June WIB Tackles Hurricane Preparedness: “What Irma Taught Us”
All Posts
Next Post ››Update: Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee - June 2018 - Live Music Schedule
FORT MYERS, FLA., May 15, 2018 – Award-winning mental health expert Dr. Radu V. Saveanu of the University of Miami discussed the latest advances in mental health treatment at a special luncheon hosted by SalusCare on Monday, May 14.
More than 130 people attended “Shattering the Stigma,” which was presented in honor of Mental Health Month
Dr. Saveanu and his colleagues assisted a local family as they struggled to find the correct mental health diagnosis for their young adult son. Through videos and honest first-hand accounts, Dr. Saveanu and the family shared the journey that ultimately led to a diagnosis of bipolar disorder.
About 5 percent of the U.S. population has bipolar disorder, although 40 percent of the cases go untreated, Dr. Saveanu said.
“Primary care physicians are the first ones to see patients with bipolar disorder. They see more patients with bipolar than psychiatrists do,” Dr. Saveanu said.
He said bipolar disorder is treatable, although the illness may change over time requiring adjustments in medication. He encouraged everyone to talk about mental illness in the community to shatter the stigma.
Dr. Saveanu is currently a professor and vice chairman for education in the University of Miami’s Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences. He has special expertise in psychotherapy and conducts clinical research in the treatment of mood and anxiety disorders. He received his medical degree from Tufts University Medical School. Prior to joining the University of Miami, he was chairman of the Department of Psychiatry at The Ohio State University.
About SalusCare, Inc.
SalusCare, Inc., is the largest, most comprehensive mental health and substance abuse treatment program in Southwest Florida, serving nearly 16,000 people per year of all ages from seven locations in Lee County. The non-profit organization offers crisis stabilization, detox, outpatient, residential treatment, community-based services and an Employee Assistance Program for more than 50 area companies. The majority of programs are accredited by CARF, the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities.
SalusCare services are not free. Fees are charged on a sliding scale, based on family income. In many cases, private insurance is accepted. SalusCare is a United Way partner agency. For more information, visit www.saluscareflorida.org