Bishop Health - Portland Maine

Our Mental Health Treatment Approach

At Bishop Health in Portland, Maine, we are dedicated to providing innovative and personalized mental health care. Our approach is rooted in the understanding that each individual’s journey to wellness is unique. We offer a range of cutting-edge treatments, including Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) and Ketamine Infusion Therapy, tailored to meet the specific needs of our clients.

Innovative Treatment Options

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)

This non-invasive therapy uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain, offering a promising solution for individuals with major depressive disorder, especially when traditional treatments have been ineffective.

Ketamine Infusion Therapy

As a groundbreaking approach for treatment-resistant depression, Ketamine Infusion Therapy provides rapid relief for severe depressive episodes, utilizing carefully administered ketamine to enhance mood regulation.

Ketamine Treatment (Spravato)

Spravato, known generically as esketamine, is a nasal spray medication used in the treatment of treatment-resistant depression and major depressive disorder with acute suicidal ideation or behavior. It’s a derivative of ketamine, working rapidly to alleviate depressive symptoms, and is typically used in conjunction with oral antidepressants under strict medical supervision.

A Holistic and Client-Centered Approach

At Bishop Health, our philosophy extends beyond mere symptom management. We are deeply committed to fostering transformative healing and enduring resilience. We understand that mental health is a complex interplay of physical, emotional, and environmental factors. Our approach is thus holistic, considering all aspects of an individual’s life in the pursuit of wellness.

Tailored Treatments

Recognizing the diverse needs of our clients, we customize treatment plans that may include a combination of therapy, medication management, and innovative treatments like TMS and Ketamine Therapy.

Comprehensive Evaluation

Our treatment begins with a thorough assessment to understand each client’s mental health history, current condition, and specific needs. This enables us to craft a targeted approach that addresses the root causes of their struggles.

Therapeutic Collaboration

We believe in the power of collaborative care. Our clients actively participate in their treatment, working alongside skilled therapists and medical professionals.

Family Involvement

Understanding the critical role of support systems, we encourage family involvement in the treatment process where appropriate. This approach fosters a comprehensive support network, which is vital for long-term success.

Evidence-Based Practices

Our treatments are grounded in the latest research and evidence-based practices, ensuring that our clients receive the most effective care available.

Continuous Support

Post-treatment, we offer ongoing support and follow-up services to maintain mental health and prevent relapse. Our commitment extends beyond immediate treatment, focusing on sustainable wellness and empowerment.

Psychiatry Services

Psychiatry services play a crucial role in the context of mental health recovery. At Bishop Health, we offer professional psychiatry services at our Portland, Maine, location.  

Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in mental health. They are trained to diagnose and assess mental health conditions accurately. This involves evaluating a person’s mental and physical symptoms to understand their condition’s nature and severity. Accurate diagnosis is key to effective treatment and recovery. Psychiatrists can prescribe medications to treat mental health disorders. Medications like antidepressants, antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, and anxiolytics can be critical in managing symptoms. If a medication is prescribed, we monitor the effectiveness of these medications and make adjustments as needed, ensuring the best outcomes with minimal side effects.

While psychiatrists are known for their role in prescribing medication, many also provide psychotherapy or “talk therapy.” This can include various therapeutic approaches like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), interpersonal therapy, or psychodynamic therapy, which can help clients understand and change their behaviors, thoughts, and emotions.

Psychiatry services often form part of a broader, integrated approach to mental health recovery. Psychiatrists may collaborate with psychologists, social workers, occupational therapists, and other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care that addresses all aspects of a patient’s well-being. Often, individuals with mental health disorders may have co-occurring physical health issues or substance use disorders. Psychiatrists are equipped to recognize and treat these complex scenarios, considering the interplay between different conditions.

At Bishop Health, psychiatry plays a crucial role in educating clients and their families about mental health conditions, treatment options, and strategies for managing symptoms. This education is vital for empowering clients in their recovery journey. In cases of severe mental health crises, such as suicidal ideation or acute psychosis, psychiatrists provide critical intervention services. This may include hospitalization or intensive outpatient services to ensure the patient’s safety and stabilize their condition.

Recovery from mental health conditions can be a long-term process. Psychiatrists provide ongoing follow-up care, adjusting treatment plans as the patient’s needs change over time and helping them to maintain their mental health in the long run.

In summary, psychiatry services are integral to mental health recovery, offering a blend of medical expertise, therapeutic interventions, and comprehensive care tailored to the individual’s needs. This holistic approach helps individuals not only manage their symptoms but also achieve a better quality of life and long-term wellness.

Individual Therapy

Individual therapy is a cornerstone in the journey toward mental health recovery. Engaging in these sessions, clients collaborate one-on-one with a licensed therapist. These discussions range from exploring personal mental health histories to the development and reinforcement of effective coping strategies. Therapists at Bishop Health employ a diverse array of evidence-based methodologies, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and advanced techniques such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).

Selecting the right individual therapist in Portland, Maine, involves careful consideration of their therapeutic approaches and specializations. As you advance in your recovery journey, your therapist will be pivotal in guiding you through challenges, ensuring accountability, and maintaining your progress.

