heal. Fall/Winter 2015

heal

A publication of the Sheppard Pratt Health System • Fall/Winter 2015

Don’t Give Up Forging a new path for students in residential treatment

PLUS RESEARCH BENEFITS FOR MENTAL HEALTH THE RETREAT: A SAFE PLACE TO HEAL USING MINDFULNESS TO REDUCE STRESS

In this issue.

FALL/WINTER 2015

8 4

16 4

3 ’Tis The Season for 6

14 Philanthropy:

Seasonal Affective Disorder

Year in Review

What Research Can Do for Mental Health

18

From Our Blog: He Got a Girl’s Number

Don’t Give Up

Forging a new path for students in residential treatment

A Way to Reduce Stress

8

The Retreat: A Safe Place to Heal

7 Mindfulness:

19 Meet Our Doctor: Dr. Scott Aaronson

On the cover.

Lauren Hamlett talks about her success at The Mann Residential Treatment Center

11 Calendar

Photo by David Stuck

12 In the News

CMYK / .eps

CMYK / .eps

Connect with us.

facebook.com/SheppardPratt

@SheppardPratt

CMYK / .eps

youtube.com/user/SheppardPrattHealth

heal. is published three times a year by the Marketing Department of the Sheppard Pratt Health System, one of the nation’s top mental health programs, providing compassionate solutions to help those suffering from mental illness and addiction recover and get back to their lives.

Information provided is general in nature and should not be substituted for the medical advice of a physician. Please consult your health care provider for recommendations specific to your personal health, medical treatment, and medical conditions.

Editor/Director of Marketing & PR

Jessica Kapustin

Outreach & Project Manager

Chelsea Soobitsky

Design, Production & Editorial

Mid-Atlantic Custom Media

Lindsey Bridwell, Cortney Geare,

Jeni Mann, Michael Marlow,

Suzanne Pollak, and Joshua Runyan

Contributing Photographers

Brian Glock, Jody Robinson,

If you wish to have your name removed from the list of those receiving communications from Sheppard Pratt Health System, please email the Marketing Department at marketing@sheppardpratt.org or call 410.938.3133.

and David Stuck

MOOD DISORDERS

’Tis The Season SEASONAL AFFECTIVE DISORDER (SAD)

novel type of treatment

is a very real and disabling phenomenon

— phototherapy.

for many people. Often overlooked by

While the

primary care physicians, it is a type of

exact cause of SAD

depression that can affect around

remains unclear, some

five percent of the country’s total

proposed possibilities

population each year. Because we treat

include alteration of

depression and are familiar with the signs

circadian rhythm,

and symptoms, psychiatric providers

neurotransmitter

are often more apt to recognize this

abnormalities (e.g. low

seasonal disorder and provide the

serotonin levels), and

appropriate treatment.

genetic factors. Another potential cause could be

in the home, practicing relaxation and

energy, hypersomnia (excessive daytime

when melatonin is produced in a person’s

stress management techniques, and

sleepiness), overeating, weight gain, and

body. Melatonin is a hormone that helps

spending more time outside may help.

a craving for carbohydrates. Of course,

to control your sleep and wake cycles. As

Northern “snowbirds,” for example, will

other symptoms of a major depressive

days become shorter in the fall and

attest that staying in sunnier, warmer

episode may also be present, including

winter months, your body may produce

climates down South in the winter can

persistent sad mood, diminished interest

melatonin either earlier or later in the day

thwart depressive episodes.

in pleasurable activities, feelings of

than usual, which can lead to SAD.

SAD is often characterized by low

worthlessness or excessive guilt, poor

Treatment for SAD should be

The approaching fall and winter holidays should be considered when

concentration, and/or thoughts of death

managed by a psychiatrist who

looking at factors that contribute to

or suicide. Studies show that younger

understands that a major depressive

SAD. The stress and demands of

people are at a higher risk for SAD, it is

episode with seasonal pattern could

preparing for these special occasions

more prominent the farther away from

occur in people with either recurrent

prove challenging for most of us, but

the equator a person lives, and it is more

major depression or a bipolar disorder.

people struggling with SAD may find

likely to occur in bipolar II disorder than

While medication can make a big

these preparations much more difficult.

in bipolar I disorder. Thomas A. Wehr,

difference, there are risks if a patient is

Not only are they dealing with low

M.D., and Norman E. Rosenthal, M.D.,

prescribed antidepressants alone.

energy, the lure of excessive sleeping,

wrote a pivotal paper called “Seasonality

However, the good news is that since

and the wish to isolate socially, but they

and Affective Illness” (Am. J. of Psychiatry

occurrence of depressive episodes is

may be inclined to overeat the holiday

146:7, July 1989) that brought broader

highly predictable, preventive measures

fare that is available. Ensuing weight gain

recognition to SAD. They described

can be taken. Phototherapy, cognitive

may only worsen their self-esteem and

SAD as a winter depression that is

behavioral therapy (CBT), and in extreme

add to a sense of hopelessness.

accompanied by a distinctive

cases electroconvulsive therapy (ECT),

constellation of symptoms, including

might also be helpful in effectively

February as the cruelest month with

overeating, oversleeping, and

treating SAD.

good reason, since facing a long, cold,

carbohydrate craving; is triggered by light deficiency; and responds to a

At home, lifestyle adjustments, such as exercising more often, increasing light

Perhaps Shakespeare labeled

dark winter is a daunting task for most of us. Sheppard Pratt is here to help.

