Taking charge of your recovery!
The Medication and Symptom Management Project provides a team of consultants who offer help to individuals recovering from mental illness in the effective use and management of their medications and in monitoring their specific symptoms.
Research has demonstrated that as individuals with mental illness become more self-reliant and educated about health management, relapse can be prevented or delayed and the need for rehospitalization can be reduced.
The consultants providing the training -- who are in their own recovery from mental illness -- have received instruction in the skill model developed by Dr. Robert Liberman at the UCLA Department of Psychiatry. This model has been adapted to meet the objectives of Clubhouse of Suffolk's Symptom Management Project.
The skill training sessions utilize a classroom approach, incorporating video demonstration, interactive class discussions, and at-home work assignments.
What we do:
The Medication and Symptom Management Project provides consultants to teach small classes at various mental health agencies or other community settings. Classes can accommodate up to 10 participants and run for four consecutive 2-hour sessions.
Individuals who participate in this training will:
- Gain an understanding of the role of medications in the recovery process.
- Learn the correct way to take and evaluate responses to medications.
- Recognize side effects and determine what assistance is needed to cope with them.
- Learn when to seek help from appropriate health-care professionals and how to communicate one's needs effectively.
- Seek assistance when significant changes occur in functioning or feeling.
- Recognize persistent symptoms and warning signs, monitor those symptoms daily, and use methods to cope with them to prevent their intrusion into daily life.
- Understand the interactions of medications with illegal drugs and alcohol, and learn methods for refusing them.
Fees:
This project is funded by the Community Mental Health Reinvestment Act administered through the Suffolk County Department of Health Services.
There is no fee for Suffolk County residents who are in recovery from mental illness. Training for health care professionals is on a fee-for-services basis.
To schedule a class at your agency or organization, or to obtain further information on this project, contact:
Linda McLehose, LMSW, CPRP, Coordinator
Medication & Symptom Management Project
Clubhouse of Suffolk, Inc.
P.O. Box 373
Ronkonkoma, New York 11779
516.471.7242 x1339
diane.gidding@clubhouseofsuffolk.org
"It is great to know and see you can get well. I now have a different perspective on my illness. Thank you for giving me hope."
-- A project participant
"I have gained insight into my illness. Finally knowing my warning signs helps me to prevent a relapse."
-- A project participant
"Clubhouse helps you grow as a person in many ways. The wonderful help of members and staff helps you to succeed in the tasks of life."
-- Joe, a Clubhouse member
For information, call (631) 471-7242, or e-mail:
contact@clubhouseofsuffolk.org
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