The process of finding suitable individual therapy in Portland, Maine, is streamlined when you have a clear understanding of your specific needs. For instance, if navigating a divorce, it’s advisable to seek a therapist specializing in relationship dynamics. Similarly, for those confronting depression coupled with substance use disorders, therapists skilled in treatments like ketamine infusion and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), along with experience in managing co-occurring disorders, would be ideal.

For further guidance on locating a therapist or psychiatrist in Maine that aligns with your unique requirements, please contact Bishop Health. Our team is dedicated to connecting you with the most suitable professional to support your path to mental wellness.

TMS

• Depression: TMS is often used when other depression treatments haven’t been effective. It can activate regions of the brain that have decreased activity in depression.
• Other Conditions: It’s also being studied and used experimentally for a variety of other conditions, including anxiety, PTSD, stroke recovery, schizophrenia, and chronic pain.

Ketamine Treatment (Spravato)

Intranasal ketamine, known by the brand name Spravato, is a medication used for certain mental health conditions. It is a form of ketamine, a substance originally developed as an anesthetic, but it has unique properties that make it useful in other areas of medicine — specifically mental health. 

Administration and Uses 

Spravato is a nasal spray. This delivery method allows the drug to be absorbed directly into the bloodstream. It is designed for use under medical supervision in a professional healthcare setting, like that provided by Bishop Health. 

The primary use of Spravato is for treatment-resistant depression, which means depression that hasn’t responded to at least two different types of antidepressant treatments in the current depressive episode. It’s also approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in adults with major depressive disorder (MDD) with acute suicidal ideation or behavior.

Ongoing research is examining the wider potential of ketamine and its analogs in treating other mental health disorders, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

Ketamine works differently from traditional antidepressants that target the serotonin or noradrenaline pathways. It primarily affects the neurotransmitter glutamate, which is involved in learning, memory, and neuroplasticity. It’s thought to facilitate the communication between brain cells and may lead to changes in mood, thought patterns, and behavior.

Benefits and Side Effects 

Spravato can have a rapid antidepressant effect, often within hours or days, which is significantly faster compared to traditional antidepressants and may take weeks to become effective. This rapid action can be particularly important in situations of acute suicidal ideation.

Common side effects include dissociation, dizziness, nausea, sedation, vertigo, hypoesthesia (numbness), anxiety, lethargy, increased blood pressure, vomiting, and feeling drunk. Due to the risk of sedation and dissociation, clients are monitored for at least two hours after receiving the medication. It also has the potential for abuse and dependency and is only recommended for use in a therapeutic setting under the close care of a medical professional. 

Because Spravato is a controlled substance, it is only available through a restricted program under a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS). clients must be registered in the program, and the medication is only administered in a certified medical office where the patient can be closely monitored.

Intranasal ketamine represents a significant advancement in the treatment of certain mental health conditions, especially for individuals who have not found relief with other treatments. However, its use requires careful consideration and professional oversight due to its unique properties and potential side effects.

Ketamine Infusion 

Ketamine infusion therapy is a medical treatment used primarily for its fast-acting antidepressant effects, particularly in individuals who have not responded to conventional antidepressant medications. It’s also used for its analgesic (pain-relieving) properties in certain chronic pain conditions. Ketamine is a medication that has been used for decades as an anesthetic. However, in recent years, it has gained attention for its potential in treating mood disorders and chronic pain.

Unlike traditional antidepressants that target the serotonin or noradrenaline pathways, ketamine works primarily by blocking NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate) receptors in the brain. This action leads to an increase in the levels of a neurotransmitter called glutamate. The cascade of events that follows releases other molecules that help neurons communicate along new pathways. This is thought to affect mood, cognition, and thought patterns.

Administration and Uses 

Ketamine infusion therapy involves administering a low dose of ketamine through an intravenous (IV) line over a period, typically under controlled clinical settings. The doses used for depression are much lower than those used for anesthesia.

Ketamine Infusion Therapy is used for:

• Treatment-Resistant Depression: It’s most commonly used for individuals with major depressive disorder or bipolar depression who have not responded to other treatments.
• Acute Suicidal Ideation: Due to its rapid onset, it can be beneficial in acute situations like suicidal thoughts.
• Chronic Pain: Conditions like fibromyalgia, neuropathic pain, and complex regional pain syndrome may benefit from ketamine infusions.

One of the key benefits of ketamine infusion therapy is the rapid relief of symptoms, often noticed within hours or days, unlike traditional antidepressants that may take weeks. It offers an alternative for those who have not benefited from other depression treatments.

Side Effects

clients may experience transient side effects during and shortly after the infusion, such as disorientation, dizziness, nausea, and in some cases, dissociative experiences or hallucinations.

Ketamine Infusion Therapy is not suitable for everyone, especially those with a history of substance abuse or certain psychiatric disorders. While initial studies are promising, research is ongoing to fully understand the efficacy, safety, optimal dosing, and long-term effects of ketamine infusion therapy.

It is important to note that ketamine infusion therapy should only be considered under the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional and in appropriate clinical settings. Contact Bishop Health directly for more information or to schedule an initial consultation. 

