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A Day In The Life: La Casa MHRC and PHF
April 07, 2006
La Casa MHRC (Mental Health Rehabilitation Center) and PHF (Psychiatric Health Facility) are located on a beautiful 9-acre campus in Long Beach, California. Staff include nurses, social workers, rehab therapists, psychiatrists, dietary and housekeeping staff, and mental health workers.
La Casa MHRC offers evaluation, treatment and rehabilitation for people who would otherwise be referred to the state hospital or an acute care facility. A variety of treatment programs help clients prepare to live independently, address substance abuse issues, and learn new techniques to promote behaviors that contribute to successful community living. La Casa also has an Asian-Pacific Islander Unit, which serves the Asian and Pacific Islander population of the Los Angeles area. Services are delivered in a culturally and linguistically appropriate manner.
La Casa PHF provides acute care to people who have an immediate need for inpatient mental health treatment. The program works under the premise that all individuals have the potential to rehabilitate and to make choices about their environments for living, learning, working, and socializing. Treatment concentrates on symptom reduction and preparation for discharge to, and linkage with, community resources. Staff collaborate with clients to prepare them for lower levels of care as soon as clinically appropriate.
The following is a photo tour of the La Casa campus, and some of the activities and relationships that staff and clients enjoy (click on any photo to enlarge).
The People Of La Casa |
La Casa's staff enjoy their good-natured co-workers and warm relationships between employee and supervisor. Here, Clinical Director Ken Foxman, instructs an employee with the help of a few small green friends.
David Heffron, Regional Director, and Dr. Ed Bienkowski, former Administrator of La Casa PHF, lead the La Casa programs with warmth and humor.
Nurses work to keep up with charting and rounds.
Staff meet regularly to discuss treatment and discharge plans.
Staff are encouraged to bring their own unique personalities to work, as demonstrated here by Dr. Jenkins.
A music room is located on-site for staff and clients to express themselves and make some music!
Activities and Grounds |
A tranquill koi pond is located near the Asian-Pacific Islander Unit.
Birds chirp and sing in a large outdoor aviary, much to the enjoyment of staff and clients alike.
A basketball game is played on the outdoor court...
...and picked up indoors in the large gym when the weather turns!
Clients can choose from a large array of books from the La Casa Library.
The game room, in a rare deserted state, is a popular hangout during free time.
A cocker spaniel and a guinea pig provide Animal Therapy.
Clients can stop in at the canteen and get snacks during the day.
