Care at the House of Avicenna Behavioral Health Unit
While you or your loved one are with us, our Psychiatric Director Charles Nevels, M.D. will oversee your care. He has specialty training in geriatric psychiatry and he is board certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. He graduated from the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta. He trained at Menninger Foundation in Topeka Kansas. He has practiced at Tuscaloosa VA Center for over 20 years in multiple capacities. He has been in private practice serving geriatric clients as Medical Director or consulting psychiatrist for nursing homes throughout central and north Alabama.
For the first 72 hours after admission we complete a comprehensive assessment that includes input from authorized family members and friends. An individualized plan of care is developed with specific goals and interventions. We come together as a team on a regular basis with the input of the patient and family to discuss how the person is doing and what we can do to improve the quality of the patient’s life.
 Some of the people coming to our program are anxious, depressed, paranoid and even psychotic. A patient may also be suffering from dementia or another cognitive impairment. Our staff is experienced and skilled at using behavioral approaches to help patients remain calm. If medications are needed our philosophy is to explain the potential side effects, use the least amount possible and monitor how the medication impacts the person.
A primary care consulting physician will be following you for your medical needs in collaboration with Dr. Nevels.
If needed, other medical disciplines are available on site for your care, such as physical therapy and inhalation therapy.
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