Austen Riggs Center Launches In-Depth Assessment for Individuals Seeking Clarification of Their Mental Health Treatment Needs

For Immediate Release: Media Contact:Aaron M. Beatty Communications Officer 413.931.5245
aaron.beatty@austenriggs.net

Austen Riggs Center Launches In-Depth Assessment for Individuals Seeking Clarification of Their Mental Health Treatment Needs

Riggs now offering a new short-term assessment service.
STOCKBRIDGE, MA – January 16, 2018: The Austen Riggs Center is pleased to announce that it has started a new assessment program for adults who are looking to clarify the nature of their struggles and to identify appropriate treatment resources.

The Intensive Dynamic Assessment, or IDA, is a comprehensive, personalized two-
to three-day assessment designed to help people achieve a focused understanding of the problems they are facing. This service is suitable both for people considering treatment for the first time and those who are in a treatment that is no longer progressing. Medical Director/CEO Dr. Andrew Gerber states, “This new assessment reflects a natural evolution and growth in the services Riggs offers, and is a direct result of our Clinical Systems Strategic Initiative that aims to build upon the clinical excellence Riggs has long been known for.”

The IDA consists of
interviews with the patient;
interviews with the patient’s family members/significant others;
psychological testing, and, when appropriate, neuropsychological screening;
medication consultation;
verbal feedback (a written report is sent within two weeks); and
assistance with referrals.

“Riggs brings a particular expertise to the field of psychiatric assessment,” remarks Dr. Spencer Biel, associate director of the Therapeutic Community Program, who is leading this service. He goes on to say, “Drawing on our longstanding tradition of providing residential treatment, our approach to assessment is deeply rooted in efforts to move beyond diagnostic labels in order to understand how people’s difficulties represent their best efforts to manage painful, challenging circumstances. We carefully consider the contexts, historical and current, informing a person’s problems, and through this perspective address each individual personally and meaningfully.”

More information, including cost and how to inquire about the assessment program, can be found online at: www.austenriggs.org/intensive-dynamic-assessment or by calling 844.868.4988.
About the Austen Riggs Center
Austen Riggs Center, a leading psychiatric hospital and residential treatment program, has been serving adults since 1919. Within a completely open setting, patients are provided immersion in an intensive treatment milieu that emphasizes respectful engagement. Individual psychodynamic psychotherapy is provided four times a week by doctors on staff. The Erikson Institute for Education and Research of the Austen Riggs Center studies individuals in their social contexts through research, training, education, and outreach programs in the local community and beyond.

The Austen Riggs Center is located in Stockbridge, MA. For more information about its services, please call 413.298.5511 or 800.517.4447 or visit www.austenriggs.org.