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The staff at the Erlanger North Behavioral and Memory Services Center include William A.
Rafuls., M.D., Tonya Ameredes, nurse practitioner, and Tara Wood, social worker/case
manager. Other members of the treatment team include medical internists, registered
and licensed practical nurses, a psychologist, a recreation therapist,
patient care technicians, a nutritionist, and pharmacist.
Dr. Rafuls is board-certified in Psychiatry, Geriatric Psychiatry, Behavioral Neurology and Neuropsychiatry, and
Psychosomatic Medicine, and is a Diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry
and Neurology. He completed a Visiting Fellowship in Electroconvulsive Therapy
at Duke University Medical Center in Durham, N.C. and is assistant professor of
family medicine with the University of Tennessee College of Medicine
Chattanooga.
The Senior's Program is an inpatient geriatric
psychiatric program designed to diagnose and treat mental health
issues often associated with aging. Patients may be experiencing depression, anxiety, psychosis or behavioral changes related to
Alzheimer's or other types of dementia. Referrals may be made by professional caregivers,
families and self referral. To make a referral to the Senior's Program
call 423/778-3434.
The outpatient behavioral health program focuses on evaluation, diagnosis and
treatment of psychiatric disorders. People who may benefit from outpatient
therapy are those experiencing depression, grief issues, anxiety, panic attacks,
psychosis, difficulty coping with life stressors and other emotional and
behavioral issues.
Treatment is administered and coordinated by Dr.Rafuls and psychiatric
medicines may be prescribed. Alternative treatments, such as Electroconvulsive
Therapy (ECT), are also available for those with treatment-resistant depression.
ECT is administered in the Erlanger North surgery department. Within two hours
after the procedure is completed, patients are allowed to return home with their
caregiver.
Those with concerns about memory loss can schedule an appointment for a
memory functioning assessment. When deficits are identified, patients are
referred for a physical workup and neurological assessment. If one has
Alzheimer’s or another type of dementia, treatment is designed to promote
optional functioning and quality of life. Counseling is available for the
individual and his/her family to help cope with a dementia
diagnosis.
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