Schizophrenia
Overview & Clinical Expertise
Schizophrenia is a complex mental illness marked by difficulties in organizing thinking and behaviors. It may make it difficult for you to carry out the usual activities of daily living. Delusions and hallucinations are common. You may believe that thoughts, sensations and actions are controlled by or shared with others, and you may find it difficult to act normally in social situations.
However, schizophrenia is treatable. The experience and expertise of Silver Hill clinicians, coupled with our high standards of care, puts us with the best schizophrenia treatment centers you can choose.
Transitional Living House
As a patient with Schizophrenia in the Transitional Living Program, you will be treated at The Lodge.
Treatments & Therapies
Silver Hill Hospital treats teens and adults who need treatment for schizophrenia. After an evaluation we will place you in our inpatient unit – a prerequisite for additional levels of care – for crisis stabilization and/or medication management. After inpatient treatment some patients move on to our 42-day transitional living program for continued therapeutic recovery.
Our treatment goal is to provide you with the intensive therapy you need to:
- Reduce the signs and symptoms of your illness
- Improve your interpersonal and family relationships
- Enhance your skills for independent living
Your treatment program is built around an active schedule of groups, individual work and activities geared toward correcting your difficulties with thoughts and behaviors. The skills taught in this program focus on independent living, making daily life decisions, social integration and management of time and resources. You will also work on skills to increase self-awareness, reduce stress and improve self-confidence.
Among the proven therapies we use for schizophrenia is Cognitive Remediation Training (CRT), which was developed by Silver Hill in collaboration with the Department of Psychiatry at Yale University School of Medicine. This therapy will increases your attention, focus, motivation and other traits related to thinking and behavior.
Other evidence-based treatments include:
- Pharmacologic Therapies – The use of medications in the treatment of mental health disorders.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy – A goal-oriented therapy that focuses on identifying and changing damaging patterns of thought and behavior. Learn More about Cognitive Behavior Therapy
- Psychosocial Skills Training – Training in behavioral techniques to help you manage the negative effects of your disorder and function independently in their communities. Learn More about Psychosocial Skills Training
Co-Occurring Disorders
Patients with schizophrenia often have more than one diagnosis. We uncover these “co-occurring disorders” only after careful evaluation by our nationally-recognized team of board-certified psychiatrists and highly trained clinicians. Because Silver Hill is a true psychiatric hospital with a wide base of knowledge and experience, we are uniquely qualified to provide comprehensive care for you if you need simultaneous treatment for more than one disorder.
These conditions often co-occur with schizophrenia:
Continuity of Care Video
Chief Clinical Officer, Dr. Michael Groat explains the continuity of care at Silver Hill.
Staff
Our multi-disciplinary team works as a team on your care.
Photo Gallery
Take a look at our campus and treatment houses.
Patient Experience
Inpatient Care – for the acute phase of illness
Our Main House Inpatient Service takes place at the Patricia Regnemer Main House building. You will be assigned according to your diagnosis and the type of inpatient treatment that is best suited to assist in your recovery. The average length of stay varies by diagnosis.
In this safe, supportive environment, you will strengthen your skills in:
- Problem solving
- Relapse prevention
- Managing emotions
- Self-esteem
- Coping ahead
- Health and medication education
- Communication skills
- Stress management
All inpatient units are locked for your safety and no personal computers or cellphones are permitted. Visits from family members twelve years of age and older are permitted during scheduled visiting hours.
Your 14-hour day will include:
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Group therapy, including psychoeducational and skills groups
- Medication education
- Twelve-Step work, when appropriate
- Psychopharmacology
- Family program
- Recreational activities
- Nutritional consultation, when clinically indicated
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy
- Visiting Hours (Family members 12 years of age and older)
Your schedule will include daily meetings with your psychiatrist and social worker.
Weekly Al-Anon meetings are also available on campus. Check the Events Calendar for meeting dates and times.
Transitional Living Program – for continued therapeutic recovery
During this six-week Transitional Living Program you will reside at The Lodge, a gracious ,white clapboard house that has been newly renovated. All bedrooms have private baths and accommodate two people. (Private rooms are available at an additional cost). Visit Being at Silver Hill for additional details.
Several times a week, residents prepare and eat meals together as a community. A dietitian is available to address weight management issues, and patients with addictions may participate in AA and NA meetings on campus. Check the Events Calendar for meeting dates and times.
Your 14-hour daily schedule includes:
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Group therapy, including psychoeducational and skills groups
- Medication education
- Psychopharmacology
- Psychosocial skills training
- Cognitive Remediation training
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Recreational activities
- Nutritional consultation, when clinically indicated
- Visiting Hours
Intensive Outpatient Programs – for ongoing treatment from home
We offer several Intensive Outpatient Programs to help ease your return to independent living. Check with your Silver Hill clinician to determine the right match for your symptoms.
Family Participation
At Silver Hill, we believe family support is important from the moment you enter treatment. We encourage family members to meet with the patient’s social worker, psychiatrist or other members of the treatment team.
We also offer programs designed to educate your family members about your illness and to improve family communication and functioning. Weekly Family Forums address coping strategies specific to the your condition. Patients are encouraged to join Family Forums with family members over 13 years of age.
In addition, we host a bi-weekly Psychotic Disorders Family Program. This program provides education, peer support and self-care. Families learn symptom management, early detection of relapse and communication skills.
Check the Events Calendar for meeting dates and times.
Wellness Services
You may choose to purchase our Wellness Services during your treatment with us. It offers a holistic approach to recovery in recognition of the integration of body, mind and spirit. Services include yoga, acupuncture, personal fitness training, meditation and massage therapy. These alternative therapies are complement, rather than replace, traditional medical care. They are most effective when combined with medical treatment to help alleviate symptoms of pain and anxiety. The benefits, both short term and long, help promote a feeling of wellness.