WASHINGTON HEIGHTS COMMUNITY SERVICE

The Washington Heights Community Service provides a complete range of psychiatric services for the catchment area defined between W. 155 St. to the tip of Northern Manhattan.  The population of the catchment area is predominantly Black and Hispanic and a significant part of the patient population receives either Public Assistance or SSI.

The service is divided into an in-patient unit and 2 out-patient departments. The in-patient unit- 4 South is a 22 bed acute short term service (30 - 40 days approximately) located in the New York State Psychiatric Institute.  A wide spectrum of D.S.M. IV Axis I diagnoses are seen in the patient population, e.g. Schizophrenia and Major Affective Disorder.  Social workers function as members of an interdisciplinary team composed of psychiatric residents, psychiatric attendings, social workers, nurses, occupational therapist.
The role of the social worker is 1) to evaluate the family of the patient to determine psychosocial stressors that may have contributed to the need for hospitalization 2) to provide psychoeducation to the family with respect to all aspects of the patient's illness 3) discharge planning and 4) coordinate provision of concrete services when necessary.
           
            The Audubon Clinic is located at 513 West 166th Street. The Inwood Clinic is located at 26 Sherman Avenue New York, NY. The clinic has two components depending upon the particular needs of the patient.

(1)  Out-patient:  This clinic provides each patient supportive psychotherapy as well as pharmacological treatment.  Each patient is assigned a M.D. and case manager/therapist.  Family Treatment is encouraged when indicated.

(2)  Day-Program:  This program is for more dysfunctional patients who require contact 3-5 times a week in a supportive environment.  The patients are encouraged to participate in various groups with a focus towards recovery and learning independent living skills.

Social Workers function as primary therapists and are involved members of a multi-disciplinary team.  There are weekly team meetings, and case conferences.

WHCS staff include psychiatrist, social workers, nurses, Occupational Therapist/Recreational Therapist and therapy aides.

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