Expressive arts and mindfulness day treatment

The program is three half days a week for two to three months. It includes psychotherapy, arts therapies and mindfulness approaches. It is based in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). The program is located on the fourth floor of the Wasie Building, located on the southwest corner of the Abbott Northwestern Hospital campus.

In the program you will:

• learn by doing
• participate in discussion
• show support to your fellow patients
• learn to harness your creativity and mindfulness through easy, step by step practice.

The program meets Monday through Friday  from 9:15 a.m. - 12:20 p.m. and 1-3:30 p.m. You will be scheduled for three days of the week.

• During an hour-long intake appointment you will learn more about the program and determine if you will benefit from it.
• You are responsible for transportation to and from the program each day.
• You should have a psychiatrist (or other mental health provider) and psychotherapist in the community. These services are not provided by our day treatment program.
• Most health insurance covers our program. However, it best to check with your insurer about coverage. Our staff can also answer some questions about insurance.

You may be referred to the Expressive Arts and Mindfulness Day Treatment Program by a psychiatrist, your primary care physician, a therapist, county agency, clergy, other hospitals or family members. You can also refer yourself.

Each program day includes:

• 105 minutes of supportive therapy, including mindful movement or meditation, and a review of your recent efforts to be with your symptoms and move toward a more meaningful life for you
• a 15-minute break
• a 65-minute education group, introducing you to the practice of new strategies of self-care and empowerment, and creating goals for your practice at home

We can help you:

• learn to accept and “be with” difficult symptoms such as depression, anxiety, intrusive thoughts, physical pain or addictive urges
• connect or re-connect with your life dreams, values and life directions
• get the support you need to take next steps toward creating a more meaningful life
• embrace life changes and learn to grieve
• pace yourself and find balance in your commitments
• practice self-care activities
• dare to be social in new and healthy ways
• manage emotions that go along with physical illness
• create healthy routines and learn life improvisation skills
• put “fun” back on your menu

Other mental health programs for adults

• Day Treatment Program (adult)
• Mental health partial hospitalization (adult)
• Mental health hospitalization (adult)
• Mental health specialty services for substance use disorders
• Adult rehabilitative mental health services (ARMHS)