Silver Hill Hospital

Seeing so many professionals come together and engage meaningfully at yesterday’s Mentalization and Beyond conference was truly wonderful. Dr. Peter Fonagy, the developer of Mentalization Based Therapy (MBT) and a friend and colleague of mine for many years, shared insight on how mentalizing abilities develop—especially in relation to attachment and trauma. His words resonated with me, reminding me just how important it is to create a space where patients feel safe to explore and reflect on their emotions and relationships. I am proud that Silver Hill is now offering MBT in our residential services in New Canaan as well as our new IOP services in Manhattan. Thank you again to everyone who attended,?and of course, to Peter for sharing his invaluable expertise.

The Resilience Program at Silver Hill’s River House treats individuals with personality disorders, depression, and anxiety. Recently, the program has embraced changes including a variable length of stay, a formal assessment phase, additional treatment modalities, and the use of an alternative personality disorder model. Discover how Silver Hill is advancing the treatment of emotion dysregulation>> https://lnkd.in/eKuhDZ8f

Silver Hill Hospital’s Chief Nursing Officer, Immacula Cann, DNP, RN, and Director of Nursing Practice Excellence, Peggy Sawyer, RN, recently attended the Connecticut Nurses Association (CNA) Awards Ceremony, where nurses and organizations were recognized for their outstanding contributions to nursing and healthcare policy. Silver Hill Hospital is committed to not only delivering outstanding nursing care to our patients but also advancing the nursing profession through leadership, education, and advocacy. Participating in CNA provides our nursing team with opportunities to collaborate with peers across the state, contribute to the implementation of best practices, and continue to elevate the standard of care we provide. At Silver Hill Hospital, we take great pride in our nursing team, whose expertise, dedication, and compassion have a profound and lasting impact on the lives of our patients and their families.

Last week at the annual Connecticut Psychological Association’s (CPA) Convention at Yale University, Silver Hill psychologists Benjamin Bernstein, Ph.D., and Emily Calderone, PsyD, joined their CT colleagues and led the workshop Staying Unsplit: Maintaining Cohesion Among Clinicians in a Residential Milieu. Their presentation focused on the challenges clinical teams often face in residential treatment in which defensive strategies by patients with personality pathology can severely impact team dynamics. Drs. Bernstein and Calderone shared related ideas and case examples from their own residential experience in which the team successfully maintain cohesion while offering exceptional care to patients. Thank you to the CPA for hosting the meeting, which included a fascinating lineup of presentations and workshops, and ample opportunity to network and connect.

?? SOLD OUT! ?? Our Mentalization and Beyond conference, happening next week at Silver Hill Hospital, is officially at capacity, and registration is now closed! Thank you to everyone who signed up—we can’t wait to explore the depths of mentalization with each of you. For those unable to attend, stay tuned! We have an exciting lineup of events for 2025, with more details coming soon!

LGBTQ+ crisis hotlines, including The Trevor Project and Crisis Text Line, experienced a significant rise in calls and messages during the 2024 presidential election, with The Trevor Project reporting a 125% increase in contact volume. In this USA Today article, Silver Hill’s Elizabeth Ortiz-Schwartz, MD, DFAPA, and other experts offer insight. >> https://lnkd.in/gG_Wx5vF

Even the most driven, resilient, and successful professionals can face mental health and substance use challenges—whether they are leading major organizations, holding key leadership roles, or transitioning from such positions. Recognizing the unique needs of these individuals, Silver Hill Hospital’s Steward House residential program, in collaboration with the Yale Department of Psychiatry and Yale New Haven Health, offers specialized care tailored for executives and other high-level professionals facing mental health or substance use challenges. Learn more about the program >> https://lnkd.in/eZ6KDK_s

“Mental health is important and there are things we can be doing as a society and as people to improve the mental health of ourselves and each other. When the term [mental health]?‘crisis’?is used in the name of decreasing stigma and bringing attention to a crucial area, I'm very happy. Where I'm less happy about the use of the?word ‘crisis’?is when it sounds like it's brand new, and that this therefore is something that we need to find a recent or proximal cause…”? – Andrew J. Gerber, M.D., Ph.D., President & Medical Director of Silver Hill Hospital ? In a powerful conversation with Rey Spadoni, Dr. Gerber dives into the critical issues surrounding?mental health and behavioral healthcare in the U.S. ? Listen to the full podcast here >>?https://lnkd.in/eEBgqY9g ?

Congratulations to Kate Welzel, a Q3 Silver Star Winner! ?? Kate is an exceptional Residential Counselor in our Neuropsychiatric Residential Program. Her enthusiasm and positive attitude are contagious, creating a supportive environment for both staff and patients. Kate goes above and beyond by leading baking groups, providing support during patient Zoom calls, and initiating creative projects like drawing Olympic medals or footballs for the NFL season. Her dedication to the patient’s well-being makes a significant difference in their care. Thank you for all that you do!

If you are a loved one of someone facing behavioral health challenges, you’re not alone. Join It’s All Relative, an open peer support group designed just for you. Share experiences, find understanding, and connect with others who truly get it. ?? Date: November 12 ?? Time: 7 pm - 8 pm ?? Location: Virtual via Zoom ?? Please email [email protected] to sign up and receive the link to join! *Please note: 'It's All Relative' is composed of peers and does not contain clinical oversight* Reach out and be part of a supportive community.