New psych unit in Joplin already at capacity - KOAM TV 7

New psych unit in Joplin already at capacity

Freeman East says the need for in-patient psychiatric treatment is growing in Joplin, leading the hospital to make some additions to its new psych unit.

Stephens 2 Psychiatric Unit is the new psych unit that opened last Friday and is already at capacity with in-patients seeking help.

The unit now has 42 beds, 20 more than before.

Thirty-two new positions were added to help handle the large patient load.

Officials of the unit say most of the patients were effected by they tornado but others are from all around the Four State area.

"We want to try to decrease their depression to a manageable level which then they could continue treatment for on an out patient basis through the Ozark Center with a therapist or psychologist," says AJ Whitmore, a Psychologist with the Stephens 2 Psych Unit.

Officials at the unit say many patients suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.