In short order, Fairmount Behavioral Health System will be moving more noticeably towards a Recovery Oriented approach to care. Recovery does not only refer to people who are working towards changing their behaviors as they relate to substance use/abuse/chemical dependency. Recovery also refers to people who are actively managing and living with a mental illness.

According to the Philadelphia Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual Disability Services (DBHIDS), “Recovery means pursuing a fulfilling life, regardless of the difficulties one has faced.” It involves continued enhancement of a positive identity as well as personally meaningful connections in one’s community. It is facilitated by relationships and environments that promote hope, empowerment, choices, and opportunities that support people in reaching their full potential as individuals and community members.

• Focus on identifying and building up strengths
• Foster connections with the community
• Respect the person’s values and needs when making decisions
• Persons in recovery choose their services and supports
• Interventions should focus on the person as a part of his or her family system
• Create a hospital environment that fosters peer support
• Being sensitive to a person’s culture
• Create a secure environment that is not re-traumatizing
• Take preventative measures to reduce restraints
• Treat the whole person (including their spirituality, sexuality, etc.)
• Recognize the unique vulnerabilities and complexities of children
• Be transparent and explain rationale for decisions to everyone involved

Recovery does not necessarily mean the absence of all symptoms. Recovery does assume that a person can learn to manage symptoms and lead a fulfilling life as defined by them, through personal empowerment. Professional intervention should be thought of as one of the many tools that a person can choose to help them lead a more fulfilling life.

DBHIDS explains that “the transformation to a recovery orientation in behavioral health service delivery becomes possible by focusing on the central role of individuals and families in responding to, managing, and overcoming their challenges.” In this approach, professional treatment is one aspect among many that support people in managing their own mental health conditions to the greatest extent possible.

If a psychiatric disorder or chemical dependency affects you or a loved one, please call 215-487-4100. We are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to perform no-cost assessments and answer questions on programs and admissions.