Dedicated psychological centre opens at Mount Alvernia

Key Concepts

• Mount Alvernia Psychological Health Center
• Multidisciplinary Team Approach
• Holistic Healing
• Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)
• Mental Health Reintegration
• World Mental Health Day

Introduction: New Mental Health Center in Singapore

Singapore has seen the launch of the Mount Alvernia Psychological Health Center, marking it as the only dedicated psychological center within a private hospital in the country. This new facility at Mount Alvernia aims to provide comprehensive treatment for mental illnesses and, crucially, to assist patients in their reintegration into society. The center's opening was reported by Chloe Choo.

Center Design and Philosophy

The Mount Alvernia Psychological Health Center is meticulously designed to serve as a "safe space" for patients receiving mental health assistance. Every element within the patient rooms has been thoughtfully considered to ensure safety and prevent self-harm. Specific design features include:

• Coved edges: To eliminate sharp corners.
• No sharp heads or tacks: Ensuring a smooth and safe environment.
• Stainless steel mirrors: Instead of traditional glass, to prevent breakage and potential injury.

The center caters to a broad spectrum of conditions, from trauma-related disorders to early psychotic disorders.

Multidisciplinary Treatment Approach

A core tenet of the center's approach is its multidisciplinary team, which works in tandem to provide holistic care. This team comprises psychiatrists, psychologists, counselors, occupational therapists, and other health professionals. The overarching goal is to support patients at every stage of their journey back into society.

An unnamed representative from the center highlighted this unique approach, stating: "What we have is perhaps a little bit different and this may be the past or AQAP aspect because this is quite unique to us, I think and be due to a multidisciplinary team together when the patient its it. So you you can have fun occupational therapy by working with a psychologist providing teratai. The main aim is to provide holistic healing for the patient. So it's not just a can you can expect, but the social aspect, right? Reintegrate into society." This statement emphasizes that the center's distinctiveness lies in its integrated, team-based care model, which focuses on "holistic healing" encompassing not only medical treatment but also the vital "social aspect" necessary for successful reintegration into society.

Specialized Therapies: Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)

The center also offers advanced medical treatments, including Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT).

• ECT Explanation: ECT is a medical treatment specifically for severe mental illnesses such as bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. During the procedure, patients undergo a brief, medically controlled seizure while under general anesthesia.

Role in Singapore's Mental Healthcare System

The Mount Alvernia Psychological Health Center significantly enhances Singapore's mental health care system by adding to its highest tier. It is equipped to deliver:

• Intensive and crisis care: For acute and urgent mental health needs.
• Long-term care facilities: For complex cases requiring sustained support.

Vision and Capacity

The launch of the center coincided with World Mental Health Day, serving as a reaffirmation of the commitment to mental health as a fundamental component of overall well-being. The center's establishment signals a future where psychological well-being is recognized and embraced as integral to living a healthy and fulfilling life. Currently, the inpatient ward of the center has a capacity of 8 patients.

Conclusion: Main Takeaways

The Mount Alvernia Psychological Health Center represents a significant advancement in Singapore's private mental healthcare landscape. Its key contributions include a uniquely designed safe environment, a comprehensive multidisciplinary team approach to holistic healing (integrating medical and social aspects), and the provision of specialized treatments like ECT. By focusing on both acute care and long-term reintegration, the center aims to elevate psychological well-being as an essential part of a healthy life, reinforcing Singapore's commitment to mental health.