Brightside Intensive Outpatient Program

Individual and Group Counseling 

Free Consultation

Transport Available

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Our Approach

The Brightside Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) is a specialized mental health treatment program with Covington County Hospital in Collins, Mississippi. The program is designed to provide intensive outpatient care to patients aged 55 years and older who are experiencing mental health concerns.

The primary objective of the program is to help patients achieve a sense of mental well-being. The program offers a range of specialized services, including individual counseling, group therapy, medication management, and psychiatric evaluations. The program is staffed by a team of highly trained and compassionate mental health professionals who are dedicated to helping patients achieve their treatment goals.

Mental health concerns are widespread, and research shows that over half of all Americans will experience them at some point in their lives. Mental health conditions are experienced across all age groups, but they tend to increase with age. Therefore, it is crucial to identify the warning signs early and seek professional help. The Brightside IOP program provides a safe and supportive environment for patients to receive the care they need to improve their mental health and achieve a better quality of life.

Some Behavioral Health Warning Signs

Admission Criteria

Our program is designed to provide care and support for older adults who may be experiencing behavioral health-related challenges. We welcome patient referrals from anyone, including self-referrals. While our primary focus is on patients who are 55 years or older, we evaluate each referral on a case-by-case basis to determine if we can provide the best care possible for the patient. Referrals can come from primary care physicians, emergency room departments, employers, or any healthcare organization.

Once a referral is made, our team will schedule an initial screening with the potential patient to discuss their medical history, current health status, and any concerns they may have. This screening helps us to determine if our program would be the right fit for the patient. If the patient meets the criteria for the program, an evaluation will then be scheduled with Dr. Kristin Bevill, who will work with the patient to develop a personalized care plan.

Our goal is to provide compassionate care and support for our patients to help them maintain their independence and improve their quality of life. We are committed to working closely with patients, their families, and healthcare providers to ensure the best possible outcomes for those in our program.

To be eligible for our services:

• 55 years of age or older
• The patient’s condition must require the supervision of a psychiatrist
• Patients must have the capacity to benefit from and participate in group therapy
• Insurance covering outpatient mental health services. This includes Medicare Part B.

Some physical abilities are required and can be discussed during the intake. The program offers a comprehensive and immersive experience for patients seeking to regain balance and improve their mental health. Patients participate in four hours of group therapy per day, from 9 am to 2 pm, on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays. During this time, patients engage in a variety of psychoeducational activities and therapeutic interventions, designed to support them in their journey towards recovery.

We know that good nutrition is an essential component of mental health, so we provide nutritious lunches and snacks for all patients. Our interdisciplinary team of therapists uses an eclectic, evidence-based approach to help patients gain the tools they need to cope with their symptoms and achieve lasting change.

The program’s duration can vary from three to six months, depending on the individual patient’s needs and progress. Our team meets with each patient on a monthly basis to make changes to their care plan, including medication management if necessary. Patients can expect to receive support from professionals and other people who are experiencing similar symptoms, providing them with a meaningful and supportive community to help them on their journey towards better mental health.

Problem wounds rarely result from a single cause. Our medical team will treat the whole person, not just the injury. We will coordinate with your primary care or referring physician to design a treatment plan to meet your specific needs. To prevent the recurrence of future wounds, we strongly emphasize patient education and proper nutrition.

Covington County Wound Care offers comprehensive services to heal problem wounds that are slow to heal. Our professional clinical staff works with a broad spectrum of patients to provide coordinated care, including the following: 

Participating physicians come from Southern Bone & Joint Orthopedics, Hattiesburg Clinic Heart & Vascular, Southern Surgery & Urology, and South Central Regional Medical Center Dermatology. For a calendar of dates and times when services are offered, see above. 

Transportation

Covington County Hospital Transportation Services provides transportation to and from the facility located on the hospital campus. Patients needing transportation services must live within a 50-mile radius of our facility.

Wheelchair-accessible vans are available as well.

Patients can also drive themselves to and from the program daily, with parking available at the facility.

Staff

Kristin Bevill MD Covington County Hospital

Kristin Bevill, M.D., received her Bachelor of Science in Biology from Mississippi State University and her Doctorate in Medicine from the University of Mississippi School of Medicine. Upon completing her medical degree, she completed a Psychiatric Residency at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. Dr. Bevill is a board-certified psychiatrist and has practiced in multiple facilities throughout Mississippi.

Kimberly Bennett, LCSW, CDP is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She received both her Bachelor of Social Work and Master of Social Work from The University of Southern Mississippi. Kimberly is a Certified Dementia Practitioner and has many years of experience working with group, individual, and family therapy for geriatric patients’ various mental health needs. Kimberly is both the therapist and Program Director for Brightside IOP

Kimberly Bennett, LCSW, CDP Covington County Hospital
Tammy Matlock LMSW Covington County Hospital

Tammy Matlock, LMSW, is a social worker for Brightside Senior Behavioral Services Intensive Outpatient Program. She is a graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi social work program. Her previous experience includes working with patients with addiction. She worked at the Ryan White Program of the Southeast MS Rural Health Initiative for three years, an HIV care and treatment program.

Jonathan Berry, LMSW, is a social worker who serves at the Brightside Senior Behavioral Services Intensive Outpatient Program and is a 2022 graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi social work program. His previous experience includes working at Simpson General Hospital as an IOP therapist and helping in the Senior Care Unit when needed. His primary expertise is with the older adult population.

Other staff include a licensed nurse and a certified nursing assistant.

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