Paladin Community Mental Health  Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) is specifically designed to increase the functioning and stability of men and women with serious mental illnesses, including bi-polar disorder, major depression, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, phobias and personality disorders. All of these can lead to repeated hospitalizations, medication non-compliance, and poor physical health. 

Coming to Paladin helps our members achieve and maintain more stability in every area of their life. Each client establishes individualized treatment goals such as improved communication, independence, better coping skills and a network of social activity and support.

Group therapy, tailored treatment plans, and enrichment activities, as well as one-on-one time with our highly-trained therapists all contribute to a supportive and successful therapeutic environment and healing community.

One of the goals of PHP is to help adults with mental illness stay out of the hospital and function at the highest level possible. Paladin’s PHP is offered six days a week Monday through Saturday. Clients are expected to attend four therapy groups each day. Individual counseling is offered along with family therapy when needed.

PHP clients who live in Austin or the surrounding area are offered transportation. They are served a continental breakfast, and a balanced lunch is catered. After lunch, enrichment activities are offered, which vary from art projects to speakers from community services to special outings, such as bowling. There is a health fair monthly where clients are screened for medical problems and learn more about their own health care.

Curriculum

Our current curriculum includes the following:

• Diagnosis Education                                            • Anger Management

• Medication Education                                           • Healthy Relationships

• Symptoms vs. Side Effects                                  • Life Skills

• Relaxation & Stress Management                     • Relapse Prevention

• Conflict Management and Resolution               • Dual Diagnosis

Our innovative, creative staff develops additional short-term curriculum to meet specific needs of our clients.

 

 

Illness Management and Recovery

Members of the Paladin program achieve new levels of independence by participating in their own recovery. They are involved in planning activities and therapy topics, which empowers them as valued members of the  community. The staff, including a psychiatrist, psychiatric nurses, and licensed therapists work as an effective treatment team and are continually reviewing and supporting each client's progress. This flexible team can respond quickly to the changing needs of each member, working in cooperation with outside doctors or therapists, case managers or any other support.

 

Staff

Paladin’s Medical Director is Dr. Luann Taylor, a well known community psychiatrist, who sees each client weekly. Dr. Taylor was associated with Bluebonnet Trails MHMR for a number of years. Paladin's staff include a Program Director, Psychiatric Nurse and highly trained counselors (LPCs) and social workers. Dana McFarland is the Community Liaison Director

 For more information about available services, call Dana McFarland at 512-539-9574.

 

Client Comments

 “What I like about Paladin is encouragement and support.”

 “Paladin is a great help in managing my illness. Their PHP program offered me structure and helps me meet my own goals at home as well as my treatment goals. The staff is supportive and encouraging.” Kathy

 “Paladin is a supportive place where you can make friends and regain your mental health.” Sylvi

 “Paladin is great! Lots of compassion and hope!” Chaille