MERLE MCCANN, M.D. Dr. McCann is the service chief of the Adult Crisis Stabilization Unit at Sheppard Pratt Health System on our Towson campus and specializes in mood disorders. He is also a clinical assistant professor of psychiatry at the University of Maryland Hospital, School of Medicine and president-elect of the Maryland Psychiatric Society.

sheppardpratt.org • heal.

3

FEATURE/RESIDENTIAL TREATMENT

DON’T GIVE UP FORGING A NEW PATH FOR STUDENTS IN RESIDENTIAL TREATMENT

BY SUZANNE POLLAK PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAVID STUCK

Lauren Hamlett, 17, was previously a student at The Berkeley & Eleanor Mann Residential Treatment Center.

L

auren Hamlett started college, is

an alternative high school and ordered

psychologists, licensed clinicians, activity

holding down a job and hopes one

to report to a probation officer. She

specialists, occupational therapists,

entered two short-term residential

nurses, and counselors.

day to run her own day care center.

Life wasn’t always so promising for the soft-spoken 17-year-old.

It wasn’t so long ago that she had

facilities, but neither experience convinced her to change her ways.

While in 12th grade, Lauren was

Entrants into the Mann RTC program “are the most at-risk youth,” explained Nadine Centineo, Lauren’s therapist.

lost interest in friends and stopped doing

accepted into The Berkeley & Eleanor

They often have participated in other

homework. As her grades plummeted,

Mann Residential Treatment Center

programs and turn here as their last

Lauren began withdrawing from her

(Mann RTC) in Towson, part of the

hope, she said.

family and started experimenting with

Sheppard Pratt Health System.

marijuana, cocaine, LSD, and pills.

The program, designed for people

“I didn’t think I really needed it and didn’t

between the ages of 12 and 21, offers

take advantage of the help,” she said. A

Finding no relief in drugs, she

In Lauren’s first short-term program,

eventually resorted to self-harm, cutting her arms. Beset by anxiety, she attempted suicide five times — two of those times resulting in hospital stays.

“ It gets better. Although you may think you don’t deserve the help, you do. Don’t give up.”

“I didn’t see a life for myself. I didn’t really have a plan. I didn’t see myself

a therapeutic residential setting that

five-day stay at Sheppard Pratt’s Ellicott

living,” she recalled.

includes a specialized educational

City hospital that followed was too brief

program.

to enable her to turn her life around,

This downward spiral that had become her new normal began when

4

After being referred by the Maryland

she recalled.

But when she entered the Mann RTC

she was raped while a ninth-grade

Department of Juvenile Services, Lauren

student and led to her arrest for

arrived at the Mann RTC and was

program, Lauren worked hard to change

marijuana possession. She was sent to

greeted by a caring staff of psychiatrists,

her life. She was placed into the honors

heal. • Sheppard Pratt Health System

program with other residents who are

are taught other dialectical behavior

actively involved in their treatment and

therapy (DBT) skills, which are designed

who have earned the trust of the staff.

to help them change their problem

While most adolescents spend an

behavior by making them aware of what

average of six months in the Mann RTC

triggers their desire to engage in these

program, Lauren finished in four. During

behaviors, whether they are harming

that time, she graduated from high

themselves, abusing drugs, or

school by completing classes at Mann

attempting to commit suicide.

RTC, received individual and group

And when she can’t control her

therapy, interned at Sheppard Pratt’s

anxieties by walking away and using her

on-campus gift shop and found a new

mindfulness skills, Lauren knows she

set of friends who understood her.

still can turn to the Sheppard Pratt staff

When she lived at home, Lauren

members; their numbers are saved in

said, she “wasn’t able to hold stable

her cell phone’s address book. For the

friendships. I was just using people.” But

many graduates who don’t own their

at Sheppard Pratt, “I feel like I had a

own cell phones, the Mann RTC

good relationship with all the girls in the

provides them with a cell phone when

program. They were like my sisters.”

they leave the program.

Lauren graduated Aug. 7 from

Although she is doing well,

Mann RTC, crediting much of her

Lauren knows that she will need to

success to the program’s supportive

continually work on coping with her

staff and “knowing that they were always

anxiety and staying off drugs.

there. There was always someone I

She plans on joining a Narcotics

could go to.”

Anonymous program and continuing

When she became anxious, the staff taught her mindfulness. Lauren

her mindfulness exercises.

Looking back on the path that

learned breathing exercises that helped

led her here, Lauren wishes she hadn’t

her stay in the moment and avoid

felt so initially embarrassed and

panicking about the future.

ashamed to turn to others for help.

“That’s something I really found

Her advice for her peers? “It gets

helpful,” said Lauren, who enjoys writing,

better. Although you may think you

drawing, and reading nonfiction books.

don’t deserve the help, you do. Don’t

In addition to mindfulness, young adults in the residential treatment center

give up.”

Janniece Fickling, case manager, and Nadine Centineo, senior clinician, worked with Lauren and others at Mann RTC to help residents get back on their feet.

i

DBT is gold standard at Sheppard Pratt Lauren Hamlett was able to leave behind a world of drugs and self-harm and begin college this fall thanks to Sheppard Pratt Health System’s use of dialectical behavior therapy (DBT).

This gold standard of therapy teaches patients how to self-regulate, thereby avoiding the triggers that lead them into bad behavior.

DBT is an evidence-based treatment program consisting of individual therapy, group skills, and skill coaching. The treatment also includes group sessions for staff members to help them avoid burning out, explained Tess Carpenter, M.D., clinical director at The Mann Residential Treatment Center.

With DBT, residents learn how to control their behavior and feel better about themselves.

Mindfulness is a large part of the therapy, teaching people to stay in the moment rather than letting their thoughts and fears race ahead. When calmer, they are better able to look at the bigger picture, Carpenter said.

