Chemical Dependency and Mental Health Hospital Responds to Growing Demand in Harris County

Feb. 15, 2012 - PRLog -- As local behavioral health hospitals reduce services and shutter operations, Behavioral Hospital of Bellaire (BHB) continues to thrive due to the growing demand of the surrounding region. The hospital recently added six beds, bringing total beds to 76, and a new evening outpatient mental health and substance abuse program. Additional expansion plans are in the early stages.

“Harris County has seen an increase in the number of hospital closings recently. The real loss of these closures is for the community who needs their support and services,” said John Nekic, CEO of Behavioral Hospital of Bellaire. “While I cannot speculate on why we’ve seen this, I can say that Behavioral Hospital of Bellaire remains committed to serving the people of Southeast Texas.”

Recently, a larger behavioral health hospital closed its doors, leaving a noticeable void in community that continues to grow. In response, BHB added six new beds to its facility earlier this month.

With a total of 76 beds now, the hospital recognizes that this still is not enough. Plans are currently underway to expand the facility to accommodate more beds and additional space for new programs.

“Houstonians need a place they can rely on when they need to overcome mental health or chemical dependency challenges. We will continue to be that cornerstone for years to come,” Nekic explained.

It is estimated that 7.6 percent of Americans ages 12 and older have dependence on or abuse alcohol nationwide.  Illicit drug dependency or abuse in the nation of the same demographic is estimated to be at 2.8 percent.

In January, BHB also launched a new Behavioral Pain Management Program to address the increase of opiate drug abuse, such as Vicodin, OxyContin and Hydrocodone.  

It is estimated that as many as 40 percent of chronic pain patients who take opiates regularly misuse or abuse their medication, significantly impacting their physical and mental health. In the past decade, there has been a 150 percent increase in Texas opiate-related deaths.

“We need to get the word out that addiction is a problem that can quickly deteriorate one’s life and that of those around them,” Nekic said. “Knowing when and where to get help is key to turning your life around.”

As local demand for services continue to increase, BHB has added a new evening outpatient program to help patients with mental health and substance abuse.  Under this new service, patients who qualify can undergo treatment while continuing with their normal life activities.

For more information about in- and outpatient services at Behavioral Hospital of Bellaire, please call 713-600-9500.

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About Behavioral Hospital of Bellaire:
Behavioral Hospital of Bellaire is a 76-bed psychiatric hospital, accredited by the Joint Commission, which provides mental health and chemical dependency care to adults and seniors. Utilizing evidence-based treatment proven to have positive outcomes for patients, Behavioral Hospital of Bellaire provides inpatient and outpatient care through a wide range of individually tailored specialty programs. As a community service, Behavioral Hospital of Bellaire offers free assessments 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For more information, please call 713-600-9500 or visit www.bhbhospital.com.