At Bishop Health, we understand that each journey to mental wellness is unique. Our Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) is designed to provide comprehensive and compassionate care for individuals facing mental health challenges. Located in the heart of Portland, Maine, our program offers a supportive and therapeutic environment that fosters healing and personal growth.

Our Mental Health IOP Program

Bishop Health’s IOP is tailored for adults who require more support than traditional outpatient care but do not need the intensity of inpatient hospitalization. Our program is ideal for individuals transitioning from inpatient treatment or those seeking structured support to manage their mental health conditions effectively.

Program Features

• Individualized Treatment Plans: Every participant receives a personalized treatment plan that addresses their specific needs, goals, and challenges.
• Flexible Scheduling: We offer morning and evening sessions to accommodate the diverse needs of our participants, ensuring that treatment is accessible and compatible with daily responsibilities.
• Medication Prescription and Management: Our program includes comprehensive psychiatric evaluation and ongoing medication management, ensuring that any prescribed medications are effectively supporting the treatment plan. Our psychiatrists work closely with participants to monitor the impact of medications, adjust dosages as necessary, and address any side effects, ensuring a balanced approach to mental health treatment.
• Multidisciplinary Team: Our team comprises experienced psychiatrists, psychologists, licensed clinical social workers, and other mental health professionals dedicated to providing holistic care.
• Evidence-Based Therapies: Our program incorporates a variety of evidence-based therapeutic modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Mindfulness Practices, to promote mental and emotional well-being.
• Peer Support: Group therapy sessions offer the opportunity for participants to connect with peers facing similar challenges, fostering a sense of community and mutual support.
• Comprehensive Care: In addition to mental health treatment, we provide resources and support for related areas of concern, such as substance abuse, family dynamics, and life skills development.

Benefits of Flexible Mental Health Care

Flexible mental health care is at the core of Bishop Health’s IOP. This approach allows individuals to receive the care they need while maintaining their daily routines, such as work, school, or family responsibilities. 

The benefits include:

• Accessibility: Flexible scheduling ensures that more individuals can access the care they need when they need it, without disrupting their personal and professional lives.
• Customization: Tailored treatment plans mean that care is specifically designed to meet each participant’s unique needs, enhancing the effectiveness of the therapy.
• Continuity of Care: Our program serves as a bridge between inpatient treatment and traditional outpatient services, providing a seamless continuity of care that supports long-term recovery.
• Community Connection: The group therapy component of our IOP helps participants build a supportive network, reducing feelings of isolation and promoting shared experiences and healing.
• Empowerment: By integrating treatment into their daily lives, individuals are empowered to take active roles in their recovery journey, applying learned skills in real-world settings.

At Bishop Health in Portland, Maine, we are committed to providing compassionate and effective mental health care. If you or someone you love could benefit from our Intensive Outpatient Program, please contact us for more information or to schedule an assessment. Together, we can navigate the path to mental wellness.

Virtual Mental Health IOP

We are excited to offer a new way to access mental health care through our Virtual Mental Health Intensive Outpatient Program (MH-IOP). This program is designed to deliver high-quality psychiatric care and support directly to your home, making it more convenient and accessible for everyone, including members of MaineCare.

Our virtual MH-IOP represents a significant advancement in making mental health services more accessible in Maine. By integrating MaineCare, we ensure that comprehensive mental health care is available to those who need it, regardless of their financial circumstances. This initiative is part of our commitment to breaking down the barriers that have traditionally limited access to necessary mental health treatment.

Tailored Care from the Comfort of Your Home

The virtual MH-IOP is structured to address a broad spectrum of mental health issues and is designed around the needs of our clients. 

Individual Therapy

Our individual therapy sessions are conducted by experienced therapists who are skilled in addressing a wide variety of mental health issues. These private sessions are tailored to meet the unique needs of each patient, providing a space to discuss personal challenges and work through them with professional guidance and support.

Group Therapy

Group therapy provides a valuable opportunity for patients to connect with others who are facing similar mental and emotional challenges. These sessions are designed to foster a sense of community and support among participants, allowing them to share experiences, offer mutual support, and learn coping strategies together.

Family Counseling

Family dynamics play a crucial role in mental health and recovery. Our family counseling services are aimed at helping families develop healthier relationships and a supportive home environment. Through these sessions, families can gain a better understanding of mental health conditions and learn effective ways to support one another.

Psychiatric Care and Medication Management

Our program includes comprehensive psychiatric care, which encompasses both the evaluation of mental health conditions and the management of medications. Our psychiatric professionals provide thorough assessments to ensure personalized care planning. They also manage and adjust medications as needed, ensuring optimal treatment and monitoring side effects, all while maintaining close communication with each client.

All these services are provided through a secure, HIPAA-compliant online platform, which allows you to engage in therapy sessions, connect with peers, and receive ongoing support without having to travel.

Enrollment for our Virtual Mental Health IOP is now open. We have designed our programs to cater to a wide range of mental health conditions, ensuring that there is support available for everyone who needs it.

For more information on how to enroll in the program or to learn more about the services we offer, please contact us directly.