Residents learn how to find a common ground rather than battle with family and friends.

Sheppard Pratt is so enthusiastic about this therapy that it teaches it to all of its clinical staff. “It starts at orientation. That’s our commitment,” Carpenter said.

DBT, an internationallyrecognized treatment, has been in use at Mann RTC for almost three years and at The Jefferson School and Residential Treatment Center since last summer. It also is beginning to be used in Sheppard Pratt’s day programs and inpatient units.

sheppardpratt.org • heal.

5

RESEARCH

What Research Can Do for Mental Health SPL will incorporate genetic studies, creation of a patient registry with digital records, generation of an extensive biobank (collection of biological and genetic specimens), advanced brain imaging, and clinical trials for new and repurposed drugs.

Psychiatric disorders are biological in nature. As with many other illnesses, the disorders run in families, and research is discovering how specific genes can increase or decrease the TODAY, psychiatrists diagnose mental

some experience an eventual return of

illness, including mood disorders,

their symptoms, and others may

anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, and

experience significant or intolerable

autism by talking to their patients,

side effects to the treatment. It is very

making clinical observations of

difficult to predict which particular

symptoms, evaluating the results of

treatment will be helpful for an individual

laboratory tests, and by taking into

patient. And for many symptoms of

account the course of the disorder

mental disorders there are no

over time.

well-established treatments at all.

mental illness. In the last decade neuroscience and genetics research have increased our understanding of the biology that causes mental disorders and taught us more about how currently available treatments work. There has been a tremendous increase in knowledge in these fields leading to exciting discoveries. Research has the

We ask ourselves whether our

There has been tremendous

patients feel especially sad or withdrawn

scientific progress in figuring out how

or if they experience extreme mood

the brain works and understanding how

changes, significant tiredness, low

genes affect behavior and mental

energy, or sleeping problems. We

illnesses. However, the process by which

examine when these problems started in

this research knowledge is incorporated

the patient’s life, ask about family history

into clinical practice is long and difficult.

of mental illness, and about events in the

The new Sheppard Pratt-Lieber

patient’s life that may have caused the

Research Institute (SPL), a joint venture

onset of the disorder. All of these factors

between Sheppard Pratt Health System

may help the psychiatrist diagnose the

and the Lieber Institute for Brain

patient and determine the best

Development (LIBD), an independent,

treatment for their symptoms.

not-for-profit medical research institution

School and Medical School Hannover, before

affiliated with the Johns Hopkins

coming to the United States for postdoctoral

psychiatric disorders, including

University School of Medicine, is taking

training at the National Institute of Mental Health

medications, psychotherapy, and brain

on the task of translating scientific

stimulation therapies are available.

advances in genetics and brain research

Modern treatments provide significant

into clinical practice, bringing research

to conduct research at the Lieber Institute for

relief to many patients with mental

directly to the patients. The new institute

Brain Development and the Maryland Psychiatric

illness, but despite trying several

aims to develop game-changing

different treatments some patients do

treatments for mental illness through

not benefit; some do not get better at all,

research efforts with patients. Work at

Many effective treatments for

6

likelihood of a patient developing a

heal. • Sheppard Pratt Health System

power to change the way we diagnose and treat mental illness.

spL SHEPPARD PRATT-LIEBER Research Institute

ROBERT SCHLOESSER, M.D. Dr. Schloesser is the executive director of the Sheppard Pratt-Lieber Research Institute. He attended Ludwig Maximilian University Medical

(NIMH). He completed his residency at University of Maryland/Sheppard Pratt Psychiatry Residency Training Program while continuing

Research Center. Schloesser was selected to lead the Sheppard Pratt-Lieber Research Institute in July 2015.

SHEPPARD PRATT AFFILIATES

Mindfulness: A Way to Reduce Stress EARLIER THIS SUMMER Behavioral

of the program, MBSR helps participants

a way of being and is sometimes also

Health Partners, Inc. (BHP), a joint

cultivate their own natural wisdom of their

referred to as heartfulness, because in

venture between Frederick Regional

body and mind to face and manage

many Asian languages the word for

Health System and Sheppard Pratt Health

stress, pain, and illness through a variety

“mind” and “heart” are often the same.

System, offered its first Mindfulness-

of meditative practices and movements.

Through this program BHP has found that

Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program

“I went into the class to be able

MBSR has helped many people change

to the community. Started in part by a

to relieve some stress from home,”

their attitude and relationship to stress

kind and generous donation from

recalls one participant. “I thought it would

thereby improving their health and

Sheppard Pratt Health System’s Office of

be relaxing and very peaceful for me

well-being.

Philanthropy, this is an eight-week

to take a break and have me time. After

intensive training course in mindfulness

completing the course I came away

Here is what a few participants had

meditation and its integration into

with so much more. I have a better

to say:

the challenges and adventures of

understanding of myself. I learned that

everyday life.

I judged myself way too harshly, and

Pioneered and developed by

I’m working on no judgments of myself

Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn at the Stress

in the future. I am doing much better

Reduction Clinic at the University of

than I thought I would be doing.”

Massachusetts Medical Center in 1979,

Mindfulness is defined as the

MBSR combines meditation and yoga

“awareness that arises by paying

to address a variety of health problems,

attention on purpose, in the present

including mental illness. Over the course

moment, and nonjudgmentally.” It is

• “I found the mindfulness class to exceed my expectations. I have continued to apply the learned skills of meditation and yoga to reduce stress in my work environment as well as in my personal life. I have encouraged others to attend any future mindfulness classes offered.

I look at this practice as a life skill to enhance one’s well-being.”

