Overview

Overview

Just as there are different levels of physical health and wellness, the same is true for emotional health and wellness. Located close to home in Northeast Ohio, Cleveland Clinic Akron General’s Center for Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences address mental and emotional health concerns based on a philosophy that values the unique needs of the individual and encourages patient and family support and education during treatment. Here you’ll find more about some of our unique programs and services, our specialists and important information for patients and their families.

Why Choose Cleveland Clinic Akron General?

  • Regionally recognized. Akron General’s Center for Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences is regionally recognized for both in- and outpatient treatment of adult psychiatric disorders including depression and anxiety, behavioral problems, thought disorders and other mental health concerns. With more than 35 years of experience, we help reduce symptoms, restore a sense of safety and develop skills for physical and emotional wellbeing and independent living.
  • Prompt evaluation. Akron General offers the right level of care at the right time because we understand that mental health matters. It is part of your health and well-being. We are here for you when you need to see a healthcare provider fast.
  • Patients are individual, their care should be too. The Center provides a full range of psychiatric care tailored to each patient’s needs. After the evaluation, patients are referred to the programs that meet their healthcare needs in the most cost-effective manner. We work with patients, employers and payors to return individuals to work and to their families as quickly as possible. All patients receive the highest level of care and complete confidentiality during and after their treatment.
  • Day program or convenient evening program. The Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) is a unique and cost-effective treatment program for individuals who’ll benefit from a more intensive treatment than outpatient therapy, but who do not require hospitalization. A structured and intensive day treatment helps patients successfully recover from depression, anxiety, behavioral problems, thought disorders and more.
Services

Services

Emergency Psychiatry Services

In the event that there's threat of harm to oneself or others, individuals should go to the Emergency Department or call 911. Psychiatric residents and social workers provide specialized emergency psychiatric care that includes an immediate evaluation and crisis stabilization. Once an evaluation is complete, appropriate referrals can be made to our inpatient unit, the Partial Hospitalization Program or outpatient treatment services. To reach Akron General's Emergency Department, call 330.344.6611.

Inpatient Psychiatry Services

Please note: The Stress Management Unit is closed for construction until mid-January.

Akron General's Center for Psychiatry provides two specialized units for inpatient services - Crisis Intervention and Stress Management Units. The Crisis Intervention Unit provides close supervision and a caring, structured and protective environment, as individuals are able to work through crisis. Patients experiencing depression and other debilitating symptoms are successfully treated in the Stress Management Unit. Here, patients work towards an increased self-responsibility and are progressively involved in their plan of care.

Upon admission to inpatient units, patients receive a thorough diagnostic evaluation, and sometimes medical testing, to rule out any physical problems. Medication, individual, group, occupational and recreational therapies help patients rebuild daily living skills and cope with life's challenges.

  • For more information about our inpatient services, call 330.344.1559.

Outpatient Psychiatry Services

Mindfulness-Based Therapy Programs

The model of treatment used in our outpatient therapy programs at the Center for Behavioral Medicine & Wellness West is mindfulness-based therapies. This model focuses on the development of mindfulness and acceptance skills, and coping skills for effective change. We welcome both self and provider referrals.

We offer a comprehensive treatment program of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) that includes a four-day per week intensive therapy option, a weekly outpatient skills group, and a weekly advanced DBT therapy program for graduates of the skills group who desire more practice and group therapy. Participants in the programs receive extensive written materials, psycho-education, group therapy and case management to enhance their experience, improve functioning and achieve their quality of life goals.

We also offer two intensive outpatient therapy programs based upon the Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) model which emphasizes expressive art therapy, psycho-education and group therapy to enhance coping skills and psychological flexibility. We offer both a two-day intensive outpatient program of ACT, and additionally, a three-day intensive program for participants interested in mindfulness based substance recovery treatment.

Comprehensive Acceptance and Commitment

Therapy programming including:

  • Art-based intensive outpatient program
  • Mindful recovery intensive outpatient program

Comprehensive Dialectical Behavioral

Therapy programming including:

  • Intensive outpatient program
  • Outpatient weekly skills program

Support Groups Hosted by Akron General and Free to the Community

  • Depression and Bipolar Support Group – bi-monthly
  • Alliance for the Mentally Ill Support Group – once monthly

For more information about the Center for Behavioral Medicine & Wellness, call 330.665.8171. We are located at Cleveland Clinic Akron General Health & Wellness Center, Bath, Suite 207.

Partial Hospitalization Program

A structured and intensive day treatment helps patients successfully recover from depression, anxiety, behavioral problems, thought disorders and more. The typical duration of treatment is seven days, running from Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Treatment is highly individualized and can include group therapy, case management, family involvement, expressive therapy and evening support groups.

Patients can be referred to the program by their physician or through a self-referral. For more information, call Akron General's Partial Hospitalization Program at 330.344.1559 or the Green health and wellness center at 330.896.5058.

