Our series on mental health in New Hampshire concludes with a look at the role of the state psychiatric hospital in responding to crises, and at what happens once a patient leaves, including what's available in terms of treatment, jobs, housing, and community support.
GUESTS:
- Noel Chipman - Clinical coordinator for Concord transitional housing services. She says she’s seen some patients readmitted to the State Hospital as many as 40 times.
- Lori Shibinette – CEO of the New Hampshire Hospital, as of 2017. Former deputy commissioner of DHHS.
- Michael Skinner – An advocate for people with mental illness, he has dealt with major depression and trauma and helps others to recover. He’s a board member of the National Coalition of Mental Health Recovery and works with the National Center for Trauma Informed Care.
- Dan Ventola - Assertive Community Treatment coordinator with Genesis Behavioral Health in Laconia.
Related Reading & Resources
In 2017, Lori Shibinette stepped into the roleof CEO at N.H. Hospital, where the challenges are vast.
A 2017 report recommended that New Hampshire increase community-based services,such as peer support, crisis units, and urgent care to help alleviate the burden on hospital emergency rooms.
Community mental health leaders call for N.H. to become a model for community-based care.
Read a 2017 report evaluating the capacity of the New Hampshire behavioral health system.
Psychiatrist Nathaniel P. Morris arguesin Scientific American that the deinstitutionalization of mental health care removed patients from long-term psychiatric facilities but failed to set up adequate outpatient services and support systems.
Community Mental Health Centers are located in 10 regions in New Hampshire. Visit herefor a list of Centers.