• “I found the mindfulness and meditation class to be very helpful as I’ve previously not been able to get a sense of the experience of meditating and feel I was able to accomplish that through the class.”

• “I had fun, I’m not sure it was supposed to be, but it was.”

If you or someone you know could use assistance reducing stress, or if reducing stress could help improve your quality of life, call us at 301.633.8263 x264 to learn more about our MBSR program.

JIM O’NEILL, LCPC Mr. O’Neill is a national certified counselor and licensed clinical professional counselor for Behavioral Health Partners, Inc., at its Solarex Main Center.

Previously he worked at Kennedy Krieger Institute while earning a Master’s of Science from Johns Hopkins University.

sheppardpratt.org • heal.

7

THE RETREAT AT SHEPPARD PRATT

The Retreat: A Safe Place to Heal THOSE SUFFERING FROM AN ARRAY OF MENTAL HEALTH DISORDERS DISCOVER HOPE, SUPPORT, AND A SAFE PLACE TO HEAL AT THE RETREAT

BY BILL DONAHUE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JODY ROBINSON

n the surface, Christina Lowe*

O

alcoholism would take over, and

help in the form of a psychiatrist, who

appeared to have it together —

she would engage in “risk-taking,

suggested intensive inpatient treatment.

a hardworking, high-performing

blackout-drunk behavior” that

Although Lowe resisted the idea at first,

executive with an enviable career in the

resulted in increasingly harmful

she ultimately realized it was necessary.

life sciences industry as well as a

consequences in her personal and

Lowe inquired about a number of

four-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bathroom

professional lives.

facilities, but none of them seemed quite

home in the suburbs. Few people knew

For example, Lowe once fell

right — impersonal, disconnected, and

about her darker side, the one spawned

while holding a wine glass, and the

more interested in what kind of insurance

by numerous unresolved traumas and

broken glass lacerated a tendon, an

she had than how they could help.

betrayals from her past, the one that

artery, and nerves in her dominant hand,

In addition, few of the places afforded

had kept her locked in a pattern of

thereby requiring major surgery and

residents the autonomy of connecting

destructive behavior and inner turmoil

physical therapy. Another time, while

with the outside world through cell

for nearly 20 years.

heavily intoxicated, she drove the wrong

phones or tablets, and fewer still offered

way down a major thoroughfare; she

the possibility of a single bedroom with

she explains. “My life had become out

was alert enough to realize what she was

its own private bathroom.

of control and relatively unmanageable

doing and pulled into a nearby rest

on my own. I was feeling hopeless, to the

stop, but in the process she drove

discovered The Retreat at Sheppard

point of suicidal ideation.” Her job, at which

over the median and caused significant

Pratt, and from her very first interaction,

she excelled, had become a convenient

damage to her car.

she knew she had found the right place

“I was in a crisis state emotionally,”

distraction from her emotional pain.

At the day’s end, however, her

Lowe had already been seeing a therapist, but she sought out additional

Somewhere in the process, Lowe

for her.

“When I called for the very first time, the response from the woman who did the intake for me was, ‘I’m so glad you found us. I’m so glad we can help you; tell me about you,’” she recalls.

“I liked that they would care for me as an individual, and they were not concerned about geography or insurance. They wanted to know my story and understand what my goals were.”

It didn’t take long for Lowe to reach a decision: It was the beginning of a new year, January 2015, and she would “put her life on pause” to prioritize her mental health.

At The Retreat, Lowe found a comforting, welcoming, and idyllic place to heal, where people from all walks of life had committed to seeking treatment

8

heal. • Sheppard Pratt Health System

THE RETREAT AT SHEPPARD PRATT

[At The Retreat] “my loneliness and isolation were completely replaced by

Spacious living area at The Retreat.

the knowledge that there are so disorder who

for various mental health disorders:

hospitals are

emerging adults struggling to make the

not healing

who are scared like I am, and

transition to adulthood, professionals

environments;

who hurt like I do. There is no

substance

dealing with substance use problems

they’re scary

greater power in healing than

use issues.

and other stressors, and adults facing

and loud and

marital and other problems. Like every

tough places to

realizing you are not

resident who comes to The Retreat,

heal. Here at The

Lowe benefited from a hand-selected

Retreat, we know

treatment team to guide her care,

people are going to be here

diagnose her condition, and craft a plan

for several weeks or months, so it’s a

intimate about myself with a bunch of

for therapy and treatment. In Lowe’s

pleasant place to call home for a time.

strangers,” Lowe says. “And there was

case, her team included Thomas

It’s outfitted very comfortably to make an

surely no way that those strangers would

Franklin, M.D., medical director of

environment that facilitates healing

benefit me in any way. … [At The Retreat],

The Retreat, and Denise Connelly,

rather than getting in the way.”

my loneliness and isolation were

a certified addiction counselor and social worker.

many people who feel like I do,

also suffer from

“I resisted the idea of inpatient

the only one.”

Led by Dr. Franklin and others, Lowe

treatment, because there was no way I was going to share anything

completely replaced by the knowledge

immersed herself in dialectical behavior

that there are so many people who feel

therapy, art therapy, health-and-wellness

like I do, who are scared like I am, and

different ways,” says Dr. Franklin. “People

counseling — even horse therapy, which

who hurt like I do. There is no greater

are exposed to a lot of different therapies

she describes as “one of the most

power in healing than realizing you are

while they are here. We offer an enormous

enlightening and meaningful experiences

not the only one.”

amount of treatment in a typical day.

of my life.” She also received treatment

People come here to work hard, and we

through The Retreat’s co-occurring

program has to offer embedded in a

offer 30 hours of group and individual

disorders track, created specifically for

high-level psychiatric program,” adds

treatment per week. Most psychiatric

people diagnosed with a mental health

Connelly. “Between groups and individual

“We dig in pretty deeply in a lot of

“We have everything a drug-rehab

sheppardpratt.org • heal.