Individuals Who May Benefit

The Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) is a unique and cost-effective treatment program for individuals who can gain more from an intensive treatment than outpatient therapy, but do not require hospitalization. It is also an option for patients who are not making sufficient gains in traditional therapy to help reduce the chance of needing inpatient care. The PHP can also help individuals making the transition from inpatient hospital care to the home setting.

Treatment Options

  • Group Therapy:
    This type of therapy offers patients the opportunity to exchange perspectives and express thoughts, feelings and concerns in a supportive environment. A variety of groups are offered to meet patients' clinical and educational needs.
  • Case Management: 
    Managing individual progress provides the opportunity for the patient and therapist to continually review treatment goals and work towards discharge planning. Coordination of admission and discharge conferences with the referring physician/therapist can also be arranged so that treatment goals are understood.
  • Family Involvement:
    This is vital to a successful treatment experience. Family members and significant others are encouraged to examine their roles in the patient's life and illness. Team members help family members understand their feelings and concerns, and they help them prepare for changes as the patient progresses in treatment and prepares for discharge. An emphasis is placed on ensuring that the family and referral source are thoroughly informed and involved throughout treatment.
  • Expressive Therapy: 
    This type of therapy helps individuals uncover thoughts, feelings and emotions, which are often difficult to express in words. Individuals explore the use of movement, music and art to help release feelings of depression, guilt and anxiety.
  • Evening Support Groups: 
    Evening support groups encourage a more effective support system for patients and provide opportunities to share experiences and feelings. The groups provide an accepting environment where individuals can try new strategies.

Insurance Coverage

Because the Partial Hospitalization Program is a cost-effective alternative to inpatient care, many insurance companies will cover some or all of the cost of treatment.

For more information about the Partial Hospitalization Program or how to get a referral, call 330.344.1559.

Insomnia Treatment

Insomnia is a disorder which can have negative consequences on the emotional and physical wellbeing of a person. It can also lead to impairment in occupational and social functioning. Our new Insomnia Center offers comprehensive evaluation, assessment and management of people suffering from insomnia. Our sleep disorders specialist works in conjunction with behavioral specialists and Akron General Sleep Centers in a multidisciplinary manner, to address this potentially debilitating problem. Call 330.896.5076.

Our Team

Our Team

Recovery and management of mental and behavioral health concerns requires the attention of and experienced and caring team.

Search for a provider:

Urgent evaluations are available through the Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP), and can be reached at 330.344.1559.

TMS Clinic

TMS Clinic

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Clinic

For people with medication-resistant depression, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a safe, effective and FDA-approved treatment that can relieve depression symptoms with minimal side effects. The Center for Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences offers a TMS clinic for depression on Cleveland Clinic's Akron General campus (located in the Heart & Vascular Center). Appointments take 15 to 30 minutes, and parking is free.

What is TMS?

TMS is a noninvasive outpatient procedure that uses an electromagnetic coil placed against the scalp to create electric currents that stimulate nerve cells in the brain region involved in mood control and depression. Our clinic offers both traditional repetitive TMS (rTMS) and theta-burst stimulation (TBS), a newer rTMS protocol.

Who is a candidate?

People referred to our TMS clinic will undergo a one-hour initial evaluation to see if TMS is right for them.

TMS is appropriate for consideration in people who have not benefited from trials of two or more antidepressant medications. Those with an underlying seizure disorder or who have metallic implants/medical devises within 30 centimeters of the head are not eligible.

Our team

Our team of TMS specialists have extensive clinical and research experience in TMS. They conduct initial evaluations to determine a person’s eligibility for TMS, administer the treatments and provide in-person assessments during treatment.

Jaykumar Grandhi, MD
Board-certified psychiatrist with specialized training in electroconvulsive therapy and transcranial magnetic stimulation.

Laura Basco, APRN-CNP
Psychiatric nurse practitioner specializing in treatment resistant depression and mood disorders with specialized training in transcranial magnetic stimulation.

Referrals

To refer a patient for an initial TMS evaluation, email TMSAkron@ccf.org.

Appointments

Appointments

Referral Information

Patients may be referred to Akron General's Center for Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences from physicians, psychologists, therapists, clergy, family members and from individuals themselves. Admission occurs within 24 hours of referral. If patients are currently seeing a therapist, counselor or physician, they should be admitted by that healthcare professional.

We Work Closely with Referral Sources

The Center for Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences is committed to working closely with referral sources to help ensure continuity of care during and after treatment. With the consent of the patient, each professional referral source can receive in-depth communication about the course of treatment and progress of the patient, but also be assured that the patient will be referred back to him or her after treatment is complete.

For information from Akron General's Center for Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, inpatient and outpatient referral information, please call 330.344.1559.

Need a Behavioral Health Specialist?

Search online or call 330.344.6525.

Locations