Medical Services

The Medical Services Department of HSC is responsible for providing psychiatric evaluations; prescribing, administering, and managing the use of psychotropic medication; and evaluating biological relationships that may related the individualís mental health problem. Psychiatrists and psychiatric nurses also consult with other Center staff on the development of service plans.

Staff
The staff of the Medical Services Department is comprised of psychiatric nurses with specialized training and experience in psychiatric nursing and mental health. The supervisor of Nursing Services is certified by the American Nurses Association in psychiatric nursing and mental health. Psychiatrists are either board certified or board eligible.  A board certified psychiatrist specializing in child and adolescent psychiatry conducts clinical evaluations and provides consultation to the staff of HSC's Child and Family Services Division. Psychiatrists and psychiatric nurses attend continuing education programs on a regular basis to keep abreast of developments in the mental health field.

Program Coordination
The Medical Services staff interfaces with every clinical department of HSC to ensure that medication is properly managed and the biological aspects of an individual's mental health are considered and incorporated in the delivery of services.

Staff members also consult with area hospitals and HSC's crisis program to arrange for inpatient care. Patients are seen individually or in groups for follow-up care.

Training
Training on psychotropic medicine and other topics are provided by the Medical Services staff to other clinical specialists and Habitat staff within the Human Services Center.

Outcomes
The Medical Services staff ensures that the biological features of client's emotional problems are evaluated and incorporated in his or her course of treatment at Human Services Center. Through in-service training and consultation, the Medical Services staff also provide clinicians with the expertise to understand therapeutic use of psychotropic medication in the treatment of various mental health disorders.


For further information, please contact:
Michele Kelly-Thompson, MA
Director, Clinical Services
(724) 658-3578, ext. 126
Fax: (724) 658-8242

HSC's clinical programs are licensed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, assuring professional, ethical, and responsible service delivery. A Total Quality Management program ensures constant monitoring and improving of service quality.