I only had about six months clean off of crystal meth. I was homeless and pretty much a mess. This was not my first time going to Penndel for help. Up to that point, I had spent years in denial about my persistent mental illness and drug addiction. I allowed my pride and ego to keep me in denial about my addictions and my mental health. I was placed in Horsham Clinic in May of 2022 and diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder. I went to rehab for a 28-day program to detox. After a few more knocks and bumps in the road, I wound up homeless. By November of 2022, I was absolutely sick of looking at the inside of mental hospitals, rehabs, and recovery houses. I knew I needed help, but I didn’t know what to do. I was tired of the merry-go-round I had been on for the last almost 10 years. I came back to Penndel in November of 2022. The therapists and intake counselor recommended the APH program. I started to attend the APH program. I think it was about two weeks. In that time, they got me to talk to a psychiatrist. The doctor prescribed the medications he thought were relevant to my case. I started taking my meds as prescribed and began to start feeling better. After completing the APH program and getting stabilized on my meds, my therapist recommended the IOP program. I started attending the IOP program in November 2022. I started to improve mentally and physically. I attend the IOP 3 times a week for about 9 hours per week. I supplement that with 1 hour a week with my regular therapist. I appreciate the structure the program has given me. I now see a psychiatrist for medication maintenance about once per month. I have also started to attend EMDR therapy sessions every other week. I continued to experience homelessness for about a year after deciding to seek services from Penndel. They helped me get into a group home after about a year in the IOP. They helped me get off the street. The staff at Penndel has been kind, understanding, and professional towards me, even during the rough spots. I will be a member of the IOP at Penndel for 2 years this November. On August 12, 2024, I will have 27 months clean and sober. I have been in a group home for about a year now. I can’t say enough about the IOP at Penndel Mental Health Center, especially the people at 919 Durham Rd. My therapist, the other therapists, the Director, and the office manager in particular. My case worker too. The people who run the IOP have helped me attain and maintain my sobriety. They also helped me in getting the symptoms of my mental illness under control. They also helped me get off the street.
- Our Blended Case Management program has been working with “D” since early June 2024. D grew up in St Croix and then move to NYC. She was addicted to crack cocaine in her younger years but has been sober for some time. D was living with her daughter, but this was not a good fit. D wanted to move out on her own. D was able to get a section 8 voucher and move into her own apartment in Bucks County. She moved into her new home with only a mattress. Over the course of three months, D’s Blended Case manager helped her make her apartment feel like home. D was able to get a voucher for $250 to purchase furniture. Together D and her Case Manager went to the Salvation Army where they purchased a dresser, lamps, a dinette set, and a coffee table. With D’s permission, her Blended Case manager reached out to her brother to assist with moving her new furniture into her new home. D still needs to purchase more items for her home. She and her Blended Case manager plan to look for more items over the course of their next several visits.
- When I started my journey at Penndel Mental Health Center, just over a year ago, I was at the lowest point in my life. I was just discharged from a psychiatric facility because of an attempted suicide. I did not have much hope for a future. I started in the Acute Partial Hospital (APH) program. I slowly progressed into the Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), then into Outpatient Program (OP), and weekly one on one therapy sessions. With the utmost kindness and compassion, the staff and therapists at PMHC helped me develop the skills needed to address both my mental health and substance use issues. Tools such as radical acceptance, distress tolerance and mindfulness have allowed me to navigate through the ups and downs of life. I am eternally grateful for the care I received and continue to receive at PMHC. I would implore anyone struggling with mental health and or substance use issues to reach out to Penndel Mental Health Center for help. The staff there truly saved my life. Frank K.
- When I was first hired as a Case Manager in the Blended Case Management Program, I worked with a young girl named “K.” K was on the autism spectrum. Her family was referred to our Blended Case Management Program to assist K in gaining independence. K was incredibly isolated and struggled when out in public. Initially, K was very shy and uncomfortable and would not speak to me. I worked and coordinated care exclusively with her mother. K enjoyed getting out of her house, so I would take her to the mall. We established small goals, such as her paying for her own drink at the food court. This was a great accomplishment for K since she struggled with social interactions. After months of working together and building a trusting relationship, K told me about her school day at one of our outings. I was in shock! After that appointment, K spoke to me every time we met. I watched her grow into a young adult and saw her get more and more comfortable with her surroundings. I even saw her get her first job. At that point, K no longer needed our services and her case was closed.
- As a case manager in the Blended Case Management Program, I worked with an elderly woman. “D” was a candidate for weight loss surgery, which occurred and was successful. After losing 250 pounds, D had some back issues and was approved for an electric wheelchair. The wheelchair was so heavy that D and her family were unable to take it outside her home. Since she could not leave her home D became isolated and depressed. D and I reached out to different charitable organizations; churches, and any group or agency we could find to ask for assistance. We were able to generate over$2500 to purchase and install a chair lift for her car. Once she was able to regain her independence, D no longer needed the support from Blended Case Management. D no longer felt isolated and depressed. Recently, while on a shopping trip with my husband, I saw D out with her family. It truly warmed my heart.
