Retreat Healthcare Announces Program Expansions

November 20, 2002

Brattleboro, VT -- Retreat Healthcare today announced the expansion of two of its key treatment programs for children and adolescents; The Tower Program and the Child-Adolescent Partial Hospitalization Services. Both programs are moving from their former locations near the main Retreat Healthcare campus to Linden Lodge, with expanded capacity, staffing and resources, in order to better serve the growing needs of this population.

The Tower Program is an alternative education program for students who may be at risk of dropping out or of being asked to leave school due to behavioral problems. A fully accredited component of the Meadows Educational Center, the Tower Program blends education, vocational training, life skills training, adventure-based recreation, health education, and self-esteem building activities. Each student receives an individualized educational plan and a hands-on, small group approach.

The Child- Adolescent Partial Hospitalization Services program provides short-term, intensive psychiatric care for children and adolescents with severe psychiatric symptoms, behavioral problems, substance abuse and/or severe developmental delays. According to Vice President of Patient Care, Patricia Perfetto, MSN, RN, "The new space in Linden Lodge provides more room for groups and quiet spaces for children along with offices and rooms to meet with families of our clients. Family work is an important component of the program--which is a time-limited alternative to hospitalization for many and a re-entry step from hospital to community for others."

The national healthcare industry has been undergoing major economic upheaval in the past several years, impacted by both escalating costs and diminishing insurance and government resources. Accordingly, Retreat Healthcare has recently undertaken significant efforts to restructure its operating systems and reduce costs in administrative and clinical support areas. Successfully stabilized by these efforts, Retreat Healthcare is committed to continuing to address the most critical emerging needs in behavioral health care.

Retreat Healthcare, founded in 1834, is nationally recognized for its premiere treatment in behavioral healthcare. It is a not-for-profit regional specialty psychiatric hospital and addictions treatment center, offering a wide range of diagnostic, therapeutic, and rehabilitative services for individuals of all ages. Retreat Healthcare is a member of the Ivy League Hospitals network, and serves as a practicum site for numerous college and university programs, including Smith College School of Social Work, the Universities of Massachusetts and Connecticut, and Antioch New England. With over 400 employees, Retreat Healthcare is one of Vermont's largest employers, and, according to Windham County Senator-elect Rod Gander, "constitutes one of the most important economic foundations of Windham County."

For information contact: Maria Basescu, 802-258-6161 or email: mbasescu@retreathealthcare.org