9

THE RETREAT AT SHEPPARD PRATT

sessions, we offer more hours of facilitated

husband and other vital members of her

treatment than any other treatment

support system via phone or computer

center in the country. Much of the

when she wasn’t in treatment. She then

therapy happens among the patients,

moved on to Ruxton House, a transitional

as well. In matters of addiction, a lot of

living space in a neighborhood only a

people are very depressed and feel

few minutes away from Sheppard Pratt’s

isolated to the point that they can’t get

main campus, for an additional 59 days.

up and function. It can be devastating.

The therapeutic environment of Ruxton

In group therapy, they have conversations

House helped her — as well as the small

with their peers and come to realize they

group of residents there with her — gain

have similarities that can help them

confidence and independence as she

relate and come to acceptance of

worked toward returning to everyday life.

‘Yes, I do have a problem.’”

When Lowe first arrived at

In the end, The Retreat gave Lowe the support and tools, not to mention

The Retreat, her treatment goal was to

several cherished friends, she needed to

resolve her mental health issues so she

regain control over her life. Three months

could drink in moderation, because

after her discharge from The Retreat,

the idea of life without alcohol was,

Lowe is, in her own words, doing

someone in early recovery who has

in her words, “terrifying.” To her, alcohol

“phenomenally well.” She recently

succeeded in committing to turn her

had been the only solution to her

celebrated her 166th day of consecutive

life around.

deep-seated pain, self-loathing, and

sobriety, her marriage is on a course to

“I want people to know that where

regret, but Dr. Franklin, Connelly and

repair, and she has a good, full-time job

there is hopelessness, there is a path

others at The Retreat worked together

with a new company. As of press time,

toward hopefulness, no matter your age,

to help her understand the connection

she was less than two weeks away

no matter your circumstances, no matter

between her alcoholism and her

from completing her 90th Alcoholics

how far down the scale you feel you’ve

depression, loneliness, and anxiety.

Anonymous meeting in 90 days; also,

gone,” she says. “I encourage anyone

she was preparing to make her first

who knows they are struggling to find it

with her own private room and ample

AA speaker engagement at a local

within them to surrender and ask for help,

opportunities to connect with her

rehabilitation center as an example of

and there is amazing help available. The

Lowe spent 20 days at The Retreat,

rewards far outweigh any trepidation you Each resident enjoys the freedom of having his or her own single bedroom with a private bathroom.

might have in admitting you need help.”

“It’s a life-or-death situation, and I believe The Retreat at Sheppard Pratt saved my life,” she continues.

“The application of the skills I learned there put me in a position to save my own life and continue to improve. I’m indebted to the people I met there — the residents and the staff. I learned that the best way to express my gratitude to them was to take what they taught me and live a life they would be proud of and I can be proud of, and I’m trying to do that every day.” * Name changed to protect privacy

10

heal. • Sheppard Pratt Health System

XXXXXXXXXXXXX

Mark Your Calendar!

For a complete listing of events, continuing education classes, and lectures, visit sheppardpratt.org/calendar-events.

ANNUAL MEETING Tuesday, November 17, 2015

PHILANTHROPIC EVENTS Once On This Island Charity Musical Concert

support continuing education of medical

ISTSS 30th Annual Meeting

and mental health professionals.

November 5-7, 2015 — New Orleans, La.

Anyone is invited to join. Please visit sheppardpratt.org/education-training for more information.

Baltimore County Consortium for Professional Education in Aging November 12, 2015 — Hunt Valley, Md.

Join members of the national touring

Psychodynamic Understanding of the Suicidal Patient: Fostering Hope and Resilience

cast of The Book of Mormon for a

November 11, 2015

one-night only concert performance of

Antonia S. New, M.D., director of medical

National Federation of Families Children’s Mental Health Annual Conference

Once On This Island at The Conference

student education for the Department

November 19-22, 2015 — Washington, D.C.

Center at Sheppard Pratt. 100% of the

of Psychiatry at Mount Sinai School

proceeds will benefit Sheppard Pratt. Visit

of Medicine

Monday, November 9, 2015, 6:30 p.m.

sheppardpratt.org/donate/once-island or call 410-938-5010 to purchase tickets.

Annual Care for Kids Benefit Saturday, April 2, 2016 This year’s Care for Kids Benefit will be held at the Four Seasons Hotel Baltimore.

The event will feature an Elvis theme, with all proceeds benefiting Sheppard Pratt’s pediatric patients and students.

EDUCATIONAL CLASSES Dick Prodey Lecture Series

Cutting Edge Uses of Brain Imaging in Psychiatry

APsaA National Meeting

Bradley S. Peterson, M.D., director of the

January 13-17, 2016 — New York, N.Y.

Division of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry for Keck School of Medicine at University

NASW-VA Annual Conference

of Southern California

March 3-5, 2016 — Richmond, Va.

The Treatment of Opioid Dependence December 16, 2015 Erin C. Strain, M.D., director of Johns Hopkins Center for Substance Abuse Treatment and Research

CONFERENCE EXHIBITING

National Council on Alcoholism and

Throughout the year, Sheppard Pratt

A FREE, eight-class series held Wednesday evenings at The Conference Center at Sheppard Pratt from 7 to 9 p.m. Call 410.938.3900 for information.

Continuing Education: Wednesday Lectures at Sheppard Pratt

SAHM Annual Meeting March 9-12, 2016 — Washington, D.C.