- “Bob” is a middle-aged man who has been coming to PMHC for several years. He has seen at least three therapists, and finally found “the right fit” with “Steve,” and they have been working together, consistently, for the past year. At the beginning of building their therapeutic relationship, Bob was very closed off, quiet, and resistant to share his thoughts. Steve used many therapeutic techniques with Bob like Self-talk, Motivational Interviewing and CBT, and over time, despite Bob’s resistance, he became more vulnerable in expressing his thoughts. Bob eventually began to share his struggles with chronic pain and addiction struggles associated to his pain. He opened up about his previous volatile relationship, depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. At his lowest point in therapy, he wanted to quit, however, with Steve’s patience, compassion, and dedication with this client, he continued to guide him in a positive direction. The turning point in Bob’s therapy was his ability to trust Steve enough to show emotion during a session. “This is the first time I’ve cried in a long time” Bob said and he was able to express his thoughts of being able to forgive himself for previous mistakes and set clear goals for the future. “I broke away from the old Bob and I’m now excited to know the new Bob.” Since that time, Bob has reconnected with his faith, learned forgiveness, worked through his grief from his D&A use and emotional detriment caused in his previous relationship. He has learned self-care, has changed his self-talk, and utilizes de-escalation techniques. He has also found support in his sobriety. Bob feels he prepared to fill his personal schedule with more daily activities/self-care and feels that soon he will be able to live his life without his ongoing therapy sessions. He is grateful for the support he received from PMHC.
- “B”: A Forensic Service Program (FSP) Success Story I started providing therapy services for “B” in April 2022, right after he successfully completed probation. I noticed that he was always upbeat and easily engaged in therapy. As I continued to work with him, I also learned that “B” was a positive presence both at home and at work. “B” works five days a week. He recently received a five-year service award from his employer. Due to his strong work ethic and excellent customer service skills, he also earned a large merit raise this year. “B” is a valued employee who maintains good rapport with customers, coworkers and management. “B” has created healthy balance in his life through employment, going to the gym several times each week, and spending quality time with family and friends. A sports enthusiast, he enjoys watching football and baseball and sharing his encyclopedic knowledge of sports with others. “B” is a shining FSP success story because not only is he a productive member of society, but also a positive presence in the lives of all who know him.
- In December of 2017, “M” became a participant in the Forensic Services Program. He was, and to this day is, one of the most pleasant gentlemen you will meet. He always takes the time to inquire about the well-being of staff members and notices when someone is absent. “M’s” easy-going, friendly personality often made him a target. Not long before his probation was to end, he acquired a new charge, thus placing him on probation even longer. “M” did not allow this setback to alter his personality. Instead, he became more determined to progress and realized he needed a change in environment. Unfortunately, “M” had a relapse and suffered an overdose shortly after. He was saved and immediately became invested in his recovery. He took suggestions—willingly committing to, and completing, inpatient and outpatient drug and alcohol treatment all while working with FSP staff and fully complying. “M” remained sober and moved into a shared apartment in Bensalem and eventually moved into a CRR (during the pandemic) a few months before completing his probation. “M” is thriving and is the happiest he has been. He is so proud of his accomplishments and is always eager to share his sobriety (he has remained clean and sober since his overdose two years ago), and the hurdles he overcame to complete his probation. You can often find “M” relaxing, meditating, or taking a walk; he is always willing to share scripture and offer a blessing whenever needed. “M” is a true FSP success story.
- “Sam” is a 15 year old male who has been a client at PMHC since the age of 8. Initially when he met the clinician, he spent the session staring at the floor. During the sixth session Sam brought in his own guitar and played a tune for the clinician. At this session he disclosed a childhood history of sexual abuse. The clinician was able to process this with him and Sam continues to attend treatment and participate actively through the use of expressive arts.
- “Tim” receives Supports Coordination in our Intellectual Disabilities department and has always wanted to work in the community. Tim went through many job coaching agencies, trying many different jobs in the community. He was never able to stay in a community-based job for more than a month for various reasons. He was finally matched with a job coach who worked well with him and who assisted him in locating a job at a local large-scale grocery store. Tim has been successfully employed at this store for several years.
- One day a 52-year old male, diagnosed with Mood Disorder NOS, walked into my office. This was his very first therapy session. He “hid” in his room all day and didn’t come out despite his family knocking on the door and/or calling. Getting dressed, showered, shaving, eating, and even watching his once loved football games were all a challenge. Six months into therapy, he has stated, “I didn’t think I’d make it where I am today”, and “I have a great team,” when referring to the team he has with his wife, his therapist, his doctor, and himself. Of course, by far, he is the MVP of this team!
- “Joe” began receiving supports coordination services while still in school. Around that same time we found out that he is a skilled Special Olympian and we continue to watch him excel at basketball, soccer, long distance running and track and field. He has made lifelong friends there with other athletes and coaches. Another great activity that he does is summer camp. He loves it there so much that he goes year round to to their fall/winter retreats. It’s another great social outlet for him and he often gets to see returning campers and staff who he has known for over 10 years. Currently “Joe” is waiting for an available spot at a workshop to open up. In the meantime, thanks to our SC’s advocacy and support, we are fortunate to have the funding for companion services that not only allows us to be able to work but also gives him the opportunity to participate in fun and meaningful activities on days while we are working. While we do not know what the future holds, he is hoping to someday live on his own and have a job, we do know that Allison will be there as his biggest supporter.
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