Press Release

May 8, 2007

Riverview Psychiatric Center Offers Mental Health Training to Community Providers

AUGUSTA – A successful mental health training program once only offered to staff at Riverview Psychiatric Center (RPC) will now be available to caregivers from the community free of charge.

Advanced Mental Health Training for Front Line Workers is a 40-hour course, to help better understand patients who have both a question of mental illness or competency and who have an involvement in the criminal justice system. These patients are known as forensic clients and are the focus of this specialized training.

“Staff has consistently said this training was extremely valuable in emphasizing the power of recovery in a client’s life, particularly for the forensic clients,” said Angie Newhouse, the hospitals Director of Training and Education.

The training was developed over several weeks through an innovative partnership with Labor Representatives at the hospital and Superintendent David Proffitt.

“These individuals require a unique approach to care,” Proffitt said. “The need for safety and treatment must be carefully balanced.”

The topics covered in this training include: Creating a Positive Culture; Forensic Forms and What They Mean; Working with Axis II/Borderline Personality Clients; The Forensic Legal System; Recovery; Engagement/Empathy; Axis I Diagnosis (Schizophrenia and Bi-Polar); and Relationship Security.

“This training offers RPC a great opportunity to share some of its expertise and successful experiences with the larger mental health community,” Proffitt said. “It supports the hospital’s continuing goal as a “Center for Excellence.”

The first public session is slated for May 21 at RPC. Those interested in attending should contact Newhouse at 624-3916.