In a state where there is a desperate need for more psychiatric hospital beds to help those in danger of hurting themselves or others, or unable to take care of themselves because of severe mental illness, West Springs Hospital is the only psychiatric hospital on the western slope. People of all ages and from all walks of life are compassionately stabilized, treated and given a new chance at life.
West Springs Hospital not only is there for families when needed (although our 32 beds are at full capacity on many days), our expert treatment team of psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, family nurse practitioners, therapists, case managers and social & mental health workers provide personalized, comprehensive and cost-effective treatment for patients. In doing so, we change people's lives.
Here's a letter from a February 2014 patient, used with permission:
STRANGERS
As I lay here at night remembering when I walked through these doors, I was done with life. Thought I would be better off dead. Not thinking I would cause a lot of pain if I was gone. Never knew a stranger could offer so much kindness and the only thing in return they want is for me to get better. I thought only family could care or love me like that. They opened my eyes and showed me that there is more out there. Only because I have an addiction does not mean I am not worth fighting for. I said I was weak, they said no. I said I can't do this anymore, they said I can. I don't like to cry, they said let it out, it's not good to hold in. I did not want to trust them, they said we're here for you. I thought they were lying at first but one look in their eyes and I knew they cared. Never knew a human I never met could care about me. I thought to myself how lucky I am that not only family care about me. I may not be fixed by the time I leave but at least I know I have a fighting chance if I just believe. They said it's going to be hard but if I want it, it will happen. I have a new chapter in life thanks to some strangers I thought I would never meet. Their faces and smiles, their hugs and kind souls makes (sic) me feel good. When they say there are angels on earth I did not believe until they took care of me for a week. There's not enough thank yous to say I'm very grateful you all came into my life. I thank the heavens above and pray that these kind strangers receive their wings when it's their time. So all I can say is THANK YOU for showing me to believe I'm worth fighting for.
We rebuild lives and inspire hope by providing exceptional mental health and addiction recovery care, strengthening the health and vitality of our communities.
The hospital opened in December 2005 following the closure of inpatient psychiatric units at hospitals in Grand Junction, Montrose and Durango.
The hospital has 32 beds and provides inpatient hospitalization for children, adolescents, adults and seniors. Children have their own area within the hospital and we offer board-certified child psychiatrists as well as geriatric specialists.
All patients are thoroughly assessed to ensure their psychiatric needs are identified and properly addressed. They are given a complete history and physical examinations for medical needs as well. Psychiatric evaluations are conducted by a team of psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practitioners specially trained in the care and treatment of the severely ill patient. Patients are offered group therapy, individual and family therapy utilizing a team approach. Comprehensive medication management and discharge planning are essential elements of hospital care. Coordination of care involves communication with the patients' primary care providers, family members and loved ones, with the patients' permission. Staff is dedicated to providing a safe and nurturing environment for patients to explore new approaches to their daily challenges. The treatment team meets with patients daily to assist in the development of a positive and strong after-care plan. As the only psychiatric hospital on the western slope the hospital is often at capacity. Today, the hospital has seen more patients in critical need of inpatient care due to the risk of harm they present either to themselves or others. The hospital is a 501 (c) 3 and is governed by its own Board of Directors comprised of representatives from a number of agencies on the western slope including St. Mary's Hospital, Hilltop, Mesa County, Pitkin County, Law Enforcement, Valley View Hospital and The Center for Mental Health in Montrose, for example
Organization name
West Springs Hospital, Inc.
other names
West Springs Hospital, Inc., Colorado West Psychiatric Hospital
2005
Tax id (EIN)
26-4166675
Category
Mental Health & Crisis Intervention
Address
515 28¾ Road, Buildings C and DMesa County, CO, US