For a free Brightside Intensive Outpatient Program consultation and assessment, call 601.765.4600. To learn more, visit CovingtonCountyHospital. com/brightsideiop LEARN MORE SIGNS OF MENTAL DISORDERS IN SENIOR ADULTS • Noticeable changes in mood, energy level, or appetite • Disorientation • Feeling flat or having trouble feeling positive emotions • Anger, irritability, or aggressiveness • Obsessive thinking or compulsive behavior • Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much • Seeing, hearing, and feeling things that other people do not see, hear, or feel CovingtonCares 9 “I loved all of the patients, and I loved being in group therapy with them,” she said. “I just felt like we all had such a good rapport. I genuinely loved being able to lead the group.” Great Attitude Brightside Program Director Kimberly Bennett, LCSW, CDP, said it was an easy decision to hire Brewer full time after her internship ended: “Her attitude, the way she interacts with the patients, the way she leads groups – she was able to just jump right in and catch on.” Bennett checked with one of Brewer’s USM instructors, Diana Smith. “She said, ‘Yes, snatch her up,’” Bennett recalled. Brightside therapists Cambri Brewer, LMSW, and Tammy Matlock, LMSW, are dedicated to treating a wide range of mental health conditions, including schizophrenia, major depressive disorder, dementia, and other serious illnesses. Self-Referral OK For each patient, the Brightside program lasts three to six months. Referrals can come from anyone, including patients themselves. Free transportation is available within a 50-mile radius. Patients participate in four-hour group therapy sessions every Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday, with lunch and snacks provided. “We use different methods to make it more interesting for them,” Bennett said. “It can be cognitive behavioral therapy or some other type of therapy, or psychoeducation. It can be videos, games, all kinds of things.” Grateful Participant Dovie D. Cameron, who is approaching her 90th birthday in November, is thankful for the program. Despite facing numerous challenges like her husband’s stroke, her son’s shooting incident, financial theft, and health issues, she found solace in the Brightside Intensive Outpatient Program. She said, “It gives me faith. It gives me encouragement.” ‘Go for Help’ She shared this heartfelt advice for fellow seniors who may be struggling with anxiety, depression, grief, or life’s challenges: “Seek help. Allow your mind and brain to relax. It’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me.” Kimberly Bennett, LCSW, CDP Tammy Matlock, LMSW Cambri Brewer, LMSW
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