Psychotherapy Networker March 17-20, 2016 — Washington, D.C.

Sheppard Pratt Health System, and the

(NCADD-Maryland).

December 11, 2015 — Baltimore, Md.

December 2, 2015

Sponsored jointly by The Kolmac Clinic,

Drug Dependence of Maryland

MANSEF Annual Conference

Health System and its programs exhibit at a number of conferences and community events. Make sure to stop by our booth if you plan to be at any of the events below:

Howard County Autism Society Walk November 1, 2015 — Columbia, Md.

We offer a lecture series at The

MHAMD Brain Futures 2015

Conference Center at Sheppard Pratt

November 4-5, 2015 — Annapolis, Md.

The World of Possibilities Disabilities, Healthy Aging and Independent Living Expo March 19, 2016 — Timonium, Md.

Brain Injury Association of Maryland Annual Conference March 24-25, 2016 — Timonium, Md.

most Wednesdays from 12 to 1 p.m. to

sheppardpratt.org • heal.

11

IN THE NEWS

Sheppard Pratt Once Again Ranked in the Top 10!

WE’VE been named No. 6 best hospital for psychiatry and No. 1 free-standing psychiatric hospital by U.S. News & World Report. This marks the 25th consecutive year Sheppard Pratt has been ranked as one of the nation’s top psychiatric hospitals.

We couldn’t have done this without the hard work and talent of our staff.

Child & Adolescent Neuropsychiatric Unit Presents to Yale University PLEASE JOIN US in congratulating our Child & Adolescent Neuropsychiatric Unit (1H) led by service chief Desmond Kaplan, M.D., who was invited to present to Yale University’s Autism Program this past June.

A Recent Hannah More Graduate Receives the Honor of a Lifetime CONGRATULATIONS to Emanuel “Manny” Dunstan, a recent graduate of the Hannah More School. He was

12

Take a Seat on Our New Adirondack Chairs!

awarded with the inaugural “Iron Manny”

A HUGE THANK YOU to Sean Pumphrey, woodshop teacher at The Jefferson

Aberdeen IronBirds at their September 2

School, for the new and improved Adirondack chairs. The chairs have long

game for attending 1,260 consecutive

symbolized the restorative powers of nature, a cornerstone of the health

school days and was invited to toss

system’s approach to healing and recovery, and can be enjoyed throughout our

the first pitch to Ripken on the 2131

Towson campus.

anniversary night. What an honor!

heal. • Sheppard Pratt Health System

award from Cal Ripken Jr. and the

IN THE NEWS

SHEPPARD PRATT HEALTH SYSTEM PRESENTS

A Big Thank You to our Child & Adolescent Day Hospital Staff THE STAFF of the Child & Adolescent Day Hospital painted a beautiful mural on the resource/quiet room walls, based on patient feedback as to what they felt were the most calming and pleasant images. Thank you!

ONCE on THIS ISLAND

A musical concert featuring cast members from the national tour of The Book of Mormon Book and lyrics by Lynn Ahrens Music by Stephen Flaherty Based upon the novel “My Love, My Love”

by Rosa Guy

The Forbush School at Glyndon Grows EFFECTIVE JULY 1, the Hannah More School and The Forbush Therapeutic Preschool became part of The Forbush School at Glyndon, with the preschool moving from its Towson location to Glyndon’s campus in Reisterstown, Md. The Forbush School at Glyndon now has two campuses: Glyndon campus for nursery, elementary, and middle school, as well as the autism program, and the Hannah More campus for high school students.

November 9, 2015 at 6:30 p.m.

The Conference Center at Sheppard Pratt 6501 North Charles Street, Baltimore, Maryland

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit: sheppardpratt.org/ donate/once-island ONCE ON THIS ISLAND Is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.MTIShows.com

sheppardpratt.org • heal.

13

SHEPPARD PRATT HEALTH SYSTEM PHILANTHROPY

Year in Review You make great things happen when you give to the Sheppard Pratt Health System.

Because of donors like you, we are able to help our patients and students to heal and recover. Here are just a few examples of how philanthropy made an impact during the past year:

MUSIC THERAPY PROGRAM is a well-established, research-based program in which music is used to accomplish therapeutic and educational goals. Music therapy is a particularly important intervention for children with autism spectrum disorder to engage and foster their capacity for flexibility, creativity, variability, and tolerance to change. As a result of this program, our preschool students have increased their language development, social, cognitive concepts, motor, and music knowledge skills.

CLOTHING AND BASIC NEEDS ITEMS have been provided for many of our patients. Helping to fulfill basic needs provides a tremendous boost to our patients’ self-esteem and allows them to begin to conceptualize themselves as people with intrinsic value. Providing clothing and basic hygienic supplies makes a significant difference in their lives and directly impacts their ability to focus on treatment.

“ I was so worried about clothes and food that I haven’t had any time to worry about my illness.

This truly helps.”

— Anonymous patient

14

heal. • Sheppard Pratt Health System

PHILANTHROPY

STUDENT FREE LUNCH PROGRAM at The Forbush School at Glyndon provides well-balanced, nutritious lunches

WRAP (WELLNESS RECOVERY ACTION PLAN)

each day to students who can’t afford to buy their own food. Almost 50 percent of

is a fluid and holistic approach to

our students benefit from this program

patient recovery that is currently being

and are able to better concentrate on

implemented at our Ellicott City Day Hospital.

their schoolwork now that their

Approximately 15-20 patients a day benefit from WRAP,

bellies are full.

which encourages patients to take part in their own recovery and to actively develop a personal safety plan using a journal that is provided to them. Because family members often feel helpless during their loved one’s recovery, this plan is also introduced to families during the patient’s family meeting. With WRAP, family members learn how they can help the patient and better educate themselves about the illness. As a result of WRAP, patients are empowered to move forward with their lives.

