FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE          CONTACT:  John Aquino (954) 298-0747

HENDERSON MENTAL HEALTH CENTER SELECTED
FOR MENTAL HEALTH TREATMENT STUDY

Fort Lauderdale, FL – Henderson Mental Health Center, South Florida’s oldest and largest not-for-profit, behavioral healthcare provider, has been selected as one of only 20 sites for a Mental Health Treatment Study sponsored by the Social Security Administration. Henderson was selected for the study on the basis of its historical performance with evidence-based employment.

“It’s a big honor to be recognized as one of the top mental health centers in the nation through the recommendation for this study,” said Dr. Steve Ronik, Henderson Mental Health Center CEO. “Our selection for this study verifies our record of service to the mental health community in South Florida and we look forward to getting started on this important study.”

The 24-month study, which is scheduled to begin in July 2006, will examine the value of eliminating disincentives from the workplace, establishing an accurate diagnosis and delivering appropriate mental health and employment supports for study participants. Outcomes assessed include employment outcomes, health and mental status, quality of life, functioning and clinical recovery. Study participants will be selected from Social Security Disability Insurance beneficiaries and must have a primary impairment of schizophrenia or affective disorder.

“People who get evidence-based services have a better chance of getting and keeping jobs,” said Ronik. “When we provide evidence-based treatment, it makes a difference.”

Westat, an employee-owned research corporation based in Rockville, MD, is conducting the study along with Dartmouth University, the University of Texas, the University of Maryland at Baltimore County and Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis.

Henderson Mental Health Center operates in locations throughout Broward County. Since 1953, the organization has provided a variety of services to the community, including crisis outreach, residential living, employment assistance, outpatient treatment and rehabilitation, youth and family programs. For more information or assistance, call (954) 463-0911 or log onto www.hendersonmhc.org .

 

###