At Wernersville State Hospital, active treatment services are developed on the basis of evidence and promise-based practices and delivered in the context of each person's individualized treatment plan.
The belief that any person can and will recover from mental illness is a basic premise for services. Equally central to the design of active treatment are the preferences, goals, and wishes of the person being served identified through peer assessment, self-assessment, wellness recovery action planning and education on mental health advance directives.
Wernersville is located 12 miles west of the City of Reading in Berks County and has a capacity to serve up to 266 individuals. Residents of Adams, Berks, Lancaster, Lebanon, Lehigh, Northampton, and York Counties in need of in-patient treatment for serious and persistent mental illness in a supervised and supportive environment are eligible for services.
The Wernersville State Hospital is certified by the Centers for Medicaid & Medicare Services (CMS).
Hospital services are available in the following evidence-based areas:
- Illness management and recovery
- Medication management
- Integrated dual diagnosis treatment
- Family Psychoeducation
- Employment
Services are also available in the following promised-based areas:
- Certified peer supports
- Dialectical behavioral therapy
- Assertive outreach
Admission Process
Referrals for admission are facilitated through the mental health program of the individual's Pennsylvania county of residence. All persons referred for admission will first receive the benefit of all treatment alternatives in his/her local community including inpatient treatment in a community hospital before being recommended for longer-term in-patient psychiatric treatment at a state hospital. All admissions occur consistent with the Mental Health Procedures Act of 1976.
Admission Department Information
Business hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Hospital staff are available to answer questions and help with procedures at (610) 670-4145.
Referral information and accompanying clinical justification must be received from an approved referral source before consideration for admission may proceed.
Active Treatment Programs
Professional services are provided by psychiatrists, physicians, psychologists, social workers, occupational therapists, activity therapists, vocational counselors, aide staff, dieticians, spiritual advisors, physical therapists, and volunteer resources. Additional services include optical, dental, speech, hearing and language services and off-campus physical health services as indicated by the needs of the consumer.
Active treatment programs are available throughout the hospital regardless of the living unit. In addition to promoting independence, responsibility for personal care and hygiene, programs are designed to enhance a person's knowledge of mental health concerns.
Many programs are oriented towards the circ*mstances resulting in the consumer's need for admission; such as Managing Your Illness, Anger Management, Dialectic Behavioral Therapy, MISA (Mental Illness & Substance Abuse), AA, Recovery, Cognitive Remediation, Remotivation, Community Readiness, and Discharge Group. Others are for self-help or enrichment: South Mountain Workshop, Spanish Groups, Music Appreciation, Woodworking, Female Fitness, Men's Issues and Health, Ceramics, Arts and Crafts, Computer Literacy, Spirituality, and Choir.
Other programs address reasons for continuing hospitalization: Recovery, MISA, Remotivation, Understanding Your Illness, Diabetes Group, Managing Your Illness, Healthy You, Anger Management, Stress Reduction Skills and Coping with Delusions and Hallucinations. Other programs are aimed at building skills and enrichment: Workshop, Communications, Computer Literacy, Fitness Programs, Library, Spanish Groups, Internet, Life Skills, Smoking Cessation and Music Appreciation.
Continued treatment for elderly or medically fragile psychiatric consumers consists of illness stabilization, remotivation, role functioning and maintenance of skills. Programs include A New Outlook, Social Interaction, Jogging Memories, Exercise, Morning Orientation, Current Events, Workshop, Money Management, Cooking, Horticulture, Family Contact, Tai Chi, Art, Music Appreciation, Humor, Bible Study and Library.
Treatment Teams
Every person admitted to Wernersville State Hospital is served by a treatment team. A treatment team is the group of individuals including a psychiatrist, social worker, registered nurse, therapeutic activities representative and psychologist who are responsible for coordinating each consumer's treatment services. The psychiatrist is the Treatment Team Leader. Additional members include a physician and sometimes a dietician, psychiatric aide, county-based case manager, and spiritual advisor. The consumer is considered a part of the treatment team and may also elect to involve his/her family member(s).
External Advocacy Services
Advocacy services are available through the Berks County Mental Health Association. External advocates work on the hospital premises every weekday and Tuesday evening and may be directly contacted by calling 610-670-4150 or 1-800-828-3354, extension 150.
Advisory Structure
A Consumer Advisory Council meets with the Hospital Executive Team on a monthly basis to discuss concerns and suggestions for program improvements. An Advisory Board of Trustees consisting of nine residents of the counties served by the hospital and appointed for time limited terms by the Governor meets on a quarterly basis to advise the Hospital CEO regarding concerns and suggestions for program improvements.
