Sierra Tucson Adds Outpatient Assessment Services to Its Renowned Inpatient Programs
Outpatient Assessment Services are now available for Sierra Tucson’s Assessment and Diagnostic Program, including options for Brain SPECT Imaging and additional separate services.
Tucson, AZ (Vocus) July 7, 2010
For those who do not require the safety or intensity of inpatient care, Sierra Tucson (http://www. sierratucson. com/) will begin offering various Outpatient Assessment Services (http://www. sierratucson. com/programs_outptassmt. php) on August 2, 2010. Individuals may call beginning July 7, 2010, to schedule an appointment.
Sierra Tucson's renowned inpatient Assessment and Diagnostic Program (ADP) (http://www. sierratucson. com/programs_assmtprgrm. php), traditionally a 4 ½-day program providing in-depth evaluation for complex diagnostic concerns, is now also being offered on an outpatient basis. As an outpatient service, the ADP can require as little as one to three days, depending on the complexity of the testing required.
“Providing Outpatient Assessment Services will significantly expand the population that can benefit from Sierra Tucson’s clinical expertise,” says Robert R. Johnson, D. O., Sierra Tucson’s Medical Director. “Sophisticated medical and clinical evaluation will become much more affordable and accessible. This will enable more people to obtain assessment results and receive the direction and treatment needed to heal physically, mentally, and spiritually.”
The ADP’s intensive medical, psychiatric, and psychological evaluations are combined with specific consultations and additional testing to achieve assessment goals. This program is often required due to diagnostic uncertainty, complexity, denial, or legal issues, sometimes involving State Boards or professional organizations.
Upon completion of the evaluation process a multidisciplinary assessment team, consisting of physicians (psychiatrists and addictionologists), psychologists, therapists, and other licensed specialists, reviews assessment data and prepares an integrated diagnostic report. This comprehensive written report offers specific treatment recommendations. A round table feedback session is provided to the patient, the referring professional, and, when appropriate, family members or legal/professional supervisory personnel. Teleconference is available for those who cannot attend in person.
Sierra Tucson is also introducing a variety of “à la carte” assessment services (http://www. sierratucson. com/programs_outptassmt. php#84), which include Brain SPECT Imaging, Psychological Testing, Psychiatric Consultation, Grief/Loss Consultation, and more.
SPECT scans are always combined with a Psychiatric Evaluation, which interprets the scan in relation to the person’s clinical history. Psychiatric Consultations can be requested directly by an individual or as a second opinion by a professional therapist or physician.
Brain SPECT Imaging, an innovative tool that can provide helpful motivational and diagnostic data, is an optional part of the ADP. SPECT (Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography) scans produce vivid, three-dimensional pictures of brain physiology. Dr. Johnson advises, “In experienced hands, Brain SPECT Imaging provides clinically useful information on how an individual’s brain functions, particularly in complex or treatment-resistant cases. This more complete diagnostic picture adds biological information to the presenting problem, often helping to inform treatment planning while drawing out compassion and understanding from family members.”
“Not only is Sierra Tucson making SPECT imaging more accessible, but we are combining it with our expertise in medical and psychiatric evaluation,” states Dr. Johnson, “to provide a broad, unique, and clinically valuable service.”
More information about Sierra Tucson’s Outpatient Assessment Services and inpatient programming is available on Sierra Tucson's website (http://www. sierratucson. com/).
About Sierra Tucson:
Sierra Tucson is licensed and accredited as a psychiatric hospital and residential treatment center. Internationally respected as a leader in the treatment of addictions, behavioral disorders, and chronic pain, Sierra Tucson has provided world-class diagnosis and treatment for over 25 years. For more information about Sierra Tucson’s progressive modalities and effective programs, call 800-842-4487 or visit SierraTucson. com.
Sierra Tucson is a proud member of CRC Health Group, the most comprehensive network of specialized behavioral care services in the nation. CRC offers the largest array of personalized treatment options, allowing individuals, families, and professionals to choose the most appropriate treatment setting for their behavioral, addiction, weight management, and therapeutic education needs. CRC is committed to making its services widely and easily available, while maintaining a passion for delivering advanced treatment. For over two decades, CRC programs have helped individuals and families reclaim and enrich their lives.
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