Well, orientation is finally over at ASH!!! I have a badge and a huge set of keys, so I guess I am officially a music therapy intern now! I thought in this post I would give some information about who the hospital serves and what exactly I am going to be doing.
The hospital is a state hospital which means that is serves those who cannot afford a private hospital or do not have the insurance to pay for it. We mainly serve those who are homeless, uninsured and/or in custody of the state. In order to meet the criteria for hospitalization the patient must be in immediate harm to themselves, to others or imminent danger of one of these two things. The majority of our patients were brought in by the police, however some are admitted by family members or self admitted.
The hospital is set up in 3 main groups. The CAPS (Children and Adolescent Psychiatric Services) ward serves children through age 18. These patients have either been admitted by their parents or are wards of the state. The APS (Adult Psychiatric Services) ward serves adults with psychiatric diagnoses, and forensic cases which are individuals who are incompetent to stand trial. These patients are mainly receiving acute services. The Specialty ward serves geriatric patients with mental illness, patients with chronic mental illness and those who have physical and intellectual disabilities. This ward is more long term.
I am a part of a department at the hospital called Education and Rehabilitation. This department consists of teachers, music therapists, art therapists, drama therapists, dance and movement therapists and recreation therapists. The department works to educate the patients about their illness, side effects of their medication, positive coping skills, wellness skills, and various other therapeutic aspects in order to work towards each person's recovery and prevention of relapse.
Right now I have just been observing all of the therapists and teachers. It is really awesome to see the different disciplines working together and to see each person's style in doing therapy. I have learned so much just from observing for a week. Soon I will get to do therapy on my own along with collaborating with the other therapists. I get to sort of pick where I would like to focus my attention. My director and I have decided that I am going focus on the forensic unit because that is what I am most interested in and they are lacking therapists there. I am also going to be doing some 1:1 sessions co-treating with the physical therapists. I will have other groups on the other units as well but this will be my main focus.
In other news, Chris is coming to see me this weekend and I am extremely excited!! The transition has been fairly smooth especially because I have such an awesome roommate. But it is hard to be away from the people you love and I am looking forward to a wonderful weekend!
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