“ Thank you for helping me to find purpose in my life again.”

— WRAP participant

“ We believe Sheppard Pratt is such an important resource in our community, offering both treatment and education for people at every stage of life.

Sheppard Pratt brings mental illness to people’s awareness when it is all too often hidden and misunderstood. As a clinical social worker, Jane knows the importance of having a responsible and reputable haven for those in need. We are fortunate enough to have been able to be long-term supporters of Sheppard Pratt’s critical mission.”

— Jane and Stan Rodbell longtime donors to Sheppard Pratt Health System

sheppardpratt.org • heal.

15

PHILANTHROPY

THE FROST SCHOOL BREAKFAST CLUB is a program for graduating seniors who have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. The Breakfast Club was created to teach job skills such as product ordering, sales, and customer service by having these seniors sell breakfast items to other students and staff. The Breakfast Club has been invaluable for the students who have participated, as they not only have learned real-world business and hospitality skills, but also have gained a stronger sense of pride and self-confidence. Our younger students have also benefited from the opportunity to practice spending money, ordering food, waiting their turn, and using polite manners in a familiar and comfortable environment.

THANKSGIVING DINNER is held every year for patients in the Sullivan Day Hospital, which treats adults with psychotic disorders or chronic schizophrenia. Our staff strives to fill the void that many patients feel around the holidays with a sense of belonging and acceptance.

The atmosphere of Thanksgiving Dinner is inviting, warm, and full of holiday spirit. The patients have the opportunity to feel like a part of an extended family and are treated with both dignity and respect. Even the most reserved patients spontaneously share how thankful they are to have such a meaningful experience.

If you are interested in making a donation to support Sheppard Pratt Health System, please contact Marguerite Kelley, Vice President of Philanthropy at 410.938.4018 or visit givetosheppardpratt.org.

16

heal. • Sheppard Pratt Health System

rd Pratt a p

Sh e

p

PHILANTHROPY

2nd Annual Sheppard Pratt Stride A SPECIAL THANK YOU to our sponsors for helping us to raise nearly $50,000 to support Sheppard Pratt programs that

al

help patients and students, their families, and those affected nd n n 2 nd A

u

by serious mental illness.

NEW IN 2016 - 5K IS COMING - SAVE THE DATE 10.8.16

Gold Sponsors Presenting Sponsor

• Asbestos Specialists, Inc. • East Coast Ambulance & Wheelchair Service LLC

Sodexo touches the lives of 75 million consumers in 80 countries every day. In North America alone, Sodexo serves

Silver Sponsors

more than 15 million consumers at 9,000 client sites.

• American Office

Wherever Sodexo works, their dedication to making every

• CTI

day a better day for people and organizations comes from

• First Potomac Realty Trust

one goal — to positively improve quality of life.

Thank You, Chairman!

W. BYRON FORBUSH II has left his successor, Fred Motz, with very large shoes to fill as he retires as chairman of the board of trustees at Sheppard Pratt Health System in January 2016.

A trustee for 41 years, Byron has helped to guide the health system from a single hospital in 1974 when he first arrived, to a hospital without walls. And for that, we could not be more grateful!

Because of his leadership, we have grown into one of the nation’s largest providers of mental health, substance use, and special education services. During his tenure, Byron has been involved with multiple projects, all with the same goal: to tell the story of Sheppard Pratt and to destigmatize mental illness by bringing people together and onto our Towson campus!

A Quaker, Byron has ensured that the Quaker traditions and principles that have guided this health system have continued to remain as important as ever. While we will miss Byron’s spirit, dedication, and commitment, we will still be able to seek him out in the archives, as he will remain part of our family as chair emeritus of the board of trustees and archivist.

sheppardpratt.org • heal.

17

THRIVE. A BLOG BY SHEPPARD PRATT

From Our Blog: He Got a Girl’s Number LAST NIGHT was one of the best nights I’ve ever had. One of my best friends’ daughters became a bat mitzvah. And she was amazing. But the best part, Bryce had fun. He had more than fun. He got a girl’s number.

That may seem like a silly thing for a mom to be excited about, but not this mom.

Bryce was diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) at age 5 and later with bipolar disorder and anxiety. I wasn’t sure if my son would ever get to have that rite of passage of getting a girl’s number. He might not have a bar mitzvah — but for us, this was better. Seeing him smile, seeing his excitement that someone was paying attention to him, a girl, at a party, that he was doing what the other kids were doing was what was truly amazing. “I am partying,” he told me.

It started like every other night. He wanted to bring a stuffed animal. We said no, it’s not appropriate, to which he said, “I don’t want to go.” It’ll be fun, we said. Five minutes into the party, he ran up to me and said, “I hate this, I’m done,” and went and sat down with his video game. When I went to check on him, there he was, sitting with a nice girl who was talking to him while he played. Hmmmm, OK, I’ll let him be.

Then he was dancing … with her. “I asked her to dance,” he told me in the morning. “I convinced her to,” he said.

Our friends and neighbors were there. They all saw it.

Bryce is sitting with a girl, one friend told me. I know. Bryce is on the dance floor! What? OMG, he is. Bryce is on the stage.

What? Bryce is taking pictures with her.

“Mom,” Bryce said, “she has to leave. Can I walk her to the door?” “Of course you can, Bryce.” And he did. Then he came

Tracy Greenberg and Bryce enjoy a happy moment.

remember the last time my son was that happy. And he is still happy today.

To our friends, thank you for having a bat mitzvah party last night. I will remember it forever.

Like what you’ve read? Check out our blog at sheppardpratt.org/blog for more great posts from our staff, patients, and community members.

back to the party, all on his own.

Not once did I worry about him last night. Not once did he tell me he wanted to hurt himself or that his life sucked or that he wanted to go home. He smiled, he danced; Bryce was just

Tracy Greenberg has become a strong part of the Sheppard Pratt community. She is mother to Bryce, who attends The Frost School, and she gives her time as part of the Consumer Council, a group of family members, former patients, former students, and employees of the health

like all the other kids. I danced; I was able to relax and enjoy

system who are dedicated to improving our quality of care and enhancing

myself and my time at a party with my husband. We took a

recovery from mental illness and addiction.

family photo. It was easy. Bryce is IN the photo, and better yet, he is smiling. I cried of happiness this morning. I can’t

TO ALL INTERESTED PARTIES: Sheppard Pratt Health System is a provider of health services that receives federal funds under Medicare Part A and Medicaid. Accordingly, we are required to have a non-discrimination policy as required by Section 601 of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Age Discrimination Act of 1975. Specifically, that policy states that no person shall on the grounds of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, ancestry, or disability be excluded from participation in, be denied benefits of, or otherwise be subjected to discrimination in the provision of any care, service, or employment.

18

heal. • Sheppard Pratt Health System

MEET OUR DOCTOR

Catching Up with Dr. Scott Aaronson UTILIZING CLINICAL TRIALS TO CHANGE MENTAL HEALTH CARE

Dr. Scott Aaronson, director of the Department of Clinical Research Programs, is the principal investigator for multiple studies on the development of therapies for mood, anxiety, and psychotic disorders, as well as Alzheimer’s disease.

He has worked at Sheppard Pratt for more than 14 years and is a thought leader in the areas of biological psychiatry, diagnosis, and the integration of somatic and psychological therapies.

Q. What is unique about

Everything we’re testing within our

the Department of Clinical Research Programs?

Q. What should someone do if they

department is in Phase II (proof of

are interested in participating in a clinical research trial?

A. We are a small research program

submissions), so this is not the first time the

concept) or Phase III (trials to support FDA

within a large health care setting. Because

medication has been tried in humans. While

of this, we are able to provide treatment and

we cannot guarantee response or recovery

conduct our research in a more intimate

while in the study, during the study we learn

setting. Much of our research focuses

a lot about each participant’s illness, and

on mood disorders and the use of

can often make recommendations for

neurostimulation. Neurostimulation

future care. I will often work with study

encompasses many techniques used to

participants for a few months after the study

alter brain functioning using electrical or

to come up with the best treatment

magnetic interventions rather than

strategies before we refer them back to

medication, with the goal of providing relief

their outside clinician.

to patients whose illnesses have not responded to conventional therapies.

Q. What can we do to help destigmatize mental illness?

Q. What is your proudest achievement?

A. We need to recognize that these are

A. Over the past 14 years we have

biological illnesses no different than

become one of only a handful of the most

diabetes or hypertension. There are genetic

productive sites in the world studying

and environmental stressors that are

neurostimulation for depressive illnesses.

responsible for mental illnesses and people

We have been the lead site for several large

with these diagnoses deserve as much help

international trials using Vagus Nerve

and compassion as people with any other

Stimluation (VNS), an implantable device

medical illness.

used to treat only the most severely treatment resistant depressions.

Additionally, we are getting ready to

The problem we run into is, unlike cancer where we can see there is a tumor and look at it under the microscope, we are

publish the largest and longest duration

still looking for the physical markers and the

study ever attempted for depression.

causes of psychiatric illness. The stigma

Q. How do you address concerns about safety when it comes to participating in a clinical trial?

against psychiatric illness will disappear once we have clear biological markers through imaging of the brain, genetic variation, or chemical markers in the blood.

A. I have a simple rule of thumb: Loan me

Until we get to that point we need to

your illness, and I will do my best to give it

encourage people to share their stories and

back to you better than when I found it.

put mental illness in the public eye.

CMYK / .eps

Visit our youtube channel to hear more from our interview with Dr. Aaronson: YouTube.com/user/SheppardPrattHealth

A. Call us at 410.938.3136 and ask questions/get on our list. If you participate in our program you will at least learn about your illness and about how clinical research is done. We will also do our best to change the impact your illness may be having on your life.

NON-PROFIT ORG U.S. Postage PAID Mechanicsburg, PA Permit No. 63

6501 N. Charles Street Baltimore, MD 21204 410.938.3000

GARRETT

★

ALLEGANY

★

WASHINGTO

★

N

FREDERICK

★★ ★ ★★★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★★ ★ ★ ★★ ★

CARROLL

★★

BALTIMORE

HOWARD MONTGOM

ERY

★★★

focused on helping you sheppardpratt.org

★

BALTIMORE CITY

KENT

ANNE ARUNDEL

PRINCE GEORGE’S

CECIL

★★ ★★

QUEEN ANNE’S

★

★

TALBOT CHARLES

CAROLINE

CALVERT

THESE FOUR SHORT, SIMPLE WORDS succinctly and powerfully sum up exactly what we try to do for each and every person we touch and can be applied to all programs and departments that comprise our vast health system throughout Maryland.

HARFORD

DORCHEST

ER

ST. MARY’S

★★

WICOMICO

Share Your Story With Us Share with us your memorable story from your time with Sheppard Pratt, and help us fight stigma.

Please contact us at 410.938.4466 or share@sheppardpratt.org.

SOMERSET

★